The sports world is no exception to this sentiment, so with that in mind, I offer this humble holiday list for the sports world in 2021. Let’s start with the locals.
For the Miami Dolphins: that the promise of 2020, and of Tua Tagovailoa, will blossom into years of success, health and deep playoff runs (starting with this year? Quick prediction: Fins surprise the football world, win the AFC East, and advance to the AFC championship game.)
For the Miami Heat: One more big-time player, preferably an inside guy, to go along with a roster whose chemistry is so perfect, Louis Pasteur would be jealous. Or Marie Curie.
For the Miami Marlins and newly minted GM Kim Ng: a fan base which truly appreciates the quality of the product they get to see night in and night out. And the hope that other (wealthier) franchises don’t soon raid their scouting and/or player development staff.
For all of the state’s major college football and college basketball teams (men’s and women’s): a hope the New Year brings about a meaningful regular season and a memorable March Madness, even, if rumors are to be believed, the championship is quarantined to one city (Vegas?) For PGA Tour fans: a true regular season – one which sees the Masters in April (with patrons), the PGA in May, the U.S. Open in June, ending on Father’s Day, and the Open Championship in July at a traditional venue, preferably near the Scottish coast.
For tennis fans: Paris in the spring, Wimbledon in the summer, and the U.S. Open in the fall.
For all sports fans, an Olympiad in Tokyo this July which meets all expectations, is safe, and reminds us all of the essence of true competition (with no doping scandals).
For Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, the realization that sometimes, the whole really is greater than the sum of its parts. Quick guess: Tom has the better year, but Bill figures it out, finds a long-term answer at QB, and gets the all-time winning record for NFL wins.
Well, that’s about it sports fans. Thanks for putting up with my diatribes and, at times, the inflammatory takes. I wish for a safe, happy – and healthy – New Year. To quote that famous philosopher, Tiny Tim:
“God Bless us, every one!”
