Joe Arrigo: O.T.S. Sports Rumors 6-30-12

It’s late June which means it’s the dog days of summer.  The rumors are starting to really heat up around Major League Baseball with the trade deadline quickly approaching and the NBA free agent frenzy is set to begin. We also all know that the NFL getting ready to start training camp in a few weeks so there is some scuttle bug around the gridiron as well.

 

Before I get to the rumors, I want to wish my “little brother” Tyron “Bossy” Brackenridge a happy birthday. He gave himself an early birthday present last night (which just happens to be our Grandma, Carol Arrigo’s birthday) with an interception against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Saskatchewan Roughriders 43-16 win in the CFL opener. I’m proud of you on and off the field bro and keep doing what you doing!!

 

             RUMOR:

n.

A piece of unverified information of uncertain origin usually spread by word of mouth.
Unverified information received from another; hearsay.

 

Inside Pitch MLB Rumors:

The Dodgers and Astros have agreed to a deal that would send OF/1B Carlos Lee and cash to Los Angeles for Double A pitcher Garrett Gould. The deal is not a given since Lee has a limited no trade clause (to 14 teams) and really doesn’t want to leave the Houston area because he runs an extremely lucrative cattle ranch there. Lee is in the last year of a 6 year $100 million dollar deal and would give the Dodgers some needed some pop in their line-up with Matt Kemp on the DL and Andre Ethier out (with a muscle strain). As I write this (at 5:15pm pst) Lee is still considering the deal, but reports are it doesn’t look as if he will accept it. I was told by a perosn close to the situation that if a deal doesn’t happen involving Lee that they would turn their attention to another player because “something else will come up, it always does this time of the year.” It was reported by Fox’s Ken Rosenthal that Lee would like to have a decision by Sunday.

 

The Orioles and Phillies agreed to a deal that send DH/1B Jim Thome to Baltimore for class-a pitcher Kyle Simon and minor-league catcher Gabriel Lino. A deal was announced after each team played Saturday. This could be a sign that the Phillies are going to be sellers at the deadline, or they could be starting to move some salary to try and resign some of their own player (Cole Hamels or Shane Victorino).

 

The Dodgers also made huge waves this past week when they signed Cuban outfielder Yasiel Puig (pronounced Pah-eeg) to a 7 year $42 million dollar deal. The 21 year old, 6’2, 215 pound outfield has been compared to Matt Kemp or Vlad Guerrero. The baseball scouting community varies on their opinions of Puig, who is considered a 5 tool prospect. Some think he is the real deal and should make in impact in the Majors either later this year or next season. Other scouts feel he is overrated and the Dodgers over spent to land him.  From what I have seen Puig looks like the real deal (although he needs to go the other way more) and will give the Dodgers one of the most dynamic outfields in baseball. One thing is for certain, the new Dodgers ownership is not shying away from spending on players they feel can have an impact on the field for the Dodgers in hopes of bringing a World Series title back to LA for the first time since 1988.

 

With the signing of Puig the Dodgers have tied up $278 million dollars in their outfield (of Kemp, Athier & Puig) and look to spend more at the deadline and in the off season.  I have heard that the Dodgers are in on pitchers Francisco Liriano of the Twins, Ryan Dempster and Matt Garza of the Cubs, Zack Greinke of the Brewers  and should he be available, Cole Hamels of the Phillies. They also have a high interest in 3B Edwin Encarnacion of the Blue Jays, who will be made available should the Blue Jays fade out of contention.

 

The Yankees have had internal discussions about Zack Greinke and Francisco Liriano since they lost Andy Pettitte for 6 weeks and CC Sabathia for 2 starts. While no deal is likely, from what I was told it is a sign that Brian Cashman is softening his stance about not dealing for starting pitching.

 

I was told that the Rangers have scouted Brewers starter Zack Greinke and that the Brewers would want shortstop Jurickson Profar, the Rangers top prospect, in return as part of a bigger package for Greinke. The Dodgers, Yankees, Cardinals, Orioles and Braves also have scouted Greinke and had internal discussions about the talented Brewers pitcher. The Rangers also are scouting Cole Hamels of the Phillies.

