Finally … reasons to cheer
Published 3:27 pm Monday, July 20, 2009
Despite all the recent sunshine, dark clouds still hover over the economy. If you’re one of the thousands who can’t find a job, or whose depleted retirement fund won’t let you stop working, or whose vacation plans had a meltdown, you know that all too well.
We could all use a good diversion.
Like a well-timed home run, the area’s sports teams have answered the call, offering fans an unexpected reason for a sunnier disposition:
n It’s almost August, and the Mariners are in contention. Nothing lifts a region’s spirit quite like a pennant race.
n The AquaSox, who haven’t won a division title since 2002, are off to a fast start. Fans at Everett Memorial Stadium have more than just the atmosphere and food to enjoy this summer.
n The expansion Sounders, locked in a group hug with this soccer-crazed region since March, have been near the top of the standings all season. Neon green has become a positive fashion statement. Who would have guessed?
n The Storm, the only pro basketball team still playing at KeyArena, are once again a WNBA title contender.
n Even teams whose seasons haven’t started yet are brimming with optimism. New coaches are in place for the Seahawks, Silvertips and the Husky football team, and all have reason to believe their fortunes will improve.
It’s been an impressive resurgence.
Just last fall, the Mariners were finishing a 101-loss season; the glory days of Lou Piniella a distant memory. Many fans had simply lost interest in a franchise that was churning through managers and over-priced, under-performing players. Now, with a confident rookie manager and a front office that pulled off productive trades and had the good sense to bring back Ken Griffey Jr., there’s a buzz around the M’s that’s been missing since Safeco Field was still new.
In November, the former Sonics opened their first season as the Oklahoma City Thunder — a new low for the Seattle-area sports psyche. The Sounders couldn’t have picked a better moment for their debut. Just ask any of the 65,289 crazies who watched them play European power Chelsea FC at Qwest Field on Saturday.
Top amateur athletes are pitching in, too. Eighty select softball teams have brought their skills, high-fives and tourism dollars (thank you very much!) to Snohomish County this week for the National Softball Association’s 2009 Girls Fastpitch Western World Series. You don’t even have to be a sports fan to appreciate the utter glee these girls bring to the field.
Yet another delightful diversion, the kind sports produce so well. This year, we’ll take all we can get.
