Aug. 9

Sports. What do they mean to you? A fun afternoon? A forgotten yesterday — or tomorrow. A way to keep up with a friend? Maybe all of them. For me, Sports has been all of those things, multiple times. But most of all, they’re a good excuse to get together with a good group of guys or gals (use your own definition of “good”) and just have fun. There’s not another thing that can make you laugh, “ooh” and “ahhh”, make a Cleveland native cry and conjure a sense of pride from a buzzed fanatic when they have no real reason to feel that way.  Bur it doesn’t just stop there, though; Sports can mean so much more — a career for distraught kid; in an indirect way, a career for less gifted person; or a life long lesson. All these things from games. Whether football, basketball or — does any one still watch — baseball (sorry…), these games have something for everyone. You can break it down; find out how a valuable player fits into certain lineups and where they are the most efficient, or what position is revolutionizing the game. Or, you can sit, watch, “Ohhh” and “Ahhh”. There’s something for everyone. You don’t need to know the Assistant Coach’s name to appreciate a 240lb man out-running a 190lb man with cut-off speed. Sports are visceral and intricate. They can caudal you and crush you — love you and lash you. No, I’m not talking about your ex. Still, something most of us can relate to and, sometimes, appreciate.

As I go through school and work, I realize how important these games are to my life. These games, they’re dots on the map where busy friends can gather and strengthen a bond, they’re why Mondays aren’t so bad (Is it August yet? And don’t be that asshole who likes Mondays. It’s never a good look.) — they’re also the reason why you know that girl you’ve been talking up is really into you (or you’ve met a unicorn, and in that case, she already knows the Vikings record and who Charles Johnson is). Why else would she care how the Purple People Eaters were faring? Of course, there are other reasons to do and know the things I have mention, but why? Like I said earlier, there’s no better instance to get a group of your trouble makers together and get a little too involved, even if you have to invite Josh, and last time he broke your buddies mirror when the Cowboys lost, and you told him: don’t be surprised when the Cowboys don’t pull through, they will fuck this up. Life’s not about white-knuckling it until you can let loose; it’s about little incentives on the way. So, go ahead, invite Josh — just lock your bedroom.

Sports, one of life’s great incentives. Right after 19 year-old tail.