The Beach Volleyball World Championships ended a few weeks ago, right as the World Aquatics Championships started. The World Track & Field Championships usually complete the odd-year summer trifecta, but they're being held in the fall this year since they're in Doha, Qatar. And the three events always take on added significance in the pre-Olympic year.
In track & field and swimming, the World Championships don't determine Olympic spots. Those are based on the qualifying standards established by the international federations. But in beach volleyball and the other aquatic sports, Olympic qualification is on the line at Worlds. Which certainly ups the intensity (and makes the pre-Olympic Worlds much more significant than the post-Olympic Worlds).
What I've enjoyed watching at the Aquatics Worlds, though, is the non-Olympic events. In the Olympics, they only have a 10-kilometer open water swim. The top 10 qualified for the Olympics, with Jordan Willimovsky, Haley Anderson and Ashley Twitchell becoming the first three American individuals to book their tickets to Tokyo.
At Worlds, though, the 10K's are just two of the seven open water events. There's a 5K and a 25K for both men and women, as well as a 5K mixed relay. The mixed relay is the new thing across the board in international sports (frankly, I'm surprised they don't have mixed beach volleyball yet). And in the case of open water swimming, it was perhaps the most entertaining race of them all. In order to be considered for the Olympics, events have to be contested at the World Championships first. And judging by the IOC's recent obsession with mixed team events, I wouldn't be surprised to see the mixed open water relay make its way onto the Olympic program in Paris.
But that's not the only place where the Aquatics World Championships program differs than the Olympic program. Olympic spots were on the line in the four synchronized diving events that have been a part of the Olympics since Sydney. But there were also mixed synchro events on both the springboard and platform. They also have a team event which I find very interesting. It's one man and one woman. One does the platform, the other does the 3-meter springboard.
Meanwhile, the swimming program at Worlds has 42 events compared to the Olympics' 35, an increase of three from Rio. They've got 50s in every stroke (not just the freestyle), as well as a mixed 4x100 freestyle relay. The two mixed relays have been a part of the Swimming Worlds for a few years now, and frankly it was kinda surprising that they only added the mixed medley relay to the Olympics.
And in case you thought the swimming portion of the World Championships, don't worry. Because the top 12 teams in the seven relays get spots. Only 16 teams will compete in each relay at the Olympics, so that means we're filling three-quarters of the field. So those relays in Gwangju will be pretty intense.
Synchronized swimming is almost completely different at Worlds. Well, for starters, I should probably start calling it by the right name. Because at some point between the Rio Olympics and now "synchronized" became "artistic."
Anyway, at the Olympics, artistic swimming includes two events--the duet and the team. At the World Championships, they give out 10 gold medals. There are only five events, but for some reason they give separate gold medals for the technical and free routines instead of combining them into one event.
Most interestingly, though, they have the mixed duet in artistic swimming. Bill May made headlines about 20 years ago for being a man breaking into a sport that traditionally was only open to women. He actually wasn't able to compete at a number of events (such as the Worlds and Olympics) for a number of years because they didn't have the mixed event. But evidently now there are enough male artistic swimmers worldwide that they've added the mixed duet to the World Championships.
I haven't seen it yet, but I'd be curious to. When he first burst on the scene, May (who's still competing at 40, BTW) said something along the lines of how the male-female element meant he and his partner could do different things than the typical all-female teams. He compared it to underwater pairs skating. That's why I want to see it. Because I want to see if I agree with his assessment.
Then there's high diving. If you think the 10 meter platform is high, that's nothing. The women jump from twice that height, while for the men, it's nearly three times as high, 27 meters! That's the equivalent of jumping off a six- or nine-story building. These people are nuts!
And if that wasn't crazy enough, I remember one World Championships (I think it was 2013) when the high diving was taking place off the side of a cliff, aka that scary scene in every beach movie where you aren't sure if the guy made it until they show him in the water (or the "death" scene in a soap opera that leaves the character's fate open-ended so they don't have to be written out entirely in case the actor ever decides to come back).
It's terrifying, but it's also fascinating to watch. Unlike the pool diving events where they're doing all those crazy flips and spins, high diving is very basic in comparison. Frankly, I'm usually pretty impressed that they just make it out of the pool in one piece!
High diving has been proposed for Olympic inclusion at least once already, and it probably will be added to the Olympics eventually (if they need a facility, they can just do what they do with big air snowboarding and put a 30-foot tower with a pool inside a stadium somewhere). The diving team event, too. That'll likely make its way to the Olympics at some point. And I'm almost certain that we'll see the open water mixed relay five years from now in Paris.
As for mixed synchro diving and the "artistic" swimming mixed duet, those seem less likely. It's definitely fun to watch them at Worlds, though. Which is another thing that makes the World Championships worthwhile. Pre-Olympic or post-Olympic doesn't matter. Worlds is the show in these events. And they put on a pretty good one!
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
Monday, July 15, 2019
The Era of the Big Three
Roger Federer is generally considered to be the greatest male tennis player of all time. At least in terms of Grand Slam titles, he is. He's currently at 20, and if not for getting outplayed in those three tiebreaks yesterday, he'd be at 21. Who knows what number he's going to end up with? But he definitely needs to win at least a few more. Because the other two members of the Big Three are right on his tail.
Pete Sampras won the 2002 US Open and walked off into the sunset as the all-time record-holder with 14 career Grand Slam titles. The following year at Wimbledon, Roger Federer won his first Grand Slam title. And since then, the Big Three have combined to win 54 Grand Slam titles, pushing Sampras into fourth place overall.
The current standings are: 1. Federer (20), 2. Nadal (18), 3. Djokovic (16), 4. Sampras (14). And I don't think there's anyone who believes the Big Three are done adding to their respective collections.
There is, after all a French Open every year, and Clay Boy doesn't let anyone else win that, while Djokovic will always be the favorite at the two hard court Slams and Roger has a special relationship with Centre Court at Wimbledon. It's not a stretch to think all three of them will end up in the 20s. That 24 Serena's been chasing for two years could even be approached (although I think she'll end up surpassing that number).
When all is said and done, we might be talking about Novak Djokovic as the greatest player of all time. Because it looks like he's going to sail past both Roger and Rafa. And consider the head start that Federer and Nadal had. Djokovic didn't win his first Grand Slam until the 2008 Australian Open and didn't win his second until three years later. From 2003-10, Federer won 16 of his 20 Grand Slams and Nadal won nine of his 18. Since 2011, it's Djokovic 15, Nadal 9, Federer 4.
But when you think about the three of them as a whole and consider the fact that they're all contemporaries, it's pretty remarkable. And I don't think it's a stretch to call this the greatest era in the history of men's tennis.
Now, I do understand that the Grand Slam totals of the Big Three are somewhat inflated because of the Australian Open. Until the late 80s, the Australian Open was held around Christmastime, so a lot of players would skip it. John McEnroe only played the Australian five times (and reached the semifinals in 1983). Jimmy Connors only played in 1974 (when he won) and 1975 (when he made the final). Bjorn Borg only played it once in his entire career.
Roy Emerson, meanwhile, the player whose record Sampras broke, is Australian, and won six of his 12 Grand Slam titles at his home tournament (he won the others twice each). He made the final seven straight years from 1961-67, when the field consisted almost exclusively of Aussies.