 

On The Sideline NFL Rumors:

This is more of a thought then a rumor and it centers around Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers. For 16 years the Packers fans loved Favre and he could do no wrong. He was one of 5 central figures (Bob Harlan, Ron Wolf, Mike Holmgren and the late Reggie White) that led the Packers turn around from doormats to the most stable franchise in the NFL. Up until recently Favre was hadn’t had any kind words for NFL MVP and former understudy Aaron Rodgers. Favre recently told Deion Sanders ” Aaron Rodgers, I knew when I left, this guy has all the tools,”Favre said. “He can beat you with his feet. He’s got a great arm, extremely accurate, handles the cast around him perfect.” Those may be the start of the fence mending and in my opinion it is about time.

While Favre left the Packers no choice but to deal him and both sides took things personal and handled the situation like Jr. High school kids fighting, it’s time for both to “kiss and make-up.” Favre’s place in Packers history is either at or near the top (depending on who you talk to) and he needs to be recognized as such. Ted Thompson would privately tell you that  he wished he handled the situation better as Favre probably would too. It’s time for the future Hall of Famer and one of the most storied teams in NFL history to get together and welcome each other back into each others lives.

As for the fans, we (and I include myself and other family members in this) and the Favre supporters need to realize that the NFL is a business and no matter how painful the final outcome maybe for one party or the other. To take things personal and hold grudges that help no one and only divide an icon from the team he will forever be associated with and it’s fan base (and vice versa). For Favre to not give Rodgers credit until now was childish, but that being said, he has and it’s better late then never. Now the team needs to retire Favre’s number and once he is elected into the NFL Hall of Fame, include his name in their “Ring of Honor” with the likes of White, Lombardi, Starr and Lambeau.

 

The Crossover NBA Rumors:

The rumors are running rapid about the Lakers making a couple big deals this offseason. The first rumor has the Lakers sending Pau Gasol to Atlanta for Josh Smith and a “filler” player. On the surface some would wonder why the Lakers would make this deal and the reasoning is Smith is close to Dwight Howard and the hope for the Lakers is if they add Smith, LA would look more attractive to Howard. Which leads to the next Lakers rumor: Andrew Bynum & a “filler” player for Dwight Howard. Should the Lakers add Smith, Howard’s interest would go up in joining the Lakers. Any deal would be made after July 1st.

 

A player that is going to draw interest from a few teams is former Grizzlies point guard OJ Mayo. Mayo wasn’t tendered a contract in part because the Grizz couldn’t afford him and the $8.5 mill tender. The Lakers have a definite interest in Mayo, who already has a good relationship with Kobe Bryant dating back to Mayo’s days at USC, and are expected to pursue him. The Lakers won’t be the only team in on Mayo with the Pacers, Clippers, Celtics and T-Wolves all having interest.

 

The hot rumor going around NBA circles is Deron Williams and Jason Kidd are a packaged deal and they will both end up with the Nets. They are hanging out together in the Hamptons this weekend and will meet with the Nets and Mavs Monday. There is ramped speculation that their minds are made up and will end in Brooklyn.

 

I am hearing that the Lakers are leaning towards amnestying Metta World Peace (Ron Artest). The Lakers are a team that has interest in Rashard Lewis (who was released today) and want to free up cash in the short and long term. They tried to move MWP during the draft but had no takers. Lewis, like Josh Smith, is also a close friend of Dwight Howard and from what I hear the Lakers are trying to make LA as attractive and familiar as possible to Howard as possible

 

The Rockets were the most active team leading up to the draft and look to be the same way during free agency. They want to move Scola, Martin, Lowery and ANY OTHER player on their current roster. They hope to acquire a big name big man to build around.

 

 

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Joe Arrigo’s O.T.S. (On The Sidelines) Sports Rumors Report

I have decided to expand the O.T.S. rumors report into an all sports rumors segment.

RUMOR:

n.

A piece of unverified information of uncertain origin usually spread by word of mouth.
Unverified information received from another; hearsay.

 

 

:

The Los Angeles Dodgers were in on Kevin Youkilis until Sunday afternoon when the Chicago White Sox agreed to send a second player in exchange for the Boston Red Sox eating $5.5 million of Youkilis’ salary. I was told that the Dodgers now are turning their focus to Josh Willingham of the Minnesota Twins. The Dodgers need to add another power bat to their line-up and Willingham could be that guy that could play first base and hit 5th in their line-up. It comes down to what the Twins are asking for and if they want to deal him.

 

The Dodgers and Twins also have talked in recent weeks about a deal that could send Francisco Liriano to L.A. for a couple prospects. Liriano hasn’t pitched bad since being brought back into the rotation after being demoted to the bullpen. Liriano would give the Dodgers another strong arm to go with reigning Cy Young award winner Clayton Kershaw and the surprising Chris Capuano.

 

A name to watch in either deal with the Twins (or anyone other Dodgers deal) could be Chad Billingsley. I was told that the organization is growing frustrated with Billingsley and feel that a change of scenery may be need for both him and the team.

 

I am hearing a name that is available and could be had for a reasonable price is Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro. He is not having the type of year we are accustomed to Ichiro having, but teams in need of offense like the Nationals, Dodgers, Mets, Giants and even the Yankees all have an interest. Given his age (38), ownerships lack of willingness to deal him and he would have to approve any deal makes it tough for the Mariners. But Ichiro wants to win a World Series and he could welcome a chance to play for a contender, increase his marketability in free agency (should he play well) and most importantly wanting to continue playing and reach 3,000 hits.

 

 

The Milwaukee Brewers are in a stretch which will decide whether they will be sellers or buyers at the trade deadline. They have a huge chip in starting pitcher Zack Greinke and could fetch a young arm and positional player in any deal. A source who is tied into MLB circles has told me that they have talked to the Dodgers, Rangers, Pirates, Tigers and Nationals all have spoke to the Brewers. The Dodgers and Rangers have some pieces that fit what the Brewers would be looking for in return. I was told that the mentioned teams are not worried about his anxiety issues.

 

I spoke to a former MLB scout and asked him about Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper and the Angels Mike Trout. He said that Trout is “Dale Murphy while Harper is Pete Rose”.  He said “They are the real deal and have all the tools you look for in players. They have each have hell of future and should become the faces of MLB.” He said that the thing that separates Harper from Trout “is Harper’s power & arm” while he says Trout has “way better speed.”

 

 

:

The NBA Draft is on Thursday and I have heard that the Los Angeles Lakers are trying to trade back into the first round for a Point Guard. A couple names I hear the PG’s they like include Austin Rivers, Marquis Teague, Tony Wroten and Tyshawn Taylor. The rumor making the rounds has the Lakers and Heat talking about a deal (at #27).

 

I have also heard that the Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves have talked about a deal that would send last years #2 overall pick power forward (and L.A. native) Derrick Williams, the #18 overall pick and Wesley Johnson to L.A. for power forward/center Pau Gasol. I was told that that Lakers feel they need a PF that can shoot and play away from the basket to free up Andrew Bynum, which Williams can do. The players I hear the Lakers like at that pick include PF Perry Jones III (Baylor) and Quincy Miller (Baylor). Gasol and Ricky Rubio (the Wolves PG) play together for the Spain National team and Gasol would add leadership to the young Minnesota team.

 

I am hearing that the Bobcats are targeting North Carolina SF Harrison Barnes and would like to move back a few slots to select him. He worked out for them this past week and “wowed” the Bobcats upper management. I was also told that former Tar Heel and NBA great (the Bobcats owner) Michael Jordan has signed off on drafting him if GM Rich Cho chooses to do so.

 

I hear to small forwards will be on the move draft day, the Bulls Luol Deng and the 76ers Andre Iguodala. Word is Golden State and the Bulls are talking about Deng, while the Lakers, Clippers and Raptors are in on Iguodala. If the Lakers deal for Iguodala it would include Pau Gasol.

 

 

 

Join me on The Average Joe Show this Tuesday at 8pm pst time. Joe Pacheco and myself will be joined by former NBA All Star Kenny Anderson  as we talk about the NBA Finals, LeBron James, Heat, Lakers and the NBA Draft. We will be taking calls and answering YOUR questions. Join us at http://blogtalkradio.com/the-average-joe-show.

Follow us on twitter @theavgjoeshow and friend us on facebook (TheAverage Joe Show).

Mike Wright: Top of a League of Abnormal Human Beings

When a high school prodigy gets a break in life and is blessed with super human abilities, no one can predict what will happen with his career going forward.

Many said he was the next best thing to Kobe Bryant.  Some have even said the next best thing to Michael Jordan.  But has anyone said the beginning of a new type of basketball player “The Lebron James”? Lets take a look at the struggles of the former Cleveland Cavaliers superstar and really define what it takes to get to the “top of a league of abnormal human beings”!!

