‘Tis the season, for giving and cheer. A time to rejoice as we reach the end of the year. As we gather this Christmas, exchanging gifts and great smiles, we reflect on what our favorite teams have given us, in their own various styles. The Giants gave us many gifts, in a season so grand and captivating. The Warriors bestowed us Stephen Curry, whose greatness seldom left us waiting.
The 49ers drove us to imagine a quickly approaching future with Trey Lance, while the A’s still provided some joy, despite their stadium song and dance. Even the Sharks, in their own special way, gave us presents to wield, while the Bears of Cal Football, brought joy to the football field.
On this merriest of Christmas Days, I bestow to you how our favorite teams gifted us in so many ways. Some gifts may be bitter, but most of them are sweet. Being a sports fan in 2021, was quite an overall treat.
Golden State Warriors – Klay Thompson on his Boat
The greatness of Stephen Curry has become quite the norm. And there were those who worried he would not return to form. He continues to shoot threes from oh-so-deep, and back into the playoff picture the Warriors did creep.
Draymond Green reminded us of his defensive force and might, proving he’s someone you want on your side in a fight. But when Klay was on his boat, he brought joy to me and to you. Reminding us all, when he is back on the court, “It’s gonna be a beautiful thing when I do!” There was something so zen about the boat captained by Klay. We all wished we could have joined him, if even for half a day. When Klay was on his boat, there was no need for a plan, except to provide a few pointers, for first mate James Wiseman. We are just weeks away from Klay’s return to the hardwood. When that first three goes SWISH, everything will be all good.
San Francisco 49ers – Moving Up to Draft Trey Lance
As the draft inched closer, it seemed 49ers fans were torn on Jimmy G. Half of them decried another season with him, “How could this be!” But at the end of March, Kyle Shananