A Toast to 2010

As we end 2010, I like to celebrate those who made a positive impact in sports based on their leadership. In some cases, it is a legacy as some real heroes have passed away. This is not a complete list, or even the most popular list. It is a list of individuals and teams who have inspired, challenged, and in one case, cursed (you'll see why in a moment) me over the past year. Some have seen headlines in this blog, but its still a chance to remember them one more time.

George M. Bratcher
He is local to my community, West Chester, PA. The headline says it all, "Farewell to a Role Model." George served as a juvenile probation officer for nearly 40 years in Chester County, PA. Its hard to say how many young lives he turned around, but many were in attendance at his funeral in October. In return, the community created "Brian's Run" after his son suffered a spinal cord injury playing football to help pay expenses. That run continues today. Rest in peace Mr. Bratcher.

Jill Costello
In late November, Sports Illustrated, ran an article on Jill. It's a story of a young woman diagnosed with cancer who fought valiantly to the end. In her last weeks, she was the coxswain of the Cal rowing team that finished second in the NCAA championships. A month later she died. Her advice on living serves as a lasting inspiration: Your life is happening right now and this it the only moment you can control. This is the only minute that really matters. If you are constantly dwelling on something that happened in the past or feeling anxious about the future, you are missing out on YOUR LIFE. Do what makes you happy in this moment and your life will be full. Rest in peace Jill Costello.

Cody Ross
This is where I curse. He single handidly took the Phillies out of the World Series. He was picked up on waivers from Florida and then went on a tear for the San Francisco Giants ultimately winning the World Series. He always had a smile on his face and thunder in his bat. It seemed at times he carried the Giants on his back. Even better, he appears to appreciate the fans' reaction and thanks them back. A good guy to have as a team mate. Let's hope he has a good 2011, but save his heroics for someone other than the Phils.

The Phillies
This is a great bunch of guys. They want to be here, they love to play here, they want to win championships for the fans. They came out of nowhere in August to win 97 games. The fan support was incredible as they've sold out Citizen's Bank Park 123 consecutive times. I'm guessing that we'll add another 90 sell outs to this total in 2011. This assumes another trip to the playoffs and World Series. Though they lost Jayson Werth to free agency, they picked up Cliff Lee and should have a great staff barring injury.

Manute Bol
Another who died way too soon. He was a professional basketball player for 4 teams over 10 years. He is the only player to have blocked more shots than he made. He was from Sudan and served tirelessly to support his homeland. He was remembered at a memorial service in June by his family patriarch Bol Bol Chol who said: "This man is not an ordinary man. I believe this man is a messenger like other messengers sent into this world-to do something in this world. He has accomplished most of his mission, and so God took him and left the rest of the work to be done by others." Rest in peace Manute Bol.

New Orleans Saints
The year started out with a feel good story. A team and a city rising like a phoenix from the ashes. The Saints had been in the ashes since their beginning in 1966. A few seasons of glory, but mostly they were the 'Aints. They have been good in recent years, but not great. In 2009 they had the best record in the NFC. They hosted the NFC Championship at the SuperDome where they beat the Vikings in the last minutes. The 2010 Super Bowl saw them throw caution to the wind and beat Peyton Manning and the Colts. A city and team on the rise.

Drew Brees
Brees led the Saints to the Super Bowl. In addition, he was named Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year. He joined the Saints in 2006 and has been nothing short of sensational. He and his wife Brittany have done so much for the Gulf Coast since arriving. He leads by example and through his actions. I'm not sure there has been a better match between athlete and city. The Saints should get into the playoffs again this year. I would root for him and the Saints if they made it to the Super Bowl again.

Joe Paterno
In 2010, JoePa garnered his 400th win as a coach. All at Penn State. I'm not sure this will happen again, certainly not in my life time. He turned 84 last week as he and the Nittany Lions prepare to play Florida in the Outback Bowl next week. There are rumors swirling that this may be his last game. If it is, the game will lose a true leader. He began with Penn State in 1966 and has graduated 78% of those who play for him. He and his wife Sue have given back to Penn State who in turn have named a library in their honor. One of JoePa's great quotes is this: "Believe deep down in your heart that you are destined to do great things." Mission accomplished JoePa!

Thank you for reading and reacting to these writings. It's fun to write and better to read your comments. Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.