Defeat: Lebron has faced the ups and downs of every aspect of the game minus major Injury. He has been eliminated from playoffs early and late and denied a ring twice at times when the pressure was on him to bring it home!

Ridicule: Lebron has been the target of superstar hate since he stepped into the league as a boy by those that simply do not understand him, his move from Cleveland to pursue a championship.  Other haters also include those that just don’t like basketball!!

Doubt: Many have said he will never be as good as Kobe and definitely not even close to Michael Jordan. They also said he will never get a ring!

In Answer to the Defeat: Look what he has done to create a winning path for himself. The move from Cleveland to Miami could not have been easy on him.  He had to weigh what Cleveland fans thought, what the city of Cleveland thought and what his real fans thought.

He had to relocate not only himself but also his family, which is never easy.  He then had to adapt to a whole new infrastructure of business not just the game. James had to learn new plays, new teammates and make new friends.

He had to sell to the “Believe in Me” theory to a whole new environment and fill an empty arena which lacked fans who did not believe in Miami Heat basketball anymore all while dealing with all of the “haters”!!

Changing his path from defeat to victory took an overwhelming amount of time and energy to learn exactly how to bring it home.  He became a catalyst for perfection amongst his entire organization even to the point of showing respect for Celtics head coach Doc Rivers after a game seven victory and hushing teammate Mario Chalmers during a brief celebration in the fourth quarter of the championship game.

Maturity comes with the defeat of defeat! His smile and love for the game is second to none and his competitive edge is a force to be reckoned with! “Jordanesque” Even!! The answer to defeat is to WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

In Answer to Ridicule: How many of us in our daily lives give a real damn about what people think about us, especially when it comes to how much money we are looking to make to provide for our families as well as the personal satisfaction we need to feel a sense of achievement?

When a job is bad or terrible for us we pack up and move on…or get fired! So for those that say I don’t like the way he did it or he could have done it differently. You need to ask yourself when you are looking for that raise or that promotion and you don’t get it are you going to care how your boss feels when you say I have found something better that has a more positive outlook on my future? I Doubt it!

That alone should hush most people that have this tainted thought about how Lebron sought out an answer to his query which lead him to Miami with the goal of a brighter outlook for his future!!

Money and moves are involved that help an organization achieve the ultimate goal of bringing home that trophy! It is the same as Larry Ellison buying out software companies to help him continue to be on top of the software industry, or at least strive for it! In Lebron’s case he has done so with ridicule, but with ridicule comes a drive for success and this can only be measured as “worth it” for the outcome of Lebron’s now history!!

In Answer to Doubt:  Who does not receive doubt when being compared to the greatest of anything in any business sport or competition? If your fifth grader brings home a painting that got an A+ and someone says that is as good as a Picasso someone else is going to say I doubt it. But it looks nice.

In Lebron’s case being compared to the G.O.A.T Michael Jordan and then the second coming G.O.A.T Kobe Bryant, it is a no brainer that he has not achieved all of the accolades that they have did.

He has however achieved something better in his own life that separates him from having to be on the same plateau of those two. That is called personal satisfaction.

Doubt usually leads to disappointment or success.  It is a motivator in itself for those that are strong enough to deflect it and use it as a vehicle to get what they want most in life.

There no longer needs to be a comparison of Lebron to Kobe or MJ moving forward.  No more comparisons of how he did it and what drove him to do it. That now over shadows the comparison topic and puts him in the realm of champions.

Lebron has climbed his mountain of life and has nowhere left to go but up to a higher mountain now and he definitely has a goal to reach. He has exemplified a great attitude this past season and let the world know he has learned from his mistakes.

He is by far one of the best to ever touch a basketball and will go down in history that way. With the many players that have set high standards for the NBA it is hard to just put him in the top ten of all time but without a doubt he is and will always be The number one of his TIME!!  Congratulations Lebron James!

Mike Wright is a contributor to The Average Joe Show and covers basketball and football.  Mike is a  former High School All-American basketball player, California Player of the Year,  Jr. Olympic high jumper and #1 HS Athlete of the year.

Joe Arrigo: My ran-DUMB Sports Thoughts

I took a little break from writing (or blogging) after the NFL draft because I was burnt out after all the blogging during that time period. The world of sports has had a lot going on during that time frame, and Joe Pacheco and I continued The Average Joe Show every Tuesday at 8pm pst.

