Congratulations to the Giants

Perhaps yesterday's premature proclamation on the New York Giants' website served as a harbinger. But omen or not, here are the Super Bowl XLVI champions, the New York Giants. 

Eli Manning holds the Vince Lombardi trophy
after the Giants won Super Bowl XLVI.

Congratulations to Eli Manning for winning Super Bowl MVP, and congratulations also to Victor Cruz, Ahmad Bradshaw, Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham, Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, Deon Grant, Antrel Rolle, Lawrence Tynes and coach Tom Coughlin for a job well done.

The New England Patriots may have fell short, but they leave Indianapolis with no heads bowed. Kudos to Tom Brady, Aaron Hernandez, Rob Gronkowski, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Julian Edelman, Wes Welker, Deion Branch, Vince Wilfork, Rob Ninkovich, Matt Light, Shaun Ellis, Logan Mankins, Stephen Gostkowski and coach Bill Belichick for a great fight.

Till next September. For now, though, enjoy the ongoing hockey and basketball seasons, as well as wait for baseball to begin in late March. 

The Story of the New England Patriots

Fans of the New England Patriots have witnessed the resurrection of the franchise which had long been a laughingstock in relation to its championship-winning relatives in baseball (Red Sox), ice hockey (Bruins) and basketball (Celtics), thanks largely to the quarterback-coach tandem of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. But before the both of them, some loyal, old school Patriots fans would still remember the growing pains that the team had to endure before ushering in a championship attitude in New England. 

The third 'Pat Patriot' logo
from 1971-1992.

The Pat Patriot Era (1960-1992)

Pat Patriot was the Patriots' first logo, used for a majority of their early history, and remains with the team today as its mascot. Originally the Boston Patriots, they first played their home games in various venues in the Boston area, including the Red Sox's Fenway Park. Those early years were a struggle for the franchise, appearing only once and lost in the 1963 AFL championship. In 1971, they moved to the Foxboro Stadium and became the New England Patriots. 

Even after moving to Foxboro, they still struggled to win, appearing only twice in the playoffs during the 1970s and early 1980s. Their major breakthrough, however, would come during the 1985 season. 

Quarterback Tony Eason, 1986

Super Bowl XX

The Patriots made the Super Bowl for the first time in January 1986. They finished second in the AFC East with an 11-5 mark and defeated the New York Jets, Los Angeles Raiders and Miami Dolphins on their way to the Super Bowl. The Pats were quarterbacked by Tony Eason and coached by Raymond Berry. New England's other star that year was running back Craig James. Despite their success, they couldn't overcome the powerful Chicago Bears of Walter Payton, William 'The Refrigerator' Perry and Jim McMahon, losing 46-10 in one of the most lopsided Super Bowls ever. The city of Boston would later see the Celtics and Red Sox play in their respective championship series that year; the Celtics won the NBA Finals, while the Red Sox lost to the New York Mets in the World Series.

After another playoff appearance the next season, they would struggle for wins again over the next eight years, at one point finishing 1-15 in 1990. Ownership changes came and went, until in 1994, present owner Robert Kraft bought the team. 

The Original Elvis Era (1993-1999)

The 'Original Elvis' logo
from 1993 to 1999.

Before Kraft's purchase the Patriots changed logos from 'Pat Patriot' to an 'Elvis-like' interpretation of a Patriot in silver with blue hat, red feathers and a white star. Bill Parcells, who brought success to the New York Giants in winning two Super Bowls, was brought in as coach prior to the 1993 season, and Drew Bledsoe became the starting quarterback. Following Kraft's purchase, playoff appearances became almost a regular occurrence for the Patriots. Parcells led the team to two playoff appearances in 1994 and 1996, and in the latter, led them back to the Super Bowl.

Quarterback Drew Bledsoe,
1996

Super Bowl XXXI

Like in 1985, the Patriots finished 11-5, but this time they finished atop the AFC East and earned a first-round bye. Led by Drew Bledsoe and Ben Coates, the Patriots carried that momentum en route to the Super Bowl, beating the Pittsburgh Steelers and Jacksonville Jaguars in the playoffs. However, they couldn't overcome Brett Favre, Reggie White and the Green Bay Packers, losing the game 35-21 in New Orleans' Superdome. It was the only bright spot for the city of Boston throughout 1996-97, as the Bruins missed the playoffs for the first time since 1967, while the Celtics won only 15 games and the Red Sox missed the playoffs both times. 

