What's GOOD About Sports Today

I'm bradley and it's my job to keep you from being the sucker at the table. 

For once, I don't have anything to bitch about. 

Really. 

Get up off the floor - you'll be OK. 

Today, I just want to celebrate how cool it is to be a sports fan in 2026.

Start with hockey. The Stanley Cup playoffs are in full swing and let me tell you - it's been epic so far through the first two rounds. Not only are they my favorite athletes, but they're competing at a level that's insane. They sacrifice their bodies every single time they hit the ice - and did you see game seven of the Montreal Buffalo series? Buffalo comes back to tie the game in the third period and sends it to overtime. Game seven. Sudden death overtime. You don't have to be a hockey fan to be on the edge of your seat for that one. .

NBA playoffs? Sure, a little more rugged, a little less competitive, as some games have been useless blowouts. But at least the best of the best are putting it all on the line. NBA athletes today are better than at anytime in the leagues history and it's amazing to watch their athleticism, even if you're bored silly by the game itself. I'm not a fan, but I'm not an idiot. I know incredible athletes when I see them - and I appreciate these guys and what they put out on the floor. 

Baseball? Too early. But I'm sneaking games in where I can. And again, I'm not a big fan of today's version of major league baseball - but I love watching the guys compete. Some of their fielding plays are true breath-stealers, and as far as their skill level - well, I dare you to stand up at home late and try to hit a 90 mile an hour fastball, let aloe what happens when they start breaking off curves and sliders. Reminds me of the classic line, often repeated about Sandy Koufax in his prime, but in this case, attributed to Willie Stargell. Stargell, facing Koufax, took a call strike three, shook his head and walked back to the dugout. When he got there, his manager, Danny Murtaugh, asked him bluntly, 'where was that last pitch Stargell?' Willie just looked up and said, 'I don't know but it sounded low.' 

Football..? Well, the time between the draft and training camp is always a little rough for the true fan. But look at it this way - OTA's are a great way for you to take notes on who is going to become the next fantasy steal for you, when you and the gang get together to start drafting for the 26-27 season. You  work hard for an edge, so you watch what comes out of the NFL offices like a hawk, and check out which rookies are going to make you look like a genius - and which are going to make you look like a simp. Full disclosure - I am not participating this year, as my original gang has long since hit the road. But if I had a tip, it'd be this - under Jim Harbaugh, Malik Nabors, fully healthy, could carry you to a championship by himself. 

Face it - as sports nerds, we'll always have complaints. But for one blissful week, let's think about all the good we have - and all the  fun that awaits us the rest of the year.

I'm bradley - and it's my job to keep you from being the sucker at the table.