 

But let’s get to my ran-DUMB sports thoughts…..

 

NBA:

As I write this blog during the final moments of the NBA Finals I can’t help but think about Lebron James place in NBA history. While James has his detractors (or “haters”), no one can question his overall game. He is the most talented player in the NBA today, period. His skill set is reminiscent of Magic Johnson’s game, except James has more spring in his legs and Magic was a better free throw shooter. I admit  I am and was highly critical of James lack of “clutch gene” throughout his career, but this series in-particular he showed not only me, but every other critic (including Skip Bayless of ESPN)  that he doesn’t need to make the last shot of a game to win it for his team. He also hit a 3 pointer to put the Heat by 5 in game 4 (on a cramped leg) that was the dagger and sealed a Heat victory.

 

But where does that leave James in the world of NBA greats? Is he better then Michael Jordan? NO. Magic? Not even close. Larry Bird? Nope. Kobe? Not to me. LeBron, to me, is not in MY top 5 NBA players of all-time. He is however in my top 10 and could climb to as high as #2 IF he wins 4 more titles. Here are my top 10 NBA players of All Time.

 

1. Michael Jordan: He redefined the NBA by globalizing it. No player has had the type of global impact that Jordan has had. Kids from Chicago to the Congo from Spain to China and beyond knew (knows) who Jordan is. His shoe brand (Jordan Brand) and NIKE has played a huge role, but his game and personality (on camera) really is what sets him a part. 6 NBA titles & Finals MVP’s, 5 time NBA MVP, 14 time NBA All Star, 10 time scoring champ, 9 time All NBA Defensive team, NBA Rookie of the Year, 1988 Defensive Player of the Year, 3 time steals champion, 3 time NBA All Star MVP, 2 time NBA Slam Dunk champion and a 2 time gold medal winning Olympic champion. One could argue that he really could have been MVP every year he played (from 1988 on) and may have been an 8 time champion if he didn’t retire to play baseball for a season and a half.  He took a franchise that was an NBA also-ran and made them a proud franchise with a history that includes most wins in a season (72) and the third most NBA titles in NBA history (6).

 

2. Magic Johnson: Most will be surprised that I have Magic up this high, but he and Larry Bird saved the NBA. Magic was everything you’d want in a player and leader of men. He was a 6’9 Point Guard that (as a rookie) played Center against Moses Malone in the NBA Finals in the deciding game and led the Lakers to his first NBA title and a Finals MVP. Magic led the “Showtime” Lakers to 5 titles in totality and he would have been the NBA’s All-Time assist leader if it weren’t for the HIV virus he contacted and forced him to retire. That year (1991) he came back to the NBA in the All Star game and won the MVP. Later, in 1992, he was a part of the “Dream Team” which won the Gold medal. He led the “Dream Team” and won his last title, a gold medal, as a player. Magic off the court has been even more successful as a businessman, he now is an owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

 

3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Karrem is the NBA’s leading scorer and block shots leader, 6 time champion, 6 time All Star and arguably the most fundamentally sound big man to play the game. His “sky hook” was unstoppable and I feel Kareem is underrated by most people. While some think Chamberlain is a better player, I think Kareem played against tougher competition when he played and still was the best player in the game for a very long time.

 

4. Wilt Chamberlain: Wilt was (arguably) the most dominating player in the history of sports. He was a Center that could do no wrong on the court (or off it), except for his free throw’s. He scored 100 points in a game, averaged a triple double and simply dominated the competition, except for Bill Russell and the Celtics. Wilt won 2 NBA titles to go along with 4 MVP’s.

 

5. Larry Bird: Larry Bird, along with Magic Johnson, helped save the NBA when they entered the NBA in 1979 & 1980. The rivalry between the Bird led Celtics and the Johnson led Lakers was must seen TV for any sports fan. Bird is a 3 time NBA champion, 2 time Finals MVP & the best pure shooter I have ever seen. He wasn’t flashy (like Magic) but he was a hustler that was consistent game in and game out and had a killer instinct that only Jordan could best. Larry “the Legend” helped turn the Celtics back into an NBA title contender and restored pride to Boston and the Boston Garden.