So the comparison is a little bit skewed. If everybody played the Australian Open back then like they do today, Connors, Borg and McEnroe would likely have more Grand Slam titles, while Emerson would probably have fewer. But regardless, what we've been privileged to witness over the last 15 years with Federer, Nadal and Djokovic is something pretty special.
For a while, we kept wondering when that challenger to the Big Three was going to emerge. Yes, it was a Big Four while Andy Murray was still healthy enough to play singles (here's hoping he can again soon), and Stan Wawrinka has managed to snag a few Grand Slam titles. But, by and large, that challenger never arrived.
And you also have to think how many Slams other players might've won if not for the Big Three, which is another testament to their greatness. Andy Roddick's only Grand Slam title came at the 2003 US Open. He probably would've won Wimbledon at least once if he hadn't had to face Federer in his prime every time he got to the final. Same with every clay court player. The best anyone can hope for in Paris is losing to Nadal in the final.
Instead, we're wondering how long their greatness is going to last. They've been going strong as a threesome for more than a decade, and this era is definitely winding down. Federer turns 38 next month and doesn't figure to play much longer. Nadal, meanwhile, plays with such a hard, heavy-hitting style that he's frequently injured, which will probably be what forces him to eventually call it quits. Djokovic is the youngest of the three, so you figure he's got the most amount of time left (another reason I think he'll finish on top).
That day is coming. Probably soon. We will start seeing other players win Grand Slam titles. Not because they're beating the Big Three, but because they aren't around anymore. Until that time, though, let's enjoy what we've got in front of us. Because the consistent, collective dominance these three guys have displayed for so long really is awe-inspiring.
In the 70s, it was Connors, Borg and McEnroe. In the 80s, it was Becker, Edberg and Lendl. Then there were the three Americans--Sampras, Agassi and Courier--in the early 90s. But none of those eras were as great as the one we're living in now. The Era of the Big Three.
Friday, July 12, 2019
MLB Who's Headed Where
Now that we've passed the All*Star Break and the second half of the season has started, attention will be shifting to MLB's trade deadline soon enough. There's extra intrigue surrounding the trade deadline this year. Because now there's only one. All trades must be completed by July 31. They no longer have the August 31 deadline for players who clear waivers, which is how the Astros got Justin Verlander (and won the World Series as a result) two years ago.
This was a long time coming, and it's going to result in a lot more action on the days leading up to July 31. It also means teams will have to decide a lot sooner whether they're going to be buyers or sellers. No waiting until mid-August to figure out whether or not you're good enough to make a run. Which will be interesting with the teams on the fringes of the wild card races.
While some teams have two more weeks to make that decision, others have known for a while whether they'll be buying or selling (or both). Players like Madison Bumgarner and Marcus Stroman have had their names tossed around for weeks. They'll almost certainly be traded, and they know it. The real question surrounds who's going to strike first and who they're gonna get.
So I'll start there. These trades aren't necessarily going to happen. But they would make sense for both teams, especially the buyer. And who knows? Maybe they'll be the difference between playing in the World Series and not playing in the World Series.
Madison Bumgarner to the Brewers. Milwaukee has needed starting pitching since the middle of LAST season. And they've got the prospects to give the Giants for Bumgarner. Bumgarner has a full no-trade, so it really would be up to him, but I bet he'd relish another postseason run before hitting free agency in the winter. Don't forget, this is a guy who single-handedly won the World Series five years ago. I'm not saying the Brewers beat the Dodgers (or the Cubs) if they get Bumgarner. But they definitely won't if they don't.
Hunter Renfroe to the Indians. One thing San Diego has is a lot of young talent. One thing Cleveland needs is outfielders. With Renfroe seeming to be the odd-man out on a Padres team that's only going to get younger (they need a spot for their top prospect), sending him to the Indians would be a win-win. The Indians are the type of team that could be both a buyer AND a seller, so I can see them sending a pretty good haul the Padres' way in return.
Zack Wheeler to the Red Sox. The Mets have all but said that Wheeler's getting traded. The Yankees are interested, but it seems highly unlikely they would send him across town. Sending him the Red Sox, though? That's a different question. Boston still thinks they're capable of getting back in it, and they want to add another starter, even though they need bullpen help more.
Will Smith to the Twins. It seems even more likely that San Francisco's All*Star closer will get traded than it does that Bumgarner will. And if the Twins are going to have any chance of hanging with the Yankees and Astros in October, they need bullpen help (which is a common theme, despite the fact that most teams carry eight relievers). Smith would slide right in as their closer.
Felipe Vazquez to the Dodgers. There isn't much that the Dodgers need. They're running away with the NL West and looking ahead to October...where they need to address their bullpen in front of Kenley Jansen. Evidently right now they're unwilling to meet the Pirates' demands for Vazquez, but that could easily change between now and July 31. I think it will. It's World Series title or bust in LA, and they'll do whatever they need to do to improve their team.
Marcus Stroman to the Yankees. We all know the Yankees are going to add a starting pitcher. Maybe two. And, as much as I don't like Marcus Stroman (he started that whole pitchers-wearing-single-digit numbers thing that drives me nuts) and as much as I'd prefer they'd get someone else (for a number of reasons), this is the trade that seems most likely. He's from New York and basically begging to be traded to the Yankees (not unlike an NBA player), where he'll have to wear a real number.
Ken Giles to the Yankees. Don't be surprised if Stroman and Giles are packaged together in the same deal. Which is another reason why I think they'll end up on the Yankees. The Yankees did the same thing last year, despite already having a ridiculous bullpen, they went out and added Zack Britton. And, especially if they can get him and Stroman together, I can see them bringing in Giles to once again make the crazy-good bullpen even stronger.
Matthew Boyd to the Braves. Atlanta's starting pitching has been inconsistent all season. They just added Dallas Keuchel, but they need more. Which is why I wouldn't be surprised if the Braves strike first and try to land one of the bigger names. But, assuming the bigger names land elsewhere, Tigers lefty Matthew Boyd will be the best starting pitcher available for the Braves.
Dee Gordon to the Cubs. How perfect a marriage would this be? Seattle's looking to move anybody with a pulse, and Gordon has a ton of trade value. The Cubs don't really have a second baseman, and they don't really have a leadoff hitter. Gordon is both. The NL Central race is going down to the wire, so everybody's gonna make a move. If the Cubs were to add Gordon, though, that could be the difference.
Robbie Ray to the Astros. Ray has been linked to the Yankees (and is reportedly their preference), but Houston is looking to upgrade its rotation, too. Slotting in Ray behind Verlander, Cole and Miley (another former Diamondback) would perhaps give them back the edge over the Yankees in a potential ALCS matchup.
This was a long time coming, and it's going to result in a lot more action on the days leading up to July 31. It also means teams will have to decide a lot sooner whether they're going to be buyers or sellers. No waiting until mid-August to figure out whether or not you're good enough to make a run. Which will be interesting with the teams on the fringes of the wild card races.
While some teams have two more weeks to make that decision, others have known for a while whether they'll be buying or selling (or both). Players like Madison Bumgarner and Marcus Stroman have had their names tossed around for weeks. They'll almost certainly be traded, and they know it. The real question surrounds who's going to strike first and who they're gonna get.
So I'll start there. These trades aren't necessarily going to happen. But they would make sense for both teams, especially the buyer. And who knows? Maybe they'll be the difference between playing in the World Series and not playing in the World Series.