After Pete Carroll led the team to another two playoff appearances, the seeds of a new era got underway when Bill Belichick was hired as its head coach in 2000, and an update of the 'Elvis' logo was unveiled.

The Modern Elvis Era (2000-present)

The 'Modern Elvis' logo
since the 2000 season.

We all know what happened since the Patriots made the blue darker and the uniform font more traditional, with silver added for good measure. The Tom Brady era got underway when, two games into the 2001 season, incumbent starting QB Drew Bledsoe suffered an injury against the New York Jets. Brady then stepped in and promptly led the Patriots to a similar record as their two previous Super Bowl-playing seasons (11-5). The Patriots went on to beat the Raiders (aka the 'Tuck Game') and the Steelers to advance to Super Bowl XXXVI.

Tom Brady with Bill Belichick, 2011

From Whipping Boys to Championship Contenders

The Patriots went on to beat the heavily-favored St. Louis Rams 20-17 thanks to kicker Adam Vinatieri's game-winning field goal. The Patriots' Super Bowl win was the first championship in the Boston area since the 1986 Celtics, and it started the city's decade of excellence, in which they would capture seven championships during that stretch, including an additional two Super Bowl wins for the Patriots in Super Bowls XXXVIII and XXXIX, sandwiching the Red Sox's improbable curse-breaking 2004 World Series triumph. After that, the Patriots would appear in Super Bowl XLII in 2007 sporting a perfect record, but were denied by the New York Giants 17-14 on Plaxico Burress' game-winning touchdown. Had they won, the city would've celebrated a 'treble' after the Red Sox won the 2007 World Series, and the Celtics winning the 2008 NBA Finals. 

Today

The Patriots are making their return to the big stage at Super Bowl XLVI in 2011, again facing the Giants. With the Boston Bruins winning the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals the previous spring, Bostonians are bracing for yet another duck boat celebration. A win will definitely assure the legacies of both Brady and Belichick, and also provide a fitting gift for recently deceased Patriots matriarch Myra Kraft. For the Patriots, this will only add to their tried and tested story of overcoming the odds. As we say, "The story must go on....."

The Road to Indianapolis

The NFL playoffs has reached the conference championship, with the AFC and NFC champions facing off in Indianapolis's Lucas Oil Stadium in two weeks' time. But before all the fireworks, we look at the four teams participating in their respective conference championships.

AFC Championship

Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots

The Patriots have owned the Ravens all-time (6-1), but their lone playoff meeting saw the Ravens win 33-14 in the 2009 Wild Card playoff at Gillette Stadium. This time, the stakes are higher with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. Once again, the Patriots will rely on their experienced QB Tom Brady and improving tight end combination of Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski. However, they are about to face one of the NFL'S stingiest defenses led by Ed Reed and Ray Lewis. At the other end, Joe Flacco is hoping to take advantage of the porous Patriot defense and find receivers such as Ray Rice, while Matt Light, Rob Ninkovich and Vince Wilfork are hoping to stop Flacco and Rice's every move.

NFC Championship

New York Giants @ San Francisco 49ers

Not since Joe Montana, Jerry Rice and Bill Walsh's glory days has 49ers fans see a lot of heightened playoff excitement in Candlestick Park. The Giants and 49ers are meeting for the eighth time in the playoffs, with the 49ers leading 4-3 all-time. And rightfully so, having toppled two of the NFL's most prolific offenses and the past two Super Bowl champions in the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints, respectively. Again this will be an offense-defense matchup. The Giants will rely offensively on Eli Manning, Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks, and defensively on Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck, while the 49ers will play their offensive cards on Alex Smith, Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree, while the defense will rely on Carlos Rogers and Justin Smith.

A lot of storylines will occur in the upcoming Super Bowl XLVI. Will it be a 'Harbaugh Bowl', a Super Bowl XLII rematch, or the first Super Bowl meetings between the Patriots and 49ers or the Ravens and Giants? We'll find out as kickoff dawns this Sunday, with the Super Bowl trip on the line.

The Harbaugh Bowl

This year's NFL postseason features two coaching brothers leading their teams deep into the playoffs. John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Orioles, and his younger brother Jim of the San Francisco 49ers, have led their teams to their respective conference championships, which envisions the possibility of the first Super Bowl involving two brothers in the coaching ranks.