 

6.Bill Russell: Bill Russell’s statistics don’t tell the whole story. He was a 13 time NBA Champion, played great defense and sacrificed his offensive stats for the greater good of his team. He played Chamberlain better then any player their era and bested “the Big Dipper” in 9 NBA Finals in a 10 year span.

 

7. Kobe Bryant:

I have Magic a head of Kobe in terms of All Time players because of Magic’s role in saving the NBA, but Bryant maybe the greatest Lakers player to ever play. He is a 5 time champion, 2 time Finals MVP, 14 time All Star, 4 time All Star MVP, 2 time scoring champ, 9 time NBA all defensive team, gold medalist and scored 81 points in a game. Kobe is the closest player I have seen to Michael Jordan. He is the ultimate competitor and has no fear taking (and hitting) the big shot, no matter the angle, location, distance or how much time is remaining in the game.

8. Jerry West

 

9. Oscar Robertson

 

10. LeBron James

 

MLB:

The Dodgers need to make a move or two to jump start their offense and Kevin Youkilis is NOT the answer. “Youk” is not the same hitter fans are accustomed to seeing and would only be a 1 year stop gap (he can be bought out of his $13 million dollar deal for $1 million at the end of the year). I was told that the Dodgers have engaged in talks with the Mariners for Ichiro, but no deal is eminent. They also called the Nationals about first baseman Adam LaRoche and like Ichiro, nothing is close to happening.

 

The Yankees are baseball’s hottest team and they are winning with pitching. But as good as the Yankees are pitching, the Pirates and Nationals are pitching just as well if not better. AJ Burnett and James McDonald lead the Pirates staff while Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez lead what maybe the best pitching in baseball in D.C. Both teams need to add more offensive punch (sorry Nats fans, Bryce Harper can’t do it all) and both look to be “buyers” at the trade deadline.

 

Speaking of Harper, he and Mike Trout of the Angels are the just what MLB needed. They two under 21 rookies are the future & face of MLB and have done nothing to make people think differently of their hype. Trout is being over shadowed by Harper, but who hasn’t been. All Harper has done at 19 years old is become the biggest hitter in the Nats line-up and do everything he has been asked to do (and more). He has also impressed with poise and maturity on the field, as well as his advanced approach to hitting. A former MLB exec told me at the beginning of the year that “Harper is  Pete Rose and Trout is Dale Murphy”. So far he looks to be right.

 

While I don’t agree with “cheating” in pro sports, I also don’t agree with snitching. What Davey Johnson did was HIGHLY hypocritical on his end considering he managed Roger McDowell, who was known to “grease up” while pitching in the Majors, as well as other MLB players that have a history of “altering” or practicing habits unbecoming of a Major Leaguer. Johnson did the same thing to the Dodgers Jay Howell in the 1988 NLCS while managing the Mets. Joel Peralta pitched for the Nats previously and Johnson must have known that Peralta hid pine-tar in his glove. As a former pitcher, I see no use for tine-tar in a glove considering it doesn’t do anything to the ball, unlike a tac or nail in a glove, nail file super glued on a finger or vasoline under the bill of a cap.

 

This week on The Average Joe Show we will talk about Rodger Clemens being cleared of federal charges, should Pete Rose be let in the Hall of Fame and the NBA Finals. Tune in Tuesday at 8pm pst on http:blogtalkradio.com/the-average-joe-show.

The Greatest Day Of My Sports Life

It was a day I had waited over 30 years for.  Year after year I had hope that this year would be the year.  My head knew when they had absolutely no chance, and it also knew when they had a good chance.  No matter what my head said my heart always believed there was a chance for a dream to come true.

Finally on June 11, 2012 my dream became a reality.  With a 6-1 defeat of the New Jersey Devils in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Los Angeles Kings had finally reached the pinnacle of the hockey world.  They had become the Stanley Cup Champions!

The Los Angeles Kings aren’t just a team I root for, they are part of my DNA.  They are woven into the very fabric of who I am, not only as a sports fan but as a person.  They are my favorite team amongst all my favorite teams in each respective sport.

The Kings are another member of my family.  My father and uncle have been fans of the team since their inception in 1967, and they passed their passion for the Kings on to myself, my brother, and many of my cousins.

I first fell in love with the Kings when my father would take my brother and I to games at the Forum in the mid 1980′s back when guys like Marcel Dionne, Bernie Nicholls, Terry Ruskowski, Jim Fox, and Brian Engblom wore the not so attractive “Forum Blue and Gold” uniforms.