Madison Bumgarner to the Brewers. Milwaukee has needed starting pitching since the middle of LAST season. And they've got the prospects to give the Giants for Bumgarner. Bumgarner has a full no-trade, so it really would be up to him, but I bet he'd relish another postseason run before hitting free agency in the winter. Don't forget, this is a guy who single-handedly won the World Series five years ago. I'm not saying the Brewers beat the Dodgers (or the Cubs) if they get Bumgarner. But they definitely won't if they don't.
Hunter Renfroe to the Indians. One thing San Diego has is a lot of young talent. One thing Cleveland needs is outfielders. With Renfroe seeming to be the odd-man out on a Padres team that's only going to get younger (they need a spot for their top prospect), sending him to the Indians would be a win-win. The Indians are the type of team that could be both a buyer AND a seller, so I can see them sending a pretty good haul the Padres' way in return.
Zack Wheeler to the Red Sox. The Mets have all but said that Wheeler's getting traded. The Yankees are interested, but it seems highly unlikely they would send him across town. Sending him the Red Sox, though? That's a different question. Boston still thinks they're capable of getting back in it, and they want to add another starter, even though they need bullpen help more.
Will Smith to the Twins. It seems even more likely that San Francisco's All*Star closer will get traded than it does that Bumgarner will. And if the Twins are going to have any chance of hanging with the Yankees and Astros in October, they need bullpen help (which is a common theme, despite the fact that most teams carry eight relievers). Smith would slide right in as their closer.
Felipe Vazquez to the Dodgers. There isn't much that the Dodgers need. They're running away with the NL West and looking ahead to October...where they need to address their bullpen in front of Kenley Jansen. Evidently right now they're unwilling to meet the Pirates' demands for Vazquez, but that could easily change between now and July 31. I think it will. It's World Series title or bust in LA, and they'll do whatever they need to do to improve their team.
Marcus Stroman to the Yankees. We all know the Yankees are going to add a starting pitcher. Maybe two. And, as much as I don't like Marcus Stroman (he started that whole pitchers-wearing-single-digit numbers thing that drives me nuts) and as much as I'd prefer they'd get someone else (for a number of reasons), this is the trade that seems most likely. He's from New York and basically begging to be traded to the Yankees (not unlike an NBA player), where he'll have to wear a real number.
Ken Giles to the Yankees. Don't be surprised if Stroman and Giles are packaged together in the same deal. Which is another reason why I think they'll end up on the Yankees. The Yankees did the same thing last year, despite already having a ridiculous bullpen, they went out and added Zack Britton. And, especially if they can get him and Stroman together, I can see them bringing in Giles to once again make the crazy-good bullpen even stronger.
Matthew Boyd to the Braves. Atlanta's starting pitching has been inconsistent all season. They just added Dallas Keuchel, but they need more. Which is why I wouldn't be surprised if the Braves strike first and try to land one of the bigger names. But, assuming the bigger names land elsewhere, Tigers lefty Matthew Boyd will be the best starting pitcher available for the Braves.
Dee Gordon to the Cubs. How perfect a marriage would this be? Seattle's looking to move anybody with a pulse, and Gordon has a ton of trade value. The Cubs don't really have a second baseman, and they don't really have a leadoff hitter. Gordon is both. The NL Central race is going down to the wire, so everybody's gonna make a move. If the Cubs were to add Gordon, though, that could be the difference.
Robbie Ray to the Astros. Ray has been linked to the Yankees (and is reportedly their preference), but Houston is looking to upgrade its rotation, too. Slotting in Ray behind Verlander, Cole and Miley (another former Diamondback) would perhaps give them back the edge over the Yankees in a potential ALCS matchup.
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
The Equal Pay Debate
Even before they left for France, one of the biggest stories surrounding the U.S. Women's National Team at the World Cup was their lawsuit seeking equal pay. At the final, there were just as many chants of "Equal Pay" as there were of "U-S-A!," and it was the same thing again today at the parade.
And politicians, of course, have decided to insert themselves into the conversation, as always happens with the hot-button sports issue of the moment. A Senator from West Virginia introduced a bill yesterday that said unless US Soccer agrees to equal pay for the women's team, no federal funds will be provided for the men's World Cup in 2026. I'm pretty sure they'll get enough sponsorship money to cover it even if this bill ever does make it to a vote, but that's not even what it was about. It was taking the women's players' fight and making it a political issue.
Here's the thing, though, it's not nearly as simple as it's being made out to be. And that really isn't fair to US Soccer. They're being made out to be the bad guys in this situation, but it's not an apples to apples comparison. Which is why they can't simply say "we'll give you equal compensation." These things have to be negotiated, and I'm sure they will be.
What exactly do they mean by "equal pay" anyway? Are they looking for the dollar-to-dollar amount they make to be the same as the players on the men's team get? Because with endorsements and everything else, that's impossible to judge. And, endorsement dollars and club contracts result in a range of salaries even among the members of the men's team.
The men don't get most of their money from the National Team, either. The biggest reason for the pay gap is because of the professional contracts. Christian Pulisic is getting paid $73 million by Chelsea, not US Soccer. It's silly and unreasonable to think the National Federation should or is able to compensate players nearly as well as those European club teams.
Another thing that makes a comparison difficult is the fact that the men only get paid by US Soccer for their National Team service. The women's team, meanwhile, is full-time employees of US Soccer. The Federation pays their salaries for both the National Team and the NWSL, in addition to giving them health benefits year-round. So, in that area, the women are compensated better than their male counterparts, who only get those services while on National Team duty.
Are a lot of the points the women have made absolutely right? Of course they are! They're the two-time defending World Cup Champions, while the men didn't even make it last year. They're more popular than the men, as the TV ratings and jersey sales suggest (and would be obvious anyway).
If it were based on those factors alone, the women would have an argument that they should be paid more than the men. But, it's more than that. Which is why you can't simply turn it into "the men make more."
Now, don't get me wrong. I 100 percent agree that they deserve equal compensation. But what exactly is that equal compensation? The per-game salaries should be the same. No question. So should the per diems and travel conditions. If the men are taking a private charter and staying in a four-star hotel, the women should, too. Same with the support staff. The number of coaches and trainers and everyone else behind the scenes should be equal for both squads.
For the most part, US Soccer is pretty good in that regard. Where the disparity lies is in the extra compensation. I don't remember what the numbers are, but the amount that would've been distributed among the men for winning the World Cup (which obviously wasn't going to happen) is significantly more than the bonus the women are gonna get. And that's wrong. If it's based on a percentage of the funds that the Federation receives, that percentage, whatever it is, should be the same (which, it should be noted, can result in two different dollar amounts).
I'm assuming that gap comes from a difference in sponsorship dollars, which is an area where both US Soccer and FIFA can improve. Although, even there, I think some of the criticism is unwarranted. Men's World Cup money is distributed between the 32 participating teams, just as the Women's World Cup funds are divided equally between 24 nations. It's up to the federations to decide how their share gets spent.
US Soccer funds and supports its women's program better than any other National Federation. It's part of the reason why the team is--and will continue to be--so successful. The problem is the women who are responsible for that success feel disrespected. And, frankly, it's not unreasonable to want to reap some of the benefits that you helped secure.
