Top Stories
Stories in Unbalanced that you'll love, handpicked by our team.
Yankees Are Beasts of the East. Top Story - September 2022.
On September 27, 2022, the New York Yankees defeated the Toronto Blue Jays, 5-2, to clinch the American League East for the 20th time in franchise history, and the first time since 2019. Divisional play began in 1969, with the American and National Leagues divided into two divisions: East and West (the Central Divisions were formed in 1994). It wasn't until 1976 that the Yankees won the AL East for the first time, but despite that long wait, the Yankees' 20 division titles are the most in the division's history, with the Boston Red Sox being second with 10, which is half of the total of their hated rivals.
By Clyde E. Dawkins2 years ago in Unbalanced
Why Demographics Are Indeed Destiny for the Growth of Women’s Professional Sports. Top Story - July 2022.
Overview One thing we know that holds true throughout the history of American sports is this: There is - and has always been - an ongoing evolution when it comes to the popularity and interest in specific sports. There was a day, back in the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s, that baseball, boxing and horse racing were the 3 most popular sports in the land. And while football had done “well enough” for decades prior, the 1960’s and 1970’s were pivotal - with television, with technology innovations, and with the full integration of college football - in laying the groundwork for both professional and college football to become the big money, dominant sports that they are today. And what are some of the major sports today have not had smooth paths to their places of prominence today. The NBA’s ratings were so bad in the 1980’s that even many of their playoff games were shown on a delayed basis, rather than being shown live. The then-fledgling UFC was almost banned by the U.S. Congress in the mid-1990’s, with Senator John McCain labeling mixed martial arts not a sport, but “human cockfighting.”
By David Wyld4 years ago in Unbalanced
Stanley Cup Final Game Six: After 21 Years.... Top Story - June 2022.
Where were you on June 9, 2001? You know where I was? I was in my living room watching Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Final between the Colorado Avalanche and the New Jersey Devils. I watched as Alex Tanguay scored those two goals (one in the first, one in the second), and Joe Sakic put one in as well. I watched as the Avs won 3-1 and captured the Stanley Cup, and I remember that feeling so well. I wanted it again. Fast forward 21 years and 17 days, and that feeling returned.
By Clyde E. Dawkins2 years ago in Unbalanced
What Went Wrong: Oilers Swept in Chaotic West Final. Top Story - June 2022.
The Battle of Alberta series didn't just determine who would represent the Pacific Division in the Conference Finals, it was a battle to see who would be the last Canadian team standing in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. That honor ended up going to the Edmonton Oilers, after a five game series win, and it was their first Final Four appearance since 2006--the year that the Oilers made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final and fell just one win short. The Oilers faced off against the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference Final, and it was a marquee matchup: Connor McDavid vs Nathan MacKinnon. I was one of many fans who was salivating over this battle between two of the biggest stars in the NHL.
By Clyde E. Dawkins2 years ago in Unbalanced
What Went Wrong: Flames Extinguished in Battle of Alberta. Top Story - May 2022.
We were really excited for this, weren't we? For the first time in 31 years, we had the Battle of Alberta in the Stanley Cup Playoffs; an occurrence that--many say--was set to happen in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused that season to be paused. We all salivated over this, and yes, I was part of the "we all." I was six years old when the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers last met in the playoffs, and I wasn't even thinking about hockey at that time, so this was really my first time experiencing this. I was looking for a seven-game, knock 'em out, street fight between these two longtime provincial foes. Instead, we got a short series that went the way of the Edmonton Oilers.
By Clyde E. Dawkins2 years ago in Unbalanced
What Went Wrong: End of an Era?. Top Story - May 2022.
Nothing lasts forever. Those three words pertain to literally everything, even sports. In this case, it's about the Pittsburgh Penguins. 16 straight playoff appearances; the longest active streak in pro sports. In those 16 years, the Penguins have reached the Final Four five times, which resulted in four appearances in the Stanley Cup Final, winning three of those four. Among the three Cups includes winning back-to-back championships in 2016 and 2017, becoming the first team to achieve that feat in nearly 20 years. Since then, however, the Penguins haven't fared well in the playoffs, winning just one series since then.
By Clyde E. Dawkins2 years ago in Unbalanced
NBA Fantasy: Which Team Matchup Would You Choose to headline the NBA Finals?. Top Story - May 2022.
Welcome to the ‘NBA Finals fantasy matchups’. So far, the playoffs are in accelerating mode with a few teams advancing to the ‘Conference Finals’. The four teams who are the favorites to advance are Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Warriors, and Suns.
By Michael Reynoso4 years ago in Unbalanced
Is This the Official End of "The Process?". Top Story - May 2022.
I’ve written articles about “The Process.” In fact, 11 months ago I wrote this article detailing the Problem with The Process. This is not a hot take, but one that began once the Sixers started tanking.
By Blake A Swan4 years ago in Unbalanced
5 Reasons Why the Lakers had the Most Disappointing Season. Top Story - May 2022.
According to Caesars Sportsbook, the Los Angeles Lakers became the favorites to win the NBA title among 7 other elite teams (Nets, Boston, Suns, Bucks, Miami, Sixers, & the Warriors). Currently, the Lakers’ season is over for many reasons.
By Michael Reynoso4 years ago in Unbalanced
The Real Story Behind “A League of Their Own”. Top Story - April 2022.
I’ve been intrigued with the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) ever since I watched A League of Their Own for the first time a couple of years ago. As the history lover that I am, I decided to do some more digging. I was entirely blown away by what these incredible women accomplished in the 1940s and ‘50s.
By Shandi Pace4 years ago in Unbalanced
Capitals Return to Playoffs; East Playoff Field Complete. Top Story - April 2022.
The eight playoff teams in the NHL's Eastern Conference had actually been set for months, but it finally became official on Sunday, April 17. On that evening, the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the New York Islanders, 4-2, and with that result, the Islanders were eliminated, and the Washington Capitals (who were idle) received the Eastern Conference's last remaining playoff spot. For Washington, this is their eighth straight playoff appearance, which is the 2nd-longest current streak in the NHL, with the Pittsburgh Penguins' streak being twice as long.
By Clyde E. Dawkins2 years ago in Unbalanced