To say those teams weren’t very good was a understatement as they either didn’t make the playoffs or were bounced in the first round.  The Kings were definitely one of the worst franchises in the NHL.  While the results on the ice were lacking, the passion from the fans was not.  More so than when I went to Dodgers games or other sporting events, the loyalty from Kings fans was second to none, and I knew that I wanted to be part of it for the rest of my life.

Fast forward to the late 80′s and early 90′s.   Wayne Gretzky came to LA in a blockbuster trade, the uniforms changed to silver and black and for the arguably the first time in their history, the Kings were regarded as a respectable franchise.  Like all Kings fans I felt as though a Stanley Cup championship was inevitable.  With the greatest player in the world finally on our side instead of against us, how could a championship not be?

The 1993 season was magical.  With players like Luc Robitaille, Tomas Sandstrom, Tony Granato, Jari Kurri, Rob Blake and Kelly Hrudey playing alongside the “Great One” the Kings made a magical run all the way to the Stanley Cup Final where they faced the Montreal Canadiens.  After a 4-1 victory in Game One and a 2-1 lead with two minutes to go in Game Two, I was starting to taste the Cup.

Then the unthinkable happened.  Kings defenseman Marty McSorley was penalized for having an illegal curvature in his stick.  Montreal scored to tie the game on the ensuing power play and then won in overtime.  I felt like I had been punched in the stomach.  I felt like the Trix Rabbit when he was told that Trix were for kids.  Except this time the Hockey Gods had told me, “Silly Kings fan, the Stanley Cup is not for the sun and palm trees of Los Angeles.”

My beloved Kings eventually lost the series in five games, losing game’s 3 and 4 in overtime.  Despite the disappointment, I felt like the Kings had arrived on the scene and would be a cup contender for years to come.  Little did I know…

In between there were many more years of disappointment filled with no trips to the playoffs or first round exits on the rare occasion they got to the postseason.  It was like reliving the mid 80′s all over again.  I never stopped rooting with every ounce of my being, but like many Kings fans I would sometimes ask, “Is it ever going to happen?  Am I ever going to watch my team skate with the Stanley Cup?”

Fast forward 19 years to the 2011-2012 NHL season and I can now finally answer the word “YES!!!!”  to that question.  Not only did it happen, but it happened in one of the most unlikely yet dominant postseason runs in the history of the NHL.

The Kings went 16-4 en route to their first ever Stanley Cup championship defeating the top three seeds in the Western Conference, and in the Finals they defeated a team in New Jersey that had won three Stanley Cups since 1995 with a future hall of fame goaltender in Martin Brodeur.

Not only did they win hockey’s ultimate prize, but they did it in the truest sense of the word team.  17 different players scored at least one goal along the way.  Conn Smythe winner Jonathan Quick set playoff records by having a goals against average of 1.41 and a save percentage of .946.

As the final minutes were winding down, I thought about all the years of disappointment that were now erased.  No longer will I be haunted by Kings teams with really good players who underachieved.   No longer will I be bitter about McSorley’s curved stick and the disappointment of 1993.  No longer will I feel inferior to fans that have experienced the glory of watching their team skate with the greatest trophy in all of sports.

As I watched the final minutes of the game I thought about my parents taking me to games as a kid.  I called my father to share the moment with him.  I thanked him for making me a hockey fan and I told him I loved him.  I called my brother and one of my cousins just to say, “I can’t believe it finally happened.  The Kings are the champs!”

I yelled in pure joy several times as I saw the streamers come down from the rafters.  I clapped until my hands were sore as Captain Dustin Brown lifted the Stanley Cup high above his head in the most triumphant moment in franchise history.  This was the moment I had dreamed about coming to life right before my very eyes and let me tell you, it felt better than I could have ever imagined.

Watching the Kings win the Stanley Cup was the greatest day of my life as a sports fan.  Better than the numerous Laker championships I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy.  Better than the underdog Dodgers winning it all in 1988.  Better than anything in sports.

Kings radio announcer Nick Nickson said in the closing seconds of the Cup clinching game, “The long wait is over.  After 45 years the Kings can wear their crown.  The Los Angeles Kings have won the Stanley Cup!”

Thank you Kings for letting me share in the moment of your crowning achievement.  It’s a moment that will live with me for the rest of my life.

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