The Athletes of 2015

The Athletes of 2015

The Best

Stephen Curry - Curry has had an eventful 2015. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers in June to win the NBA title. Curry was the League MVP. Curry then led the Warriors to a 28-0 record to start the season.

Tom Brady - Brady won his fourth Super Bowl ring in February and was the games MVP. Later that year he was suspended for his role in Deflategate. Brady would appeal and win his suspension. On opening night he would carve up the Steelers with four touchdowns. He is an MVP candidate and the Patriots sit at 12-3.

Bryce Harper - Harper had his best pro season in 2015. Harper at just 22 for most of the season hit 330 with 42 home runs and 99 RBI. Harper was named NL MVP and to his 3rd all star team in four years.

Floyd Mayweather Jr - Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao would finally square off in the super fight everyone wanted to see. Mayweather beat Pacquiao in a unanimous decision to move to 48-0. He would then defeat Andre Berto to move to 49-0. He says that he is going to retire but who knows what the future holds for Floyd.

The Comeback

Alex Rodriguez - Suspended for all of 2014 , 39 years old , many thought Alex Rodriguez was finished. He however was not. Rodriguez would comeback to hit 33 home runs and lead he Yankees to the wild card game. Rodriguez would reach many personal milestones such as passing Willie Mays on the home run list , getting his 3,000th hit , and moving to second on the all time RBI list.

Ryan Fitzpatrick - Fitzpatrick was brought in by the Jets to be the backup Quarterback. However after Geno Smith was involved in a incident Fitzpatrick would take over the team. With a win on Sunday Fitzpatrick will have the Jets in the Super Bowl.

The Clutch

Andre Iguodala - The Warriors won the NBA title and Iguodala was the Finals MVP. He did most of his work coming off the bench for the Warriors a new role for the veteran.

Wade Davis - The Royals won the World Series and veteran fire throwing closer Wade Davis was lights out at the end of games. Davis was able to shut down the Astros , Royals , and Mets throughout the playoffs. Davis emerged as baseballs best closer when it meant the most. He pitched to a zero era in the playoffs.

Patrick Kane - Kane was one of the NHL's most dominating players on one of the best teams in the league. The MVP candidate led the Blackhawks to the Stanley Cup finals and they would eventually
win the Cup.

Daniel Murphy - The Mets made there historic run to the World Series and Daniel Murphy made history hitting home runs. He hit home runs in 6 straight games.

The Most Entertaining

Cam Newton - The Panthers are 14-1 and Newton may be the NFL MVP. Newton has done everything from rush for 100 yards to pass for five touchdowns.

Odell Beckham Jr - The most explosive receiver in the NFL , Beckham has been better in his second year with Eli Manning.

Lebron James - Any time Lebron James is on the court it is big news. James led the Cavaliers to the finals in his first year back. James received MVP votes in the finals despite his team losing. He did
everything and kept the Cavs in it basically by himself.

Alex Rodriguez - No one gets the attention like A-Rod good or bad. He was a fixture and a comeback story in 2015. Rodriguez hit 33 home runs in his comeback season and even did work as a Baseball analysis for Fox in the playoffs.

Rob Gronkoswki - Gronkowski is by far footballs best tight end. Every week he does something special. Gronk has caught 11 touchdown passes this season.

Bryce Harper - Harper blasted 42 home runs and hit 330 at just 22 years old. Harper didn't turn 23
until October. He played great defense and the best offense which led him to the MVP.



The Rookies

Andrew Wiggins - Wiggins put the Timberwolves back on the map in his first season and is only getting better in his second season. He looks like a future MVP.

Todd Gurley - Gurley has emerged as one of the best running backs in football. He has 1108 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Jameis Winston - Winston has proved to be a franchise Quarterback right out of the gate.

Carlos Correa - Correa dominated with the bat and the glove as the AL Rookie of the Year. Correa led the Astros to the playoffs as a rookie shortstop.

Kris Bryant - The Cubs finally promoted the slugger rookie third basemen and they made a deep playoff run. Bryant was the NL Rookie of the Year.