Jim Harbaugh, left, and brother John, right, before a game between the
49ers and Ravens at M&T Bank Park on November 24, 2011

The elder Harbaugh has been the coach of the Ravens since 2008, and have led the team to the playoffs in all of his four seasons. The younger Harbaugh is in his first season with the 49ers, and is credited to turning the team's fortunes around as well as sticking through embattled quarterback Alex Smith. This year, both brothers made the playoffs, earning first-round byes in the process. 

On November 24, the Harbaughs faced off for the first time when the 49ers visited the Ravens at M&T Bank Park on Thanksgiving. The Ravens won, 16-6, in a low-scoring game that demonstrated the coaches' defensive-minded approach.

Last Saturday, Jim's 49ers overcame two late-game deficits against the New Orleans Saints to win 36-32, highlighted by Alex Smith's game winning touchdown pass to Vernon Davis, in what was later dubbed in San Francisco sports lore as 'The Grab.' John's Ravens played the next day against the Houston Texans, with Baltimore winning 20-13. It was the brothers' first NFL playoff wins as coaches, though Jim won it in his first playoff game; John won in his fourth. 

While the Harbaughs have made their mark as coaches, Jim actually has a more extensive NFL experience than John, having played 14 seasons as an NFL quarterback with the Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens and San Diego Chargers, earning All-Pro honors in 1995. John began his odyssey as a college football assistant for various universities before being hired by the Philadelphia Eagles to be their special teams coordinator and later defensive backs coach, roles he held from 1998-2007. Jim also served as a college football assistant with Western Kentucky University under his father Jack during his final seven NFL seasons, before briefly serving as a quarterback coach for the Oakland Raiders from 2002-03.  He then coached the University of San Diego for three seasons, then at Stanford for four seasons, before landing his first NFL head coaching gig with the 49ers. 

Their biggest test as coaches will come next week, as they face two Super Bowl-winning veterans in Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin, respectively. The Harbaugh family will be in Foxboro and San Francisco, respectively, to cheer for the NFL's coaching brothers. If both prevail, then we may as well rename Super Bowl XLVI into the 'Harbaugh Bowl.' 

Animals in Pro Sports (Part 2)

Every professional sports team has a monicker to identify with. So I decided to do teams with animal names first because they seem to be easily identifiable.

6. Underwater Animals

San Jose Sharks

Miami Dolphins

Miami Marlins

Tampa Bay Rays

Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks' logo since 1997 has been a whale coming out of a 'C' hence its inclusion. These creatures' distinct features include gills (except for dolphins and whales), fins and tails used for swimming. Such characteristics enable them to live underwater their entire lives, hence the 'cool colors' featured in each of these logos such as teal, green and blue. 

7. Beasts of Burden

Chicago Bulls

Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Sabres

St. Louis Rams

Milwaukee Bucks

Dallas Mavericks

Denver Broncos

Houston Texans

In the case of the Mavericks and Texans, their representations of a horse and a bull, respectively, are meant to be synonymous with Texas's ranching industry. These animals, whether wild or domestic, are the only ones with hooves which aids them in either walking, running or even climbing in some species. In the case of the Rams, Bucks, Bulls, Bills, Sabres and Texans, a horn/antler signifies defense and protection against opponents, which is also an intimidation factor to say the least.

8. Reptiles

Arizona Diamondbacks

Toronto Raptors

The reptiles first evolved from fish during the Mesozoic period, most of them as gigantic creatures known as dinosaurs. They became extinct towards the end, but some smaller species remain. Their characteristics include rough scales and cold-blooded demeanor. 

9. Insects

New Orleans Hornets

The only team represented with an insect is the New Orleans Hornets. Insects have three distinct body parts: the head, thorax and abdomen. Some also have stinging mechanisms, antennae, scaly wings and compound eyes.

In our next installment, we look at teams with a patriotic theme.

Animals in Pro Sports (Part 1)

Every professional sports team has a monicker to identify with. So I decided to do teams with animal names first because they seem to be easily identifiable.

1. Bears

Chicago Bears

Chicago Cubs

Boston Bruins

Memphis Grizzlies

Menacing and fierce, the bear roams the North American forests and mountains. When cornered, they will attack without warning. Bears also hold mythical significance in fairy tales and in children's stories. In sports, however, a team named after a bear signifies intimidation and fear to others, although you may ask the Cubs' 108-year World Series drought or the Bears' only Super Bowl win in 1985, in which you may say, 'they're big, but slow.'