That's really what's at the heart of the issue here. "Equal Pay" makes for a catchy chant, but that's only a part of it. Because, again, it's not a black-and-white situation. It's just as much about equitable compensation as it is about respect. The women are looking to be paid what they feel they're worth. And they don't think they are, especially when compared to the men.
When the U.S. women's hockey team went on strike a few years ago, many of their demands were similar to what the women's soccer team wants now. That was resolved through arbitration, as I'm sure this will be. Because both sides have incentive to get it done. Especially because US Soccer knows the women have a point. They're the two-time reigning World Cup champions. They deserve to be compensated as such.
And politicians, of course, have decided to insert themselves into the conversation, as always happens with the hot-button sports issue of the moment. A Senator from West Virginia introduced a bill yesterday that said unless US Soccer agrees to equal pay for the women's team, no federal funds will be provided for the men's World Cup in 2026. I'm pretty sure they'll get enough sponsorship money to cover it even if this bill ever does make it to a vote, but that's not even what it was about. It was taking the women's players' fight and making it a political issue.
Here's the thing, though, it's not nearly as simple as it's being made out to be. And that really isn't fair to US Soccer. They're being made out to be the bad guys in this situation, but it's not an apples to apples comparison. Which is why they can't simply say "we'll give you equal compensation." These things have to be negotiated, and I'm sure they will be.
What exactly do they mean by "equal pay" anyway? Are they looking for the dollar-to-dollar amount they make to be the same as the players on the men's team get? Because with endorsements and everything else, that's impossible to judge. And, endorsement dollars and club contracts result in a range of salaries even among the members of the men's team.
The men don't get most of their money from the National Team, either. The biggest reason for the pay gap is because of the professional contracts. Christian Pulisic is getting paid $73 million by Chelsea, not US Soccer. It's silly and unreasonable to think the National Federation should or is able to compensate players nearly as well as those European club teams.
Another thing that makes a comparison difficult is the fact that the men only get paid by US Soccer for their National Team service. The women's team, meanwhile, is full-time employees of US Soccer. The Federation pays their salaries for both the National Team and the NWSL, in addition to giving them health benefits year-round. So, in that area, the women are compensated better than their male counterparts, who only get those services while on National Team duty.
Are a lot of the points the women have made absolutely right? Of course they are! They're the two-time defending World Cup Champions, while the men didn't even make it last year. They're more popular than the men, as the TV ratings and jersey sales suggest (and would be obvious anyway).
If it were based on those factors alone, the women would have an argument that they should be paid more than the men. But, it's more than that. Which is why you can't simply turn it into "the men make more."
Now, don't get me wrong. I 100 percent agree that they deserve equal compensation. But what exactly is that equal compensation? The per-game salaries should be the same. No question. So should the per diems and travel conditions. If the men are taking a private charter and staying in a four-star hotel, the women should, too. Same with the support staff. The number of coaches and trainers and everyone else behind the scenes should be equal for both squads.
For the most part, US Soccer is pretty good in that regard. Where the disparity lies is in the extra compensation. I don't remember what the numbers are, but the amount that would've been distributed among the men for winning the World Cup (which obviously wasn't going to happen) is significantly more than the bonus the women are gonna get. And that's wrong. If it's based on a percentage of the funds that the Federation receives, that percentage, whatever it is, should be the same (which, it should be noted, can result in two different dollar amounts).
I'm assuming that gap comes from a difference in sponsorship dollars, which is an area where both US Soccer and FIFA can improve. Although, even there, I think some of the criticism is unwarranted. Men's World Cup money is distributed between the 32 participating teams, just as the Women's World Cup funds are divided equally between 24 nations. It's up to the federations to decide how their share gets spent.
US Soccer funds and supports its women's program better than any other National Federation. It's part of the reason why the team is--and will continue to be--so successful. The problem is the women who are responsible for that success feel disrespected. And, frankly, it's not unreasonable to want to reap some of the benefits that you helped secure.
That's really what's at the heart of the issue here. "Equal Pay" makes for a catchy chant, but that's only a part of it. Because, again, it's not a black-and-white situation. It's just as much about equitable compensation as it is about respect. The women are looking to be paid what they feel they're worth. And they don't think they are, especially when compared to the men.
When the U.S. women's hockey team went on strike a few years ago, many of their demands were similar to what the women's soccer team wants now. That was resolved through arbitration, as I'm sure this will be. Because both sides have incentive to get it done. Especially because US Soccer knows the women have a point. They're the two-time reigning World Cup champions. They deserve to be compensated as such.
Sunday, July 7, 2019
MLB's Best at Midseason
We've reached the All*Star Break. Outside of the NL Central, the division races haven't brought much suspense, so unless one of those teams seriously falters, they can start planning for October. That doesn't mean there won't be any suspense down the stretch, though. Because we have the makings of an epic showdown for NL MVP.
But who would get it if the awards were presented today? I honestly don't even know which way that pendulum would swing. I do know who I'd vote for, though. So, I might as well start the midseason awards right there.
NL MVP: Cody Bellinger, Dodgers-Bellinger or Yelich? You really could flip a coin. It's that close (and Josh Bell would have a really good MVP case if not for those two). So why am I going with Bellinger? Because Christian Yelich is following up last year's MVP campaign with similar numbers while Bellinger has really come into his own while leading the Dodgers to the best record in baseball. He's second in all three triple crown categories (.336/30 HR/71 RBI), third in hits (107) and leading the NL in runs (70). Moving him to the outfield full time has certainly worked out for all parties involved.
NL Cy Young: Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dodgers-The pitching staff has been another reason why the Dodgers simply blew away the rest of the National League over the first three months of the season. That's why they've got three starters on the NL All-Star roster. The craziest part is that Clayton Kershaw hasn't been the best of them. Hyun-Jin Ryu has. Dave Roberts already announced he's starting on Tuesday, which seemed obvious even before he said it. He leads the league in wins. And ERA. And WHIP. This is a no-brainer.
NL Rookie: Pete Alonso, Mets-Talk about a no-brainer. We've got another one for NL Rookie of the Year. Pete Alonso is one of the most dynamic rookies to show up since, well, that big right fielder across town. And he's challenging Judge's ridiculous rookie records in the power department. Alonso's tied for second in the NL in homers with 30, which already broke the Mets rookie record for an entire season (set by Darryl Strawberry in 1984). He also has the NL rookie record for first half RBIs (68) and the Major League rookie record for extra base hits in the first half (53).
NL Comeback: Zach Davies, Brewers-Last year, when the Brewers were desperately in need of starting pitching, he was in and out of the rotation with shoulder issues (and wasn't particularly good when he was in). This year has been a different story. Davies has pitched like the ace he was in 2017. He's 7-2 with a 3.07 ERA and a big reason why Milwaukee is once again right there with the Cubs in the NL Central.
NL Manager: Dave Roberts, Dodgers-How hard is it to win when you're the hunted? The Dodgers have been to the last two World Series and won the last six NL West titles. So it's pretty clear that teams are gunning for them. Yet, this year, they're dominating again. They've been the best team in baseball since Day 1 and they don't show any signs of slowing down. They're 60-32 and have a 13.5-game lead. For all his (well-publicized) mistakes in the last two postseasons, every decision Dave Roberts has made this year has worked out. And they've got a great shot at becoming the first NL team since the 1942-44 Cardinals to win three consecutive pennants.
AL MVP: DJ LeMahieu, Yankees-Was there any better offseason pickup than DJ LeMahieu? The Yankees brought him in to be an extra infielder, playing everywhere to give the starters a rest. Instead, he's become an indispensable force at the top of the lineup. Seriously, where would they be without him? He went from a utility guy who didn't even start on Opening Day to the AL's starting All-Star second baseman. It seriously seems like he has two hits every game. LeMahieu has 113 hits and leads the AL with a .336 average...while playing three different infield positions. Not bad for a guy who was picked up to be an extra infielder. (And before you start trying to argue "Mike Trout," his simple existence and doing what he always does doesn't mean he's automatically the MVP every year.)
AL Cy Young: Justin Verlander, Astros-It doesn't make sense that as Justin Verlander gets older, he just keeps getting better. His career was reborn when he was traded to the Astros, and the first half of his 2019 season has been reminiscent of his 2011 MVP campaign. Second in the AL in wins (10), strikeouts (153) and innings (126.2), third in ERA (2.98), and first in WHIP (0.81). He's been every bit as dominant as those numbers suggest and a big reason why the Astros are once again running away with the AL West.
AL Rookie: Michael Chavis, Red Sox-AL Rookie of the Year is a tough one. Because there's no obvious front runner like Pete Alonso. And, while he's probably not the leading candidate right now, my vote would go to Boston's Michael Chavis. He started the year in the Minors because the Red Sox didn't really have a position for him, and he's hit his way into becoming Boston's starting first baseman. And I don't think it's a coincidence that the Red Sox started to play significantly better once Chavis arrived and stabilized the lineup.
AL Comeback: Lucas Giolito, White Sox-Lucas Giolito was bad last year. How bad? He finished last among all qualifiers with a 6.13 ERA! Fast forward to this season and he has more wins at the All-Star Break (11) than he did all of last year (10). Giolito's not just an All-Star, he's a candidate to start the game. This is the pitcher the White Sox thought they were getting when they acquired him.
AL Manager: Aaron Boone, Yankees-With all due respect to Rocco Baldelli and the job he's done in Minnesota, this isn't even close. The Yankees have used so many players this season that I've lost count. Only two of the nine Opening Day starters (which doesn't even include DJ LeMahieu) haven't been on the IL. Luis Severino and Dellin Betances haven't pitched at all this season. At one point, they had an entire All-Star roster on the IL. They were down to third-string players at some positions. Yet all they've done is keep winning. At 57-31, they have the best record in the American League and a 6.5-game lead in the division.
But who would get it if the awards were presented today? I honestly don't even know which way that pendulum would swing. I do know who I'd vote for, though. So, I might as well start the midseason awards right there.
NL MVP: Cody Bellinger, Dodgers-Bellinger or Yelich? You really could flip a coin. It's that close (and Josh Bell would have a really good MVP case if not for those two). So why am I going with Bellinger? Because Christian Yelich is following up last year's MVP campaign with similar numbers while Bellinger has really come into his own while leading the Dodgers to the best record in baseball. He's second in all three triple crown categories (.336/30 HR/71 RBI), third in hits (107) and leading the NL in runs (70). Moving him to the outfield full time has certainly worked out for all parties involved.
NL Cy Young: Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dodgers-The pitching staff has been another reason why the Dodgers simply blew away the rest of the National League over the first three months of the season. That's why they've got three starters on the NL All-Star roster. The craziest part is that Clayton Kershaw hasn't been the best of them. Hyun-Jin Ryu has. Dave Roberts already announced he's starting on Tuesday, which seemed obvious even before he said it. He leads the league in wins. And ERA. And WHIP. This is a no-brainer.
NL Rookie: Pete Alonso, Mets-Talk about a no-brainer. We've got another one for NL Rookie of the Year. Pete Alonso is one of the most dynamic rookies to show up since, well, that big right fielder across town. And he's challenging Judge's ridiculous rookie records in the power department. Alonso's tied for second in the NL in homers with 30, which already broke the Mets rookie record for an entire season (set by Darryl Strawberry in 1984). He also has the NL rookie record for first half RBIs (68) and the Major League rookie record for extra base hits in the first half (53).
NL Comeback: Zach Davies, Brewers-Last year, when the Brewers were desperately in need of starting pitching, he was in and out of the rotation with shoulder issues (and wasn't particularly good when he was in). This year has been a different story. Davies has pitched like the ace he was in 2017. He's 7-2 with a 3.07 ERA and a big reason why Milwaukee is once again right there with the Cubs in the NL Central.
NL Manager: Dave Roberts, Dodgers-How hard is it to win when you're the hunted? The Dodgers have been to the last two World Series and won the last six NL West titles. So it's pretty clear that teams are gunning for them. Yet, this year, they're dominating again. They've been the best team in baseball since Day 1 and they don't show any signs of slowing down. They're 60-32 and have a 13.5-game lead. For all his (well-publicized) mistakes in the last two postseasons, every decision Dave Roberts has made this year has worked out. And they've got a great shot at becoming the first NL team since the 1942-44 Cardinals to win three consecutive pennants.
AL MVP: DJ LeMahieu, Yankees-Was there any better offseason pickup than DJ LeMahieu? The Yankees brought him in to be an extra infielder, playing everywhere to give the starters a rest. Instead, he's become an indispensable force at the top of the lineup. Seriously, where would they be without him? He went from a utility guy who didn't even start on Opening Day to the AL's starting All-Star second baseman. It seriously seems like he has two hits every game. LeMahieu has 113 hits and leads the AL with a .336 average...while playing three different infield positions. Not bad for a guy who was picked up to be an extra infielder. (And before you start trying to argue "Mike Trout," his simple existence and doing what he always does doesn't mean he's automatically the MVP every year.)
AL Cy Young: Justin Verlander, Astros-It doesn't make sense that as Justin Verlander gets older, he just keeps getting better. His career was reborn when he was traded to the Astros, and the first half of his 2019 season has been reminiscent of his 2011 MVP campaign. Second in the AL in wins (10), strikeouts (153) and innings (126.2), third in ERA (2.98), and first in WHIP (0.81). He's been every bit as dominant as those numbers suggest and a big reason why the Astros are once again running away with the AL West.
AL Rookie: Michael Chavis, Red Sox-AL Rookie of the Year is a tough one. Because there's no obvious front runner like Pete Alonso. And, while he's probably not the leading candidate right now, my vote would go to Boston's Michael Chavis. He started the year in the Minors because the Red Sox didn't really have a position for him, and he's hit his way into becoming Boston's starting first baseman. And I don't think it's a coincidence that the Red Sox started to play significantly better once Chavis arrived and stabilized the lineup.
AL Comeback: Lucas Giolito, White Sox-Lucas Giolito was bad last year. How bad? He finished last among all qualifiers with a 6.13 ERA! Fast forward to this season and he has more wins at the All-Star Break (11) than he did all of last year (10). Giolito's not just an All-Star, he's a candidate to start the game. This is the pitcher the White Sox thought they were getting when they acquired him.
