NEW YORK, NY – Tomorrow marks the first day of summer, officially, but I’ve always found that kind of silly. For starters, we all know Memorial Day Weekend is pretty much the unofficial start of summer. And, why would we want to make the longest day of the year the official start of summer anyway? It’s just plain sad to think of each day getting a little shorter when summer’s just getting started. Look, I don’t want to get sidetracked. I’ll deal with this issue, gun control (yes, I AM coming for your guns), congestion pricing, and the four-day work week as soon as I’m elected to office. But, for now, let’s just talk some sports.
Mets’ Grimace Streak? I’m Lovin’ It. As of this writing, the Mets are nailing down a seven-game heater – and they have The Grimace to thank. That’s right, the Mets have not lost a game since McDonald’s shake-slurping purple blob threw out the first pitch prior to the June 11th game vs. the Marlins. In a sport that’s more superstitious than any other, long-suffering fans will latch onto anything that feels fortune-changing. And, in this case, that thing is a fast-food frosty beverage icon. Yessir, Mets haven’t been this excited about something so lovable, laughable, and obese since Bartolo Colon retired. Here’s hoping the Mets continue to stay as hot as a Mickey D’s apple pie.
The Mighty Mariners? Speaking of the Mets, on Monday night they destroyed the Texas Rangers (in Texas no less) and, in doing so, gave the Seattle Mariners—at least temporarily—the largest division lead in baseball. Having a 9-game lead on both Houston and Texas is truly uncharted territory for this Mariners team. But hopefully they can navigate these unfamiliar waters and not end up, rudderless, on Gilligan’s Island by season’s end. I’m hopeful the youngsters might finally be putting something together out there in the Pacific Northwest.
Jeff Van Gundy Wins a Ring… with the Celtics! This just sounds like plain old blasphemy but, on Tuesday night, former Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy won an NBA title ring as a member of the Boston Celtics. Yep, there’s life after ESPN… and then some. After being dumped by the “Worldwide Leader” after 16 years, Van Gundy signed on as a senior consultant (wonder how much that pays, sounds like a sweet gig) with the Celts. Now he not only has his ring, but he also has yet another new job. Next season he’ll be Ty Lue’s right-hand man for the LA Clippers. This is the ESPN 30 for 30 I am here for: A Guy Who’s Life Got Way Better After Leaving ESPN. Congrats, Jeff!
WNBA Basketbrawl Brewing. Sticking with basketball, I can’t help feeling this Indiana Fever/Chicago Sky rivalry in the #WNBA is getting a little too chippy. Whether it’s Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese or Caitlin Clark vs. Chennedy Carter or Caitlin Clark vs. The Cast of The Bear, the thing between these two teams seems like a powder keg, with even the coaches doing some chirping. Just hope we don’t get the women’s version of Malice at the Palace. These athletes are good enough to grow their sport without throwing haymakers. Stay classy, WNBA.
Ed. Note: I just wanted to add a fond farewell to the GREAT Willie Mays, who left this mortal coil yesterday at the ripe old age of 93. The Say Hey Kid, represented everything that’s awesome about baseball. He did it all, and he did it all GREAT. He also lived up in my neighborhood in the Bronx for a stretch in the glorious 1970s. He’ll be missed, but remembered forever.
Okay, that’s all for today. Come back tomorrow for everyone’s buddy, Buddy Diaz. – who has never commented on an Angry Ward column.