2. Wild Cats

Detroit Lions

Detroit Tigers

Carolina Panthers

Florida Panthers

Jacksonville Jaguars

Charlotte Bobcats

Minnesota Wild

Cincinnati Bengals

Nashville Predators

A cat has nine lives, hence the nine teams named after cats. In the case of the Predators and Wild, they don't necessarily belong here, but because their logo evokes the shape of a cat's head, they belong in the discussion. Dangerous and intimidating, these wild cats are hunters whose eyes spell danger to other animals. These animals have whiskers that are excellent prey detectors, and their strong teeth aid themselves in hunting prey.

3. Wild Dogs

Minnesota Timberwolves

Phoenix Coyotes

Only a few species of wild dogs exists around the world, hence the lack of professional dog teams in the U.S. and Canada. A dog, when cornered, signals a bark or a howl as a means of protections. They have a keen sense of smell, and in the case of wild dogs, are fierce hunters in groups. 

4. Birds of Prey

Philadelphia Eagles

Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta Falcons

Seattle Seahawks

These birds are capable of hunting, thanks to their strong talons and bills that are specific to the job. I did not include the Chicago Blackhawks because the team was named after a Native American named Chief Black Hawk, hence the Native American head logo.

5. Other Birds

Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Orioles

Pittsburgh Penguins

Arizona Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals

Toronto Blue Jays

Anaheim Ducks

They may not be as intimidating as the birds of prey, but they surely don't lack in fighting spirit. They are either a source of local or national pride, or a source of curiosity. The Ducks were named after a 90s sports movie, while the Penguins were named after their former arena the Civic Arena, which is nicknamed The Igloo. The Cardinals of Arizona and St. Louis formerly belonged to the same owner back in the 1920s.

We look at other teams with animal names in the next installment. 

The Quarterback Wars

The NFL playoffs reach a boiling point, as the top two teams in the NFC and AFC will finally see action in the divisional playoffs. The focus of attention will be the quarterback wars, wherein three playoff-tested vets face off against three rising quarterbacks with something to prove, and, in the case of Texans and Ravens, two young QBs with a chance to enhance their reputations.

Aaron Rodgers vs. Eli Manning

Packers vs. Giants

Both have won Super Bowl rings and MVP honors, and have two Pro Bowl selections on their belt. Manning has started seven playoff games for the Giants, while Rodgers has started five. While Manning played more games than Rodgers, he has never been named to the All-Pro team, something that Rodgers had earned this year. Rodgers is also the league leader in passer rating, which makes him difficult to intercept or sack, and also led the league in TD passes. Manning also has the tendency to throw long passes; his favorite targets include Victor Cruz, DJ Ware and Brandon Jacobs, and is known for game-winning drives and comebacks. Their reputations may well be enhanced with a win.

Tom Brady vs. Tim Tebow

Patriots vs. Broncos

Tebowmania caught fire around the world in 2011, thanks to Tebow's comeback wins and a pose that has grown into a fad. In Tebow's playoff debut he did it again, leading the Broncos to a comeback win over the Steelers in the AFC wildcard playoffs. But in this matchup experience will be the key, as Brady, already three Super Bowl rings richer and two MVPs to boot, has shown a quiet but effective job of leading the Patriots to consistent wins. Plus he has logged a lot of playoff minutes, passing yards and touchdowns. It will take a miracle for Tebow to beat Brady and the AFC top seed Patriots in their divisional playoff series.

Joe Flacco vs. T.J. Yates

Ravens vs. Texans

Both are young quarterbacks with something to prove. Flacco has appeared in seven playoff games for the Ravens, while Yates, a late-bloomer due to injuries to Matt Leinart and Matt Schaub, has only one game logged. The Texans as a team have something to prove as well, that their playoff debuting victory over the Bengals is no fluke. But they face the Ravens who have been playoff regulars the last three years, and have a deeply experienced roster to boot. Flacco now has a chance to extend his own streak of winning a playoff game in each of his appearances, while Yates seek to lead the Texans to unchartered waters. 

Alex Smith vs. Drew Brees

49ers vs. Saints

Again this will be a matchup of experience against youth. Smith is making his playoff debut, while Brees has been a Super Bowl winner with the Saints. Both teams end up 13-3 at the end of the season, but the 49ers finished with a first-round bye based on the conference record. Smith had been a struggling QB prior to the hiring of Jim Harbaugh, but his ascension to an elite QB has helped the 49ers. But in the playoffs he may have a hard time leading the defense-focused 49ers to victory over the offensive attack of the Saints, with which they set numerous offensive records during the season. 

