A Well Deserved MVP

San Francisco’s Madison Bumgarner and Buster Posey celebrating after the exciting Game 7 win.
(Photo from kqed.org)

It was probably the most emotion we saw from Madison Bumgarner, pitcher for the San Francisco Giants as he and catcher Buster Posey ran to one another after third baseman Pablo Sandoval caught a foul pop fly to end the 9th inning and solidify their World Series victory. Bumgarner played amazing throughout the series. At only 25 years old, he held such composure throughout the series and the entire playoffs for that matter. Strike after strike he was the game changer for the Giants. He came in as the reliever on Wednesday night and provided five scoreless innings for his team.  He pitched a record 52 2/3 innings in the post season, proving just how consistent a pitcher he is. He played with class and poise all series long and is a big reason the Giants were able to go all the way this post season. It was no surprise when he won MVP on Wednesday night and it was well deserved. #40 on The San Francisco Giants is one hell of a pitcher, and has proved to be an all star in the MLB.

Never Underestimate the Underdog

Photo from foxnews.com

29 years, take it all the way back to 1985. Back when Ronald W. Reagan was the President of the United States and Super Mario Bros. was released for the Nintendo 64. 1985 was also the last time the Kansas City Royals made the post season. But the 2014 MLB Season would change that. It wasn’t easy for the team as they started off the regular season with a losing record, but as the summer season progressed the Royals pulled ahead. The team moved ahead in the standings to sit first in the AL Central Division. With such a great turn around the Royals secured their first ever wild card birth. They started out their post season run against the Oakland A’s in the American League Wild Card Game, winning 9-8 on a walk off single in the 12th inning of the game.

They then continued their push against the Los Angeles Angles. The American League Division Series was a three game sweep, pitting Kansas City against their next obstacle the Baltimore Orioles. The American League Championship Series was no competition as the Royals swept the Orioles in 4 games, moving their post season winning streak to eight consecutive games. With those eight wins, the Kansas City Royals will now face off with the San Francisco Giants in the 2014 World Series.

The Giants may not be such an easy task with names like Pence, Bumgarner and Sandoval just to name a few. The Giants squad is a skilled one and unlike the Royals they are more familiar with the World Series winning the whole thing in 2010 and 2012. The World Series kicks off tomorrow night in Kansas City.

For a team that has missed out on the post season for so long it would be quiet the remarkable run for this team of skilled ball players. They have proved themselves thus far with just one giant task standing in their way. One thing’s for sure, regardless of the outcome of the series, the Royals have pulled off one hell of a playoff run. I guess it’s true what they say, never underestimate the underdog.

10 Sports Venue’s to add to your bucket list

1. Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY

With a capacity of 50,291 every baseball fan wants to watch 9 innings in this place. The new Yankee Stadium opened in 2009. That year the Yankee’s beat the Philadelphia Phillies 7-3 in Game 6 to win the World Series. The stadium has also played home to Derek Jeter’s last home game. A beautiful ballpark, not just for Yankee’s fans but any fan of the game.

Photo from the New York Times

2. United Center, Chicago, IL

Better known as the Madhouse on Madison, the United Center plays home to the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls. With a capacity of 20,500, your bound to hear the song Chelsea Dagger by The Fratellis when Patrick Kane goes top shelf on the opposing goalie. This arena gets loud and energized whether its ice or hardwood. A great atmosphere to experience.

Photo from the SFGate.

3. Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO

Home to NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs in the heart of Kansas City, Arrowhead Stadium is said to be one of the loudest in league on Sundays. The stadium can pack 79,451 fans and is a must for any NFL fan out there. On a Sunday afternoon after the tailgate festivities have ended and the Chiefs hit the field, this place really comes alive.

Photo from espn.go.com

4. Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec

Whether you are a die hard Habs fan, or a hockey fan who despises anything to do with the Montreal Canadiens everyone knows your in for treat when you get your hands on tickets to a home game in Montreal. The Bell Centre packs 21,273 fans in red and white. A tip before heading here to watch a game remember these key words,”Olé, Olé, Olé, Olé”

Photo from the Montreal Canadiens Official Website.

5. AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX

At full capacity this stadium can fit 105,000 people. This larger than life venue plays home to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. AT&T Stadium also plays home to college football’s Cotton Bowl Classic. Football lovers need to mark this one down on their list. I guess it’s true what they say everything is bigger in Texas.

Photo from usatoday.com

6. Fenway Park, Boston, MA

Home to the Green Monster that stands 37.167 feet tall, baseball players around the league aim to hit a homer past this beast. The Boston Red Sox play out their home games at this gorgeous venue that fits up to 37,499 fans every night. If your ever in Beantown make a trip out to Fenway, you won’t be disappointed.

Photo from espn.go.com

7. Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI

If you wanna see big, then this is place to be. Michigan Stadium is the biggest stadium in the United States and third largest in the world. Home to the Michigan Wolverines, expect to see this place filled to its capacity of 109,901 screaming fans, majority being college students from the University of Michigan.

Photo from mgoblue.com

8. Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY

Maybe it’s that I have a soft spot for New York City and the big lights that surround the city, but MSG is something else tucked in-between the hundreds of skyscrapers New York City has to offer. Home to the New York Rangers and New York Knicks this venue is a historical one, opened since 1968 it is a must see place to catch King Lundqvist make some stellar saves.

Photo from newyork.cbslocal.com

9. AT&T Park, San Francisco, CA

Home to the San Francisco Giants, this has got to be the stadium that offers the best view. It offers an amazing view of the bay, this venue can fit 41, 915 people at capacity. Players constantly hit game winners into McCovey Cove as fans will park their boats and kayaks in the water hoping to catch a game winning ball.

Photo from launch photography.com

10. MTS Center, Winnipeg, MB

Maybe it’s because I’m a Winnipeger, but the MTS Center sure knows how to get loud. Home to the Winnipeg Jets, although it is a smaller venue the place really has great atmosphere. 15,004 energetic fans fill the seats every home game to cheer on their team. It truly is a treat to watch a hockey game in this town.

Photo from the Winnipeg Jets Official Website.

For any sports fan, its all about the atmosphere and the action. These 10 venue’s are some of my favourites and make a great top ten to knock off of any sports fan’s bucket list.

A Perfect Ending for one of Baseball’s Best

At 40 years old, Derek Jeter made his last MLB appearance yesterday afternoon at Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox. It was a fitting ending to the shortstops career as Boston has always played arch rival to the New York Yankees, but what was an even better way to end his career was his decision to play his last game as shortstop at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, Sept.25. Jeter played only as the designated hitter in Sunday’s game against Boston.

His decision to play his last game at Yankee Stadium was what some would call a kind of “fairytale” ending to his baseball career, and what an ending it was. Jeter hit a walk-off single to win the game 6-5. As his teammates and coaches flooded the field and the fans went crazy, it was one of the greatest baseball moments I have seen in a long time. Being a baseball fan and growing up watching my brother play the game it was pretty amazing to watch such a great player like Jeter get the ending he so much deserved.

Derek Jeter celebrating after his single into right field. Photo taken by Barton Silverman of the New York Times

Jeter has always been a great name for the MLB. Jeter has always had a spotlight on him for his key role in New York City and the amazing talent he brings out onto the diamond night after night. But his ability to carry himself with such class and respect throughout his baseball career is something to be said for. Sure, he’s dated his fair share of the model world, but coo dos to him for that one.

As Jeter made his final walk around the diamond at Yankee Stadium, with a sold out crowd thanking him for his time spent with the Yankee’s it was clear to see how well loved the man is to his fans in New York City. 48, 613 people filled the stadium in the Bronx, NY chanting “Thank-you Derek” as he took his last at bat. Derek Jeter’s face said it all, so overwhelmed and taken a back at the love from his fans. To watch a player like Derek Jeter get to live out his baseball dreams with such a remarkable career is something very extraordinary. It’s hard to say who could ever fill the shortstop position for the New York Yankees, but one thing is certain the number 2 for the New York Yankees will always be remembered as a baseball legend.