Performances

Drew Brees and Eli Manning would go head to head in one of the best QB duels of all time. Manning would throw 6 touchdowns and Brees 7. The Saints beat the Giants by a field goal.

Jose Bautista would hit a go ahead playoff home run against the Rangers in game 5 of the ALDS. His
 bat flip was more impressive than the home run.


Holly Holms was given no shot to beat Ronda Rousey but knocked her out to win the title.

Kobe Bryant calls it a career after the season and the Celtics fans cheered their long time enemy the other night in his final game in Boston.

Roberta Vinci would defeat Serena Williams in the US open ruining Williams' Grand Slam chances.

By Peter Vitella
@realpete13

2015 Year in Sports Through Pictures

2015: The Year in Sports

January

The Cowboys beat the Lions in the playoffs after a controversial flag is picked up. The play should have been called on the Cowboys but was not. The Cowboys would then lose to the Packers after Dez Bryant couldn't complete a catch according to the Calvin Johnson rule.

Ohio State would crush Oregon and win the College Football NCAA National Championship.

The Patriots would destroy the Colts in the AFC championship game however the Colts would complain that the Patriots used under inflated balls. An investigation would occur. Deflategate was born.

Chicago Cubs Baseball legend Ernie Banks dies at age 83.

ESPN Sports Anchor Stuart Scott passes away at  age 49 after his battle with cancer.

February

The New England Patriots win the Super Bowl defeating the Seattle Seahawks. Tom Brady was the games MVP. Julian Edelman had the winning score and Malcom Butler the game saving interception.

 Ed Sabol passes away at age 98. Sabol was best known for his NFL films.

Former Knick Anthony Mason dies at age 49.

Legendary college basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian died at the age of 84.

Josh Hamilton suffers a drug relapse and the Angels want no part of him. Hamilton isn't suspended.

March

Texas fires long time coach Rich Barnes.

Alex Rodriguez singles in his first at bat back from his 2014 suspension in a Spring Training game.

MLB legend Minnie Minoso dies at age 90.

The March Madness tournament kicks off in men's college basketball. Kentucky is the clear favorite to win the title.

April

Duke wins the National title defeating Wisconsin. Kentucky doesn't even make the title game after being clear favorites.

Alex Rodriguez makes his retain to baseball and his return to the Yankees. The fans welcome him back.

UCONN wins the woman's NCCAA national championship.

The Orioles play a home game with no crowd due to the Freddie Gray riots

Aaron Hernandez is found guilty of murder and gets life in prison.

Jordan Spieth wins the Masters.

The Angels trade Josh Hamilton back to the Texas Rangers.

Jameis Winston is drafted number one overall by the Buccaneers in the NFL draft.

Golf legend Calvin Peete dies at age 71.

May

Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao finally meet in the battle of the two best boxers of the generation. Mayweather handily beats Pacquiao.

Alex Rodriguez passes Willie Mays on the all time home run list.

Chelsea wins Soccers premier league.

Tennis legend Doris Hart dies at age 89.

June

Tom Brady appeals his suspension for his role in Deflategate Gate after getting a four game ban.

Sepp Blatter ends his 17 year FIFA reign after a police probe in NYC.

American Pharaoh wins The Triple Crown.

Alex Rodriguez hits a home run at Yankee Stadium for his 3,000th hit.

Barcelona wins the Championship league led by Lionel Messi.

The Blackhawks win the NHL Stanley Cup.

The Warriors win the NBA title.

Vanderbilt wins the NCAA College Baseball title.

Dansby Swanson is drafted first overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

WWE legend Dusty Rhodes passes away

July

NFL legend Ken Stabler passes away at age 69.

WWE legend Rowdy Roddy Piper dies.

Jason Pierre Paul blows off his index finger playing with fire works on Fourth of July.

The USA Women's soccer team wins the World Cup.

The American League wins the MLB All Star Game. MLB fans voted on the greatest living players and Pete Rose and other Reds retuned to Cincinnati.