The divisional playoffs get underway this weekend, and the winners of each series advance to the conference championship games, where the winners will then advance to the Super Bowl in Indianapolis's Lucas Oil Stadium on February 5.

Winners of 2011, Major Pro Team Sports

As we continue to look back at 2011, here are the year's winners:


*Note: Only the major awards will be emphasized. Any minor awards will be omitted.


Sports


NFL
Super Bowl Champion: Green Bay Packers, NFC
Super Bowl Runner-Up: Pittsburgh Steelers, AFC
Regular Season MVP: Tom Brady, Patriots
Off. Player of the Year: Tom Brady, Patriots
Def. Player of the Year: Troy Polamalu, Steelers
Off. Rookie of the Year: Sam Bradford, Rams
Def. Rookie of the Year: Ndamukong Suh, Lions
Rookie of the Year: Ndamukong Suh, Lions
Comeback Player of the Year: Michael Vick, Eagles
Coach of the Year: Bill Belichick, Patriots
Super Bowl MVP: Aaron Rodgers, Packers
Pro Bowl MVP: DeAngelo Hall, Redskins


NBA
NBA Champion: Dallas Mavericks, West
NBA Runner-Up: Miami Heat, East
Regular Season MVP: Derrick Rose, Bulls
Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard, Magic
Rookie of the Year: Blake Griffin, Clippers
Most Improved Player: Kevin Love, Timberwolves
Coach of the Year: Tom Thibodeau, Bulls
Executive of the Year: Gar Forman, Bulls; Pat Riley, Heat
Sixth Man of the Year: Lamar Odom, Lakers
Sportsmanship Award: Stephen Curry, Warriors
Citizenship Award: Ron Artest (now Metta World Peace), Lakers
Finals MVP: Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks
All-Star Game MVP: Kobe Bryant, Lakers


NHL
Stanley Cup Champion: Boston Bruins, East
Stanley Cup Finals Runner-Up: Vancouver Canucks, West
Presidents' Trophy: Vancouver Canucks, West
Hart Trophy: Corey Perry, Ducks
Vezina Trophy: Tim Thomas, Bruins
Calder Trophy: Jeff Skinner, Hurricanes
Adams Award: Dan Bylsma, Penguins
Ross Trophy: Daniel Sedin, Canucks
Masterton Trophy: Ian Laperriere, Flyers
King Clancy Memorial Trophy: Doug Weight, Islanders
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy: Martin St. Louis, Lightning
Executive of the Year: Mike Gillis, Canucks
Norris Trophy: Nicklas Lidstrom, Red Wings
Lindsay Award: Daniel Sedin, Canucks
Selke Trophy: Ryan Kesler, Canucks
Jennings Trophy: Roberto Luongo and Corey Schneider, Canucks
Plus-Minus Award: Zdeno Chara, Bruins
Richard Trophy: Corey Perry, Ducks
Messier Award: Zdeno Chara, Bruins
Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award: Tim Thomas, Bruins
Conn Smythe Trophy: Tim Thomas, Bruins
All-Star Game MVP: Patrick Sharp, Blackhawks


MLB
World Series Champion: St. Louis Cardinals, NL
World Series Runner-up: Texas Rangers, AL
Regular Season MVP
AL: Justin Verlander, Tigers
NL: Ryan Braun, Brewers
Cy Young Award
AL: Justin Verlander, Tigers
NL: Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers
Rookie of the Year
AL: Jeremy Hellickson, Rays
NL: Craig Kimbrel, Braves
Manager of the Year
AL: Joe Maddon, Rays
NL: Kirk Gibson, Diamondbacks
Championship Series MVP
AL: Nelson Cruz, Rangers
NL: David Freese, Cardinals
World Series MVP: David Freese, Cardinals
All-Star Game MVP: Prince Fielder, Brewers


Soccer


Europe
UEFA Champions League Champions: FC Barcelona, Spain
UEFA Europa League Champions: FC Porto, Portugal


England
Premier League Champions: Manchester United FC
FA Cup Champions: Manchester City FC


Germany Bundesliga Champions: FC Borussia Dortmund


Spain La Liga Champions: FC Barcelona


France Ligue 1: FC Lille


Italy Serie A: AC Milan


Other Leagues
MLS: Los Angeles Galaxy
WNBA: Minnesota Lynx
Euroleague: Panathinaikos

The (Other) Championship Teams of 2011

On the flip side, there were teams that underachieved the most in 2011. We look back at the 'other' champions in 2011.