AL Manager: Aaron Boone, Yankees-With all due respect to Rocco Baldelli and the job he's done in Minnesota, this isn't even close. The Yankees have used so many players this season that I've lost count. Only two of the nine Opening Day starters (which doesn't even include DJ LeMahieu) haven't been on the IL. Luis Severino and Dellin Betances haven't pitched at all this season. At one point, they had an entire All-Star roster on the IL. They were down to third-string players at some positions. Yet all they've done is keep winning. At 57-31, they have the best record in the American League and a 6.5-game lead in the division.
Saturday, July 6, 2019
Sporty Seinfeld
Yesterday was the 30th anniversary of Seinfield's debut on NBC. To celebrate, the Mets had "Seinfeld Night" at Citi Field, with Jerry Seinfeld himself throwing out the first pitch and the Soup Nazi making an appearance. The highlight, obviously (and the entire reason I went to the game), was the Jerry Seinfeld bobblehead giveaway.
Sports played a big role on Seinfield throughout the show's run. The most obvious example was George working for the Yankees for several seasons, which gave us Larry David's memorable George Steinbrenner. And, of course, Keith Hernandez had one of the most legendary guest-starring roles in TV history (as himself!).
But it was more than just baseball. In fact, Seinfeld ran the gamut of different sports. Sometimes they were central to the main plot, sometimes they were the B- or even C-stories. You could always count on Seinfeld for delivering a few very funny sports-related storylines each season.
Football: Jerry had Super Bowl tickets and gave them to Tim Whattley, only to get them back...and end up going to the game with Newman. In another episode, Elaine wants her boyfriend (who shares his name with a serial killer) to change his name, and he finally realizes it when he has to go to will call at a Giants game so he can give Kramer their extra ticket.
Basketball: This was actually the first-ever sports-themed storyline on Seinfield. Jerry wants to "break up" with Joel Hornick but can't bring himself to do it, so he ends up inviting him to a Knicks game, only to find a way out of it and Kramer goes instead. Then there's "The Limo," where Jerry and George steal a limo that's headed to Madison Square Garden, where they think they're headed to the Knicks-Bulls game. Only, the limo is going to a neo-Nazi rally where the guy who the limo was supposed to be for is the keynote speaker.
Hockey: "You've gotta support the team." Puddy's a big Devils fan. So he paints his face to show his support...and promptly scares this little old priest into thinking he's seen the actual devil! When Elaine tells him to stop, he paints his chest instead. "As you can see, this is not my face."
Golf: Kramer's love of golf is a constant throughout the series. And it gives us some of the most memorable episodes. There's George's monologue at the end of "The Marine Biologist," when he saves the whale by pulling the golf ball out of its blow hole. And, of course, his career on the senior tour was ruined when he crashed his car in "The Caddy," only to also blow his lawsuit by having Sue Ellen Mischke try on a bra at trial against Jackie Chiles' advice.
Frolf: Frisbee golf. "Golf with a frisbee!" George was so excited to learn how to play when he took the summer off after getting fired by the Yankees. Only to have his fledgling frolf career derailed by a fall down the stairs when he tripped over a bunch of party invitations.
Tennis: Where do I start with the great episode "The Lip Reader?" Marlee Matlin is a deaf lineswoman that Jerry wants to date, Kramer wants to be the first ball man, and George's girlfriend breaks up with him because he was caught on camera with ice cream all over his face. Then there was the episode where Elaine lends someone Mr. Pitt's racket and can't get it back, even though he has his big match with Ethel Kennedy coming up.
Gymnastics: In "The Gymnast," Jerry dates an Olympic gymnast from Romania, only to be disappointed that their sex life is just ordinary. And, when they're discussing ideas for the show to pitch to NBC, George comes up with the terrible idea of Jerry being a gymnastics coach who's pressuring his son to get into gymnastics.
Boxing: George and Mike Moffitt fight over a parking spot while everybody's trying to get to Jerry's in time to watch the big fight. Another big fight was the cockfight between Kramer's rooster and the ringer brought in by Marcelino in "The Little Jerry" (and, yes, I do realize it's a stretch to categorize that as boxing).
Track & Field: "I choose not to run!" Until he had to when Jerry ran into his old rival, who had always believed Jerry had gotten a head start when they raced in high school and demanded a rematch. Then there's John Paul Jonpaul, the Trinidadian marathon runner who overslept at the Barcelona Olympics and was making his comeback at the New York City Marathon, only to oversleep again, then pour Kramer's scalding hot coffee on his face while leading at the end of the race. That's a different New York City Marathon than the one they all went to watch at the apartment Jerry and Elaine both wanted. (And who can forget that lady who told the runners "You're all winners" as they passed by?)
It's pretty clear what sport is Jerry Seinfeld's favorite, though. There are so many baseball-related storylines beyond Keith Hernandez and (the only-seen-from-behind) George Steinbrenner. So many, in fact, that I've got to break it down by character:
Kramer punched Mickey Mantle at Yankees Fantasy Camp, saw Joe DiMaggio in Dinky Donuts and led police on a low-speed chase while taking fugitive Steve Gendison to see his fish after murdering the dry cleaner. Elaine got kicked out of Yankee Stadium for refusing to take her Orioles hat off while sitting in the owner's box.
George, of course, worked for the Yankees and lent advice to real-life Yankees Danny Tartabull, Paul O'Neill, Derek Jeter and Bernie Williams, as well as manager Buck Showalter. He also once thought he could be a color analyst and tried to get fired so he could work for the Mets. As well as his many, many, many storylines that involved Steinbrenner. Jerry, meanwhile, had to miss a big softball game for his aunt's funeral, and it was at another softball game where Bette Midler got hurt (after she was run over by George) and Jerry's girlfriend had to take over her role on Broadway.
Seinfeld ran for nine years and 180 episodes, and, as you can see, sports played a big role in many different episodes throughout that time. I'm sure I missed some, too. Further proof that the "show about nothing" was actually about everything.
Sports played a big role on Seinfield throughout the show's run. The most obvious example was George working for the Yankees for several seasons, which gave us Larry David's memorable George Steinbrenner. And, of course, Keith Hernandez had one of the most legendary guest-starring roles in TV history (as himself!).
But it was more than just baseball. In fact, Seinfeld ran the gamut of different sports. Sometimes they were central to the main plot, sometimes they were the B- or even C-stories. You could always count on Seinfeld for delivering a few very funny sports-related storylines each season.
Football: Jerry had Super Bowl tickets and gave them to Tim Whattley, only to get them back...and end up going to the game with Newman. In another episode, Elaine wants her boyfriend (who shares his name with a serial killer) to change his name, and he finally realizes it when he has to go to will call at a Giants game so he can give Kramer their extra ticket.
Basketball: This was actually the first-ever sports-themed storyline on Seinfield. Jerry wants to "break up" with Joel Hornick but can't bring himself to do it, so he ends up inviting him to a Knicks game, only to find a way out of it and Kramer goes instead. Then there's "The Limo," where Jerry and George steal a limo that's headed to Madison Square Garden, where they think they're headed to the Knicks-Bulls game. Only, the limo is going to a neo-Nazi rally where the guy who the limo was supposed to be for is the keynote speaker.
Hockey: "You've gotta support the team." Puddy's a big Devils fan. So he paints his face to show his support...and promptly scares this little old priest into thinking he's seen the actual devil! When Elaine tells him to stop, he paints his chest instead. "As you can see, this is not my face."