August

Geno Smith is punched in the face by his own teammate IK Enemkpali and has to get surgery. The Jets would turn to veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick who would never give back the job.

Patrick Kane is accused of sexual assault and eventually wins his case.

NASCAR Legend Buddy Baker dies at age 74.

NFL legend Frank Gifford dies at age 84.

September

A Judge overturns Tom Brady's four game suspension for his role in Deflategate. Brady throws four touchdowns on opening night against the Steelers.

Roberta Vinci defeats Serena Williams in a huge upset in the US Open.

The Nationals are eliminated from MLB postseason contention , many peoples World Series favorite. Jonathan Papelbon chokes Bryce Harper in a dugout fight.

The New York Mets win the NL East.

The Houston Astros reach the playoffs.

MLB And US legend Yogi Berra passes away at age 90.

Former NBA star Moses Malone dies at age 60

Tom Brady throws his 400th career touchdown.

David Ortiz hits his 500th home run.

October

Max Scherzer throws his second no hitter of the season.

Alex Rodriguez finishes the season with 33 home runs and the Yankees win the Wild Card. CC Sabathia checks into alcohol rehab right before the game.

Jose Bautista hits a dramatic playoff home run against the Rangers and does a dramatic bat flip.

The Mets defeat the Dodgers and Cubs and reach the World Series.

The Patriots , Panthers , and Broncos all start undefeated and dominate the NFL.

NBA coach Flip Saunders dies at age 60.

Steve Spurrier retries midway through the College Football season.

Lamar Odom overdoses in a brothel.

November

The Royals defeat the Mets in the World Series.

Eli Manning passes Joe Montana on the NFL Touchdown List.

Drew Brees and Eli Manning combine for 13 touchdown in a single game. Brees had 7 and Manning
6.

Holly Holms knocks out Ronda Rousey.

Kobe Bryant announces he will retire after the season.

David Ortiz announces he will retire after the 2016 season.

Peyton Manning breaks the NFL passing yardage all time record. He would get benched in the very same game. He would later reveal multiple injuries.

MLB pitcher Tommy Hanson dies at age 29.

December

Hockey great Dickie Moore dies at age 84.

A report comes out linking Peyton Manning , Clay Matthews ,  Ryan Howard  and other to an HGH clinic. Manning denies the allegations and threatens to sue over the issue.

Warriors lose ending their winning streak at 28 games.

Charles Woodson plays his final home game in the NFL.

The Raiders and Chargers play their final home games before potentially being relocated.

The Falcons defeat the Panthers ending their bid at a perfect season.

The Diamondbacks sign Zack Greinke. They also trade number one pick Dansby Swanson.

By Peter Vitella
@realpete13

The League : Fantasy Footballs Best Comedy

The League may not be Fantasy Footballs last comedy that's ever made but it was certainly the first. There is no question that it will always be the best. The Fantasy Sports industry has blown up over the years and The League on FXX was along for the ride. It's hard to stay on tv for seven years with a show topic of fantasy football but the league had no problem doing so. The League will always have a lasting impact on the Fantasy Football world , the sports world , and the comedy world. Husband and wife Jeff and Jackie Schaffer are to thank for this classic comedy.
On Wednesday night the League had its final episode after seven unbelievable years. The show had actors and actresses we may not have known seven years ago but now we have come to know and love. The creators were not even sure how long the show would last and seven years later it ends with an epic send off.

The show stars Nick Kroll , Mark Duplass , Katie Aselton , Jon Lajoie , Stephen Rannazzisi and Paul Scheer. Jason Mantzoukas as it's most common guest star. You will never see a cast so close and so on point. A cast that didn't know much about each other that became as close as a cast as can be. You will learn a lot from watching the League. You will learn how to do your league and you will certainly learn how to make your league better. You will certainly learn how to sh*t talk. The cast members became great friends doing the show and by the second season you can see the dynamic they had together.

