My Top Sports Stories of 2011

These are what I thought were some of the top sports stories of 2011.

Seahawks win playoff game and unleash Beast Mode:  Who can forget that amazing touchdown run Marshawn Lynch had against the Saints.  From the broken tackles he ran through, to the stiff arm he laid out a Saints defender with. I still can't believe what I saw, no matter how many times I watch that run.  His touchdown put the game out of reach for the Saints and gave Pete Carroll his first Seahawks' playoff win.

Link to Beast Mode's run:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCI-bAPtBRo

Mariners open the season without Dave Niehaus:  It was the first time in Mariner history when fans did not have Dave Niehaus calling the games.  With his passing in November of 2010 fans knew opening day would not be the same.  The Seattle Mariners payed tribute to Dave later in the season by unveiling a statue out in center-field. 

Pictures of the statue: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/thehotstoneleague/2016232153_dave_niehaus_statue_unveiled_a.html

Mariners 2011 season: It was suppose to be a rebuilding season, but who knew in June they would be just a couple games out of first place and give fans something to cheer about. That was before their collapse in July, losing 17 games in a row.  It was still a fun season that included 18 rookies making their debuts including Dustin Ackley and Michael Pineda.  I liked what Eric Wedge did in his first season managing the Mariners.  I just wish he would figure out something to do with Chrone Figgins. 

Kasey Keller retires:  After a 20-year career in soccer, Seattle Sounder's goalkeeper and hometown player retires.  All season was a tribute and celebration of Kasey Keller's accomplishments in the sport of soccer. Culminating with a send off at Century Link Field in front of 64,000 Seattle fans. 

NFL season of the Quarterback: The 2011 NFL season seems to be all about the quarterback.  From the Seahawks saying good-bye to Matt Hasselbeck and bringing in Tarvaris Jackson.  To the rookie quarterbacks getting their shot: Andy Dalton, Cristian Ponder, Cam Newton and even Jake Locker saw some playing time.  Peyton Manning was out before the season started with a neck injury that left him side lined all year and the Colts reeling to an 0-13 start.  Finally the emergence of Tim Tebow  who's fourth quarter comebacks have kept the Broncos in playoff contention and created Tebowmania in Denver.  

Auto racing:  The NASCAR season opened with Trevor Baynes getting his first Sprint Cup victory in only three starts. Tony Stewart dethroned Jimmy Johnson after his five year reign as Sprint Cup Champion.  In Indy car racing we saw rookie driver J.R. Hildebrand just one lap away from winning the Indy 500, when he wrecked on turn four and finished second to Dan Wheldon.  It would be Dan's second Indy 500 victory, but tragedy would strike almost five months later.  At Las Vegas Motor Speedway on lap 11 Dan would be involved in a 15 car pile up, launching his car across the track into a pole, he would be pronounced dead at an area hospital from non-survivable injuries.  

Penn State Sex Scandal: It is appalling to know how many people knew what was happening and how little was done to stop it.  Penn State's beloved coach Joe Paterno was fired for not doing enough.  Like I said in my blog on this issue this is happening everyday to kids, with someone usually knowing it is happening and doing nothing to stop it.    

My blog: 

The tragic death of Mariners rookie outfielder Greg Halman:  During the off- season Greg Halman was at home in the Netherlands when he was fatally stabbed by his brother in their apartment.  He was only 24-years old and a promising Mariners' prospect who would have been competing for a roster spot in the 2012 season. He was buried in his number 56 jersey that he wore with the Mariners when he was called up during the 2011 season.

This is a link to a touching story on Greg Halman and a unique friendship that baseball created: http://aol.sportingnews.com/mlb/story/2011-11-29/greg-halman-johan-limonta-mariners-netherlands-cuba-stabbing-death

Here is hoping for another exciting year in sports and that everyone has a safe and healthy 2012.