Golf: Kramer's love of golf is a constant throughout the series. And it gives us some of the most memorable episodes. There's George's monologue at the end of "The Marine Biologist," when he saves the whale by pulling the golf ball out of its blow hole. And, of course, his career on the senior tour was ruined when he crashed his car in "The Caddy," only to also blow his lawsuit by having Sue Ellen Mischke try on a bra at trial against Jackie Chiles' advice.
Frolf: Frisbee golf. "Golf with a frisbee!" George was so excited to learn how to play when he took the summer off after getting fired by the Yankees. Only to have his fledgling frolf career derailed by a fall down the stairs when he tripped over a bunch of party invitations.
Tennis: Where do I start with the great episode "The Lip Reader?" Marlee Matlin is a deaf lineswoman that Jerry wants to date, Kramer wants to be the first ball man, and George's girlfriend breaks up with him because he was caught on camera with ice cream all over his face. Then there was the episode where Elaine lends someone Mr. Pitt's racket and can't get it back, even though he has his big match with Ethel Kennedy coming up.
Gymnastics: In "The Gymnast," Jerry dates an Olympic gymnast from Romania, only to be disappointed that their sex life is just ordinary. And, when they're discussing ideas for the show to pitch to NBC, George comes up with the terrible idea of Jerry being a gymnastics coach who's pressuring his son to get into gymnastics.
Boxing: George and Mike Moffitt fight over a parking spot while everybody's trying to get to Jerry's in time to watch the big fight. Another big fight was the cockfight between Kramer's rooster and the ringer brought in by Marcelino in "The Little Jerry" (and, yes, I do realize it's a stretch to categorize that as boxing).
Track & Field: "I choose not to run!" Until he had to when Jerry ran into his old rival, who had always believed Jerry had gotten a head start when they raced in high school and demanded a rematch. Then there's John Paul Jonpaul, the Trinidadian marathon runner who overslept at the Barcelona Olympics and was making his comeback at the New York City Marathon, only to oversleep again, then pour Kramer's scalding hot coffee on his face while leading at the end of the race. That's a different New York City Marathon than the one they all went to watch at the apartment Jerry and Elaine both wanted. (And who can forget that lady who told the runners "You're all winners" as they passed by?)
It's pretty clear what sport is Jerry Seinfeld's favorite, though. There are so many baseball-related storylines beyond Keith Hernandez and (the only-seen-from-behind) George Steinbrenner. So many, in fact, that I've got to break it down by character:
Kramer punched Mickey Mantle at Yankees Fantasy Camp, saw Joe DiMaggio in Dinky Donuts and led police on a low-speed chase while taking fugitive Steve Gendison to see his fish after murdering the dry cleaner. Elaine got kicked out of Yankee Stadium for refusing to take her Orioles hat off while sitting in the owner's box.
George, of course, worked for the Yankees and lent advice to real-life Yankees Danny Tartabull, Paul O'Neill, Derek Jeter and Bernie Williams, as well as manager Buck Showalter. He also once thought he could be a color analyst and tried to get fired so he could work for the Mets. As well as his many, many, many storylines that involved Steinbrenner. Jerry, meanwhile, had to miss a big softball game for his aunt's funeral, and it was at another softball game where Bette Midler got hurt (after she was run over by George) and Jerry's girlfriend had to take over her role on Broadway.
Seinfeld ran for nine years and 180 episodes, and, as you can see, sports played a big role in many different episodes throughout that time. I'm sure I missed some, too. Further proof that the "show about nothing" was actually about everything.
Thursday, July 4, 2019
Greatest American Teams
On this 4th of July, the U.S. Women's National Team is getting ready to play for its second straight World Cup title and the men look to take a big step in their rebuilding process at the Gold Cup Final. Throughout the World Cup, there's been a lot of talk that this might be the best U.S. women's soccer team ever. And that got me thinking, "Are they?"
Then that got me thinking further, "What are the greatest-ever American teams in some other sports?" Which sounds like a perfect topic for the most American holiday of them all. And, since I began this discussion with women's soccer, I might as well start there...
Women's Soccer: 1999
As good as this year's team is, and as good as the 2015 team was, they pale in comparison to the originals. Because none of it would've been possible without the '99ers. They inspired a generation that includes pretty much all of the active members of the team. Christen Press was at the game with her face painted red, white and blue, never imagining that she'd be playing for the National Team herself. And let's not forget some of the legends on that '99 team--Mia Hamm, Michele Akers, Julie Foudy, Brandi Chastain, Kristine Lilly, Joy Fawcett, Briana Scurry. They're some of the all-time greats of U.S. soccer.
Men's Soccer: 2009-10
Well, it's obviously NOT the 2015-18 version of the U.S. Men's National Team. Instead I'm going with the version that made back-to-back trips to South Africa a decade ago. In 2009, the U.S. reached a FIFA final for the first time, upsetting Spain in the semifinals of the Confederations Cup. A year later, they won their group at the World Cup. Yes, they lost in the round of 16, but that was arguably the most talented team the U.S. has ever sent to a World Cup--Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard, Jozy Altidore, etc.
Men's Basketball: 1992
Duh! They called it the "Dream Team" for a reason! This is arguably the greatest collection of talent ever assembled in any sport. Every player except for Christian Laettner is in the Hall of Fame, as is Head Coach Chuck Daly, and they've been inducted as a team, as well. Their romp through Barcelona seemed predetermined, but that wasn't even the point. Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson were playing against Angola in the Olympics. It opened the doors to the truly international game basketball has become.
Women's Basketball: 2008
I was tempted to say 1996, the team that started this two-decade era of dominance and led to the creation of the WNBA. But 2008 was truly the peak of that greatness. It's where the two eras converged. Lisa Leslie won her fourth straight gold medal, while Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, who are now the veteran leaders, were in their prime.
Men's Hockey: 1980
Another Duh! The "Miracle on Ice" is one of the seminal moments in American sports history. It was almost 40 years ago and people still talk about it like it was yesterday. We had NHL players in the Olympics from 1998-2014 and the best the U.S. did was a pair of silvers. The U.S. has never won a World Championship. But these college kids shocked the world and beat the Russians in Lake Placid.
Women's Hockey: 2018
If you wanted to say 1998, the team that started it all and had two Hockey Hall of Famers in Cammi Granato and Angela Ruggeiro, you wouldn't get much of an argument from me. But the gold medal in PyeongChang was just as big as the one in Nagano. Because this one came after all those years and so much frustration from the repeated losses to Canada. And, player-for-player, I think the '18 team was better.
Baseball: 2017
Was it the greatest collection of Major Leaguers ever? No. Not even close. But it's the one that validated the World Baseball Classic. In the first three editions, the U.S. made the semifinals once and no one cared. Not the players. Not the fans. That all changed in 2017, when they finally won the title. Now players and fans alike are excited for the 2021 edition. It was also Christian Yelich's coming-out party.
Softball: 2004
Softball's returning to the Olympics next year, but it'll be hard for the U.S. team to match what the 2004 squad did. In fact, their dominance in Athens was probably one of the reasons why the sport was dropped from the Olympic program a year later. They won all nine of their games and outscored their opponents 51-1, with that lone run coming in the sixth inning of the gold medal game! That insane pitching staff? Lisa Fernandez, Jennie Finch and Cat Osterman, only three of the greatest pitchers ever!
And now for some of the top teams in other sports that may not immediately come to mind.