The League main characters named Jenny , Pete , Kevin , Andre , Ruxin and Taco were the stars of the show however their was some great characters that had part time roles as well. We were introduced to Ted , Russell , Shiva , Trixie , Dirty Randy , Sophia , Meegan , and of course Rafi some people's favorite. Rafi was one of the craziest and most vile characters on tv and was great for the show. The League has been blessed to have some stars on the show such as JJ Watt , Adrian Peterson , Randall Cobb , Jason Witten , Brooklyn Decker , Sarah Silverman , Matthew Berry and so many others.

The League will have a lasting impact on its fans , on tv , on comedy but most important fantasy football. The League is one of the funniest shows on tv and transcended the way we smack talk our friends.

Whenever you hear terms like Three Penis Wine , Vinegar Strokes , rosterbating , Shivablasting ,fear Boners  The Sacko , riding on a suck stick , fidelio , forever unclean , Eskimo Brothers , The EBDB and so many others you know where they came from. So thank you to the League as they probably don't even realize how many leagues are named or created after theirs or how many people were inspired to play because of them. Thank you to the wonderful cast members and thank you for all the reruns we can watch forever and ever so we stay un clean. The League always said what was on its mind whether it was raunchy and disgusting and that's what made the show great. It was never about winning the money it was about winning the trophy avoiding the Sacko and of course making fun of your friends and family. The best part about last nights ending is that while the show may have ended the League itself did not. I hope FXX updates us on who wins each year. The show ended as it should making fun of Andre. And of course with a hearty and heartfelt Ruxin SUCK IT !!!! So once again thank you to the League for inspiring so many fantasy leagues whether it's baseball football or whatever. I know you guys inspired mine. I remember talking with some friends watching the show saying we should do this while watching the show. Of course we did it and every year we have our fantasy baseball and football drafts live and in person. So if you've never seen the show check it out because you will have plenty of laughs. Shivakamini Somakandarkram !!!!!!!

By Peter Vitella
@realpete13

Baseball is Going through Changes Regarding it's Past

Is Baseball Seeing A Changing of the Guards on PED Issues ?

We do not know if players who were involved or admitted to using steroids will ever make the Hall of Fame. One thing however is very clear these players will be involved in the game of baseball. The Miami Marlins named the All time Home Run King Barry Bonds the teams new hitting coach. Bonds is not the only former steroid era player to be involved in coaching as Mark McGwire is the bench coach for the Padres. It is McGwire's third job in baseball post playing career. Matt Williams who was another player who was involved was the Nationals manager and continues to coach in baseball. Manny Ramirez continues to work in the game with the Cubs.

Of course their are also some players who continue to play in the Majors and play well despite their past. David Ortiz who's name was linked to PEDs is retiring after the season and many will celebrate him. Ortiz has so much support in Boston many people forget he was involved or simply deflect his name with the issues. I have no issues with the PED stuff but it is interesting how some won't
acknowledge Ortiz's involvement. Never the less Ortiz is a marketable player for baseball and Boston.

Alex Rodriguez sat out all of 2015 due to a steroid suspension. After a messy year with baseball and the Yankees , Rodriguez was back in the good graces of baseball and the Yankees. Rodriguez had a great season hitting 33 home runs and helping the Yankees reach the playoffs. Rodriguez embraced being the DH position and embraced the under dog persona. Rodriguez won back many people including the majority of Yankee fans. Rodriguez did pre and post game work for Fox in the playoffs and was widely popular as a commentator. Rodriguez was very active in baseball and Yankee charities and was back being a big player in the press game in a positive way. It has to be good for baseball when one of its biggest stars can be used in marketing and other things after the issues. The Yankees even had a day at the stadium to honor Rodriguez.

Personally I think it is great for baseball that people in the game can move past the steroid issues. The era was the era and that can't be changed. Former players like McGwire and Bonds have plenty to offer as coaches. Alex Rodriguez has plenty to offer the young players on the Yankees and young players in the game. We saw the benefit of Jason Giambi on the Indians in developing young players. Could these moves be possible moves towards these players making the Hall of Fame ? It's very possible.

By Peter Vitella
@realpete13