Some year huh! The Kings win the Stanley Cup for the first time. Another NHL work stoppage. The Argos claim the Grey Cup. Lance Armstrong is finally exposed. Lindsey Vonn challenges male downhillers.
And how about sportscaster Joe Buck? An exceptional baseball announcer, Buck showed his talent by calling a Major League Baseball game AND an NFL tilt on the same day in October.
I can’t even shower and tie my shoes on the same day.
Buck answered the bell for Fox Sports a year after almost losing his voice when a virus struck a nerve near his vocal cord. He said he will never take his voice for granted again.
I mentioned 100-year-old Minnesota golfer John Baldwin in this space six years ago. He is now gone, but I loved his quote when asked the secret to a long life.
Said John: “Moderation in everything. I quit smoking when I was 82.”
As for me, the odometer is quickly rolling on the back nine and I cherish family and friends more than ever. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good. Don’t take yourself seriously because no one else does.
And please include Norm Amiel, Wayne Richardson, Mike Moore and Haley McDougall in your prayers and positive thoughts.
Here, as is my Christmas tradition, are the best of 2012…
Gone But Not Forgotten: Owen Siddall, Sandi Batchelor, Gary Carter, Junior Seau, Carmen Basilio, Marvin Miller, Lee MacPhail, Sarah Burke, Art Modell, Angelo Dundee, Pedro Borbon, Johnny Pesky, Alex Karras, Ron Caron, Pascual Perez.
Viper of the Year: Adam Tambellini. Honourable mention: Austin Smith.
Best TV Sportscasters: Jay Onrait, Dan O’Toole, James Duthie, Squire Barnes.
Canuck of the Year: Pavel Bure.
Rising Stars: Kevin Hill, Craig Martin, TJ Dumonceaux, Curtis Lazar, Alex Gillies, Harlan Orr, Ryan Vest, Conner Kozak, Vasek Pospisil, Brett Lawrie, Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe, John Garvie, Robby Filice, Chris Leverman, Austin Westgarde, Mitchell Pepper, Shelby Hartwig, Brendan Squair, Cam Pierce, Austin Richardson, Logan Geefs, Connie Kapak, Diane Schuetze, Daralynn Schepp, Kirsten Dodds, Zac Kronbauer, Quinsy Leier.
Best Steak: Blackened New York at Earls. HM: Ian Jensen’s barbecue rib eyes.
Best Pizza: Uncle Dave’s. HM: Boston Pizza.
Best Cheerleaders: Edmonton Oilers Octane, Seattle Sea Gals, B.C. Felions, Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Bucs.
Busts: Columbus Blue Jackets, Grand Forks Border Bruins (1-49-0-2), Kate Upton, Houston Astros, Heidi Klum, Penn State, Monica Bellucci, Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors.
Sparrow of the Year: Jim.
Best Wings: Longhorn Pub. HM: Dave’s at Rosters.
Best onion rings: Winfield Arena.
Best Creampuffs: My mom’s. HM: Okanagan Bakehouse.
Best Names in Sports: Logan-Hill Phoenix, Chapperon Chillihitzia, Dexter Dancs, Flo Gallon, Kuup Peters, Golden Tate, Saylor Martian, Konrad Klimp, Paris Jackson, Wacey Rabbit, Cal Clutterbuck, Senate Patton, Evan Stack, Bennett Hambrook, Jackson Whistle, Joey Crabb, Turner Lawson, Marley Keca, Jamie Crooks, Turner Popoff, Beanie Wells, Uncle Buck, Angus Reid, Wojtek Wolski, Madison Bowey, Brock Balson, Blake Box, Braxton Bilous, Aspen Sterzer, Mike Zipp, Wesley Woodyard, Julius Peppers, Max Unger.
Best Smiles: Missy Peregrym, Robert Griffin III, Chase Batchelor, Brooke Berube, Beatriz Recari, Samantha Head, Zach Agar, Hannah Storm, Jennifer Hedger, Jennifer Garner, Jacqueline Cote, Marissa Becker, Brooklyn Decker, Amanda Bedard, Tori Haller, Paul Rush, Scott Simpson, Craig Ferguson, Stana Katic (Kate Beckett), Julia Mancuso, Curtis Lazar, Guy Paulsen.
Best Legs: Usain Bolt, Christine Sinclair, Mia Hamm, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Hope Solo, Bob Powls, (Lean) Lena Dean, Natalie Gulbis, Denise Bourdon, Kevin Balfour, Wayne Hoover, Wayne Brown, Terry Lowe, Leryn Franco, Darrell Spencer, Maria Kirilenko.
Worst Legs: Steve Fitzpatrick, Andy Doyle, Darin Mundy, Erwin Schuur, Dave (Spyder) Specht, Jeff Parker, Rob Bauml, Butter Bean.
Teams of the Year: New York Giants, Manchester City, Kalamalka Lakers senior AA girls volleyball, Jim Cotter’s rink, Edmonton Oil Kings, Miami Heat, San Francisco Giants, L.A. Kings, Penticton Vees.