Carolina Panthers

2-14 (.125)

Before drafting Cam Newton in the spring, the Panthers won only twice in the 2010 season (ended Jan. 2, 2011, thus part of our 2011 in review). Bad offense, as well as an equally mediocre defense, were trouble spots in the Panthers' season. Their most impressive win was a 19-12 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Week 15, but their most depressing defeat was a 34-3 loss to the then-defending champion Saints on Week 9. 

Minnesota Timberwolves

17-65 (.207)

For all of Kevin Love's double-double streaks and All-Star appearances, the Timberwolves looked atrocious in 2011. Kurt Rambis's modified triangle proved to be a bad fit from the start. The defense was atrocious, even if their offense was decently good. Their most  impressive win was a 129-95 shellacking of the equally mediocre Cavaliers post-LeBron James, while their most depressing defeat was a 128-86 thumping by the Magic, which set the franchise's worst defeat. The Wolves need to put this season behind them after hiring Rick Adelman as their coach and convincing Spanish phenom Ricky Rubio to come to Minnesota. 

Edmonton Oilers

25-45-12 (62 pts., .378)

They hope that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and the return to the Gretzky-era blue and orange will bring the Oilers back to respectability and eventually glory. But before that, the Oilers had the least points of any NHL team that season. They are 28th in both goals scored and goals allowed, as well as the fourth-worst power-play and second-worst penalty kill unit in 2011. Their most impressive win was a 5-0 shutout of the Maple Leafs, while their most depressing defeats were a 2-8 loss to the Rangers and a 1-7 loss to the Hurricanes. 

Houston Astros

56-106 (.346)

Houston, we have a problem! The Astros' 2011 season saw them lose 100 games for the first time in their 49-year history. They traded the bat of Hunter Pence to the league-leading Phillies and the speedy cleats of Michael Bourn to the Braves in midseason, obviously looking to rebuild the team. An ownership situation that wasn't solved until after the end of the season as well as the rumors of moving to the American League were distraction points for the disgruntled fan base. Offensively they had the fifth-fewest runs, the fifth-lowest runs per game, and the second-fewest home runs, while defensively they had the third-highest ERA, the third-highest runs allowed per game, the third-highest runs allowed, and the second-highest home runs allowed. The only positive was that they're 10th in batting average, with Minute Maid Park being a 'hitter's park'. Their most impressive wins were a pair of 11-2 wins over the Cubs and Rockies, while their most depressing loss was a 3-19 defeat to the Rockies. After the season it was announced that Jim Crane purchased the Astros from Drayton McLane, and agreed to move the team from the National League Central to the American League West in 2013. Hope the transition to a DH game where pitchers don't need to bat will be helpful for the Astros in 2013. 

What these teams need to do is to improve in 2012. Hope the lucky ball will bounce your way. 

The Championship Teams of 2011

It's hard to imagine but 2011 is about to wrap up. But before it ends, we look back at the ultimate championship teams of 2011. 

Green Bay Packers

Super Bowl Champions - February 2011

Yes, a team solely owned by the people of Green Bay, Wisconsin won it all in 2011. The NFL's ultimate prize, the Super Bowl, was won for the fourth time by the Packers, previous winners in 1967, 1968 and 1997. They went 10-6 in the 2010 regular season, then defeated the Eagles, the Falcons, and the Bears in the NFC playoffs before beating the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV. Aaron Rodgers was superb in winning the game's MVP, while Mike McCarthy joined Vince Lombardi and Mike Holmgren as the only Packers coaches to win the Super Bowl. The season that followed saw the Packers win 13 in a row before losing to the Chiefs in Week 15. They have a huge chance to repeat as Super Bowl champs by virtue of earning the top seed in the NFC playoffs at the beginning of 2012. 