Men's Tennis: 1992
Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, John McEnroe and Pete Sampras. That was the American roster for the 1992 Davis Cup final. Sampras and McEnroe won a combined 21 Grand Slam titles, and neither one played singles! Seeing as it's been 16 years since an American man won a Grand Slam title and there are barely any Americans in the top 10, it's hard to remember an era where the Americans were the dominant force in men's tennis. But in 1992, they definitely were.
Women's Gymnastics: 2012
They've won two straight Olympic team golds (and could easily make it three in Tokyo). The 2016 team had Simone Biles, who might be the greatest gymnast ever. But I'm partial to the 2012 squad, and not just because they had a better nickname (the "Fierce Five"). They won the team title by nearly a point and a half! That's insane! They had so much talent that Jordyn Weiber (who's now the head coach at Arkansas) finished fourth overall in qualifying, but didn't make the individual all-around final because she was the third-best American. McKayla Maroney, for one, wasn't impressed.
Men's Curling: 2018
Another easy one. Curling develops its little cult following for two weeks every four years during the Winter Olympics, but the U.S. had never really been that successful in the sport. Until PyeongChang. They were on the brink of being eliminated during the round robin stage before winning their last two matches to make the medal round, where the winning streak continued with upsets of Canada and Sweden for the first-ever American Olympic curling gold medal.
Track & Field: 1968
NBC produced a very well-done documentary on the 1968 Olympics for the 50th anniversary last year and focused on the track & field team. They called it the best track & field team ever assembled, and it's hard to argue. They won 28 medals, including 15 golds, but it's the legendary performances that make this team truly remarkable. Tommie Smith and John Carlos with their Black Power salute after the 200. Bob Beamon's incredible long jump world record, which is still mind-blowing 50 years later. Dick Fosbury reinventing the high jump. Al Oerter winning his fourth straight discus title. Wyomia Tyus becoming the first Olympian ever to win back-to-back 100 meter gold medals. The list goes on and on...
There are plenty of other great American teams that have taken the field in plenty of sports. These ones are truly memorable, though. Both for what they did on the field and their impact off it.
Then that got me thinking further, "What are the greatest-ever American teams in some other sports?" Which sounds like a perfect topic for the most American holiday of them all. And, since I began this discussion with women's soccer, I might as well start there...
As good as this year's team is, and as good as the 2015 team was, they pale in comparison to the originals. Because none of it would've been possible without the '99ers. They inspired a generation that includes pretty much all of the active members of the team. Christen Press was at the game with her face painted red, white and blue, never imagining that she'd be playing for the National Team herself. And let's not forget some of the legends on that '99 team--Mia Hamm, Michele Akers, Julie Foudy, Brandi Chastain, Kristine Lilly, Joy Fawcett, Briana Scurry. They're some of the all-time greats of U.S. soccer.
Well, it's obviously NOT the 2015-18 version of the U.S. Men's National Team. Instead I'm going with the version that made back-to-back trips to South Africa a decade ago. In 2009, the U.S. reached a FIFA final for the first time, upsetting Spain in the semifinals of the Confederations Cup. A year later, they won their group at the World Cup. Yes, they lost in the round of 16, but that was arguably the most talented team the U.S. has ever sent to a World Cup--Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard, Jozy Altidore, etc.
Duh! They called it the "Dream Team" for a reason! This is arguably the greatest collection of talent ever assembled in any sport. Every player except for Christian Laettner is in the Hall of Fame, as is Head Coach Chuck Daly, and they've been inducted as a team, as well. Their romp through Barcelona seemed predetermined, but that wasn't even the point. Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson were playing against Angola in the Olympics. It opened the doors to the truly international game basketball has become.
I was tempted to say 1996, the team that started this two-decade era of dominance and led to the creation of the WNBA. But 2008 was truly the peak of that greatness. It's where the two eras converged. Lisa Leslie won her fourth straight gold medal, while Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, who are now the veteran leaders, were in their prime.
Another Duh! The "Miracle on Ice" is one of the seminal moments in American sports history. It was almost 40 years ago and people still talk about it like it was yesterday. We had NHL players in the Olympics from 1998-2014 and the best the U.S. did was a pair of silvers. The U.S. has never won a World Championship. But these college kids shocked the world and beat the Russians in Lake Placid.
If you wanted to say 1998, the team that started it all and had two Hockey Hall of Famers in Cammi Granato and Angela Ruggeiro, you wouldn't get much of an argument from me. But the gold medal in PyeongChang was just as big as the one in Nagano. Because this one came after all those years and so much frustration from the repeated losses to Canada. And, player-for-player, I think the '18 team was better.
Was it the greatest collection of Major Leaguers ever? No. Not even close. But it's the one that validated the World Baseball Classic. In the first three editions, the U.S. made the semifinals once and no one cared. Not the players. Not the fans. That all changed in 2017, when they finally won the title. Now players and fans alike are excited for the 2021 edition. It was also Christian Yelich's coming-out party.
Softball's returning to the Olympics next year, but it'll be hard for the U.S. team to match what the 2004 squad did. In fact, their dominance in Athens was probably one of the reasons why the sport was dropped from the Olympic program a year later. They won all nine of their games and outscored their opponents 51-1, with that lone run coming in the sixth inning of the gold medal game! That insane pitching staff? Lisa Fernandez, Jennie Finch and Cat Osterman, only three of the greatest pitchers ever!
And now for some of the top teams in other sports that may not immediately come to mind.
Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, John McEnroe and Pete Sampras. That was the American roster for the 1992 Davis Cup final. Sampras and McEnroe won a combined 21 Grand Slam titles, and neither one played singles! Seeing as it's been 16 years since an American man won a Grand Slam title and there are barely any Americans in the top 10, it's hard to remember an era where the Americans were the dominant force in men's tennis. But in 1992, they definitely were.
They've won two straight Olympic team golds (and could easily make it three in Tokyo). The 2016 team had Simone Biles, who might be the greatest gymnast ever. But I'm partial to the 2012 squad, and not just because they had a better nickname (the "Fierce Five"). They won the team title by nearly a point and a half! That's insane! They had so much talent that Jordyn Weiber (who's now the head coach at Arkansas) finished fourth overall in qualifying, but didn't make the individual all-around final because she was the third-best American. McKayla Maroney, for one, wasn't impressed.
Another easy one. Curling develops its little cult following for two weeks every four years during the Winter Olympics, but the U.S. had never really been that successful in the sport. Until PyeongChang. They were on the brink of being eliminated during the round robin stage before winning their last two matches to make the medal round, where the winning streak continued with upsets of Canada and Sweden for the first-ever American Olympic curling gold medal.
NBC produced a very well-done documentary on the 1968 Olympics for the 50th anniversary last year and focused on the track & field team. They called it the best track & field team ever assembled, and it's hard to argue. They won 28 medals, including 15 golds, but it's the legendary performances that make this team truly remarkable. Tommie Smith and John Carlos with their Black Power salute after the 200. Bob Beamon's incredible long jump world record, which is still mind-blowing 50 years later. Dick Fosbury reinventing the high jump. Al Oerter winning his fourth straight discus title. Wyomia Tyus becoming the first Olympian ever to win back-to-back 100 meter gold medals. The list goes on and on...
There are plenty of other great American teams that have taken the field in plenty of sports. These ones are truly memorable, though. Both for what they did on the field and their impact off it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)