Dallas Mavericks

NBA Champions - June 2011

Before the drama that was the NBA lockout, the Dallas Mavericks celebrated the team's first championship in its 31-year history by defeating the Miami Heat in six games of the NBA Finals. The Mavericks were seeded third in the West, then defeated the Trail Blazers, the Lakers and the Thunder before engaging the powerful Miami Heat in a rematch of the 2006 Finals. The Heat brought title-hungry stars LeBron James and Chris Bosh to join Dwyane Wade but their combination wasn't enough as equally-starved all-stars Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd delivered key plays to finally put Dallas on top. Nowitzki earned the NBA Finals MVP as Mark Cuban finally earned the championship he envision upon purchasing the Mavericks in 2000.

Boston Bruins

Stanley Cup Champions - June 2011

The Boston Bruins were under the radar as their fellow football, baseball and even basketball counterparts from Boston won championships in the 2000s. Worse, they haven't even won it all since 1972. But in 2011, the Bruins finally joined the party as they defeated the Canucks in seven games of the Stanley Cup Finals. The Bruins were Northeast Division champions and the third seed, and with the exception of a sweep against the Flyers, the team whom they were defeated after leading 3-0 the previous year, they were pushed to a Game 7 against the Canadiens, the Lightning and the Canucks, before pulling through. Goaltender Tim Thomas was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner for playoff MVP, and also winning the Vezina Trophy as the best netminder. Thomas's .938 SV% is an NHL record. After a slow start in October to start the 2011-12 season, the Bruins would lose only once in a shootout and twice in regulation through December 26 as they sat atop the Eastern Conference.

St. Louis Cardinals

World Series Champions - October 2011

The Cardinals were considered the underdogs heading into the NL postseason, having finished as the Wild-Card. But they managed to beat the NL East champion and 102-win Phillies in the Division Series, then defeated the NL Central champion Brewers in the Championship Series. In the World Series, they managed to earn the home field advantage by virtue of the NL's win in the All-Star game. After trailing 3-2 to the Rangers, the Cardinals won a 11-inning thriller in Game 6, then followed up with an equally entertaining Game 7 to win their 11th World Series. David Freese won both the NLCS and World Series MVPs, while Tony La Russa retired a champion. 

Congratulations to the champions of the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB in 2011. Good luck on next year's voyage. 

A Game of Death

In sports, a physically fit body is important, as well as mental preparation and a high amount of psyche for a better performance. But there have been times that not even the fittest of athletes would leave the game standing on their own two feet, let alone leave with their hearts still pumping. That was the case in four key sports deaths that occurred during a game.

Ray Chapman

In 1920, Major League Baseball saw the loss of Cleveland Indians shortstop Ray Chapman due to a fatal hit by pitch by New York Yankees pitcher Carl Mays. While Doc Powers was the first batter to die due to a similar incident, Chapman's death became more publicized, eventually resulting in several rule changes, which include the prohibition of the spitball and the eventual usage of batting helmets.

Bill Masterson after collapsing during a game in Minnesota in 1968.

In 1968, ice hockey player Bill Masterton of the then-Minnesota North Stars died as a result of a checking hit by Oakland Seals' Larry Cahan and Ron Harris. His death eventually paved the way for the mandatory use of helmets in the National Hockey League, effective in the 1979-80 season. Checking, though, in some cases, remain legal hits which count as a statistic for NHL players.

Chuck Hughes after collapsing during a game in Tiger Stadium in 1971.

In 1971, National Football League player Chuck Hughes died of a heart attack during a game between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears. Hughes collapsed as he ran to join his teammates on the bench. It turns out Hughes's family had a history of heart problems which may have played a role in his death. The Lions later honored him by retiring his jersey no. 85 and also named the Most Improved Player award after him.

Hank Gathers after collapsing during an NCAA game in 1990.

While no NBA player died during a game, in the U.S. NCAA one particular on-court death has occurred. In 1990, Loyola Marymount forward Hank Gathers collapsed on the hardwood after performing a dunk during a game against the University of Portland Pilots. Gathers was declared dead on arrival hours later in the hospital, and in the autopsy that followed, doctors conclude that he suffered from a cardiac arrest. The closest an NBA player had come from dying during a game was Reggie Lewis, who collapsed on the Boston Garden parquet during a 1993 playoff game. It was discovered that Lewis had a heart problem while during a checkup, an ailment that eventually claimed Lewis's life several months later during an offseason practice.

Sports is indeed a game of death, temporary death that is. A loss means temporary pain and disappointment, a win means redemption and triumph. Win or lose, however, the health of an athlete is important, for any mistake may cause premature retirement, or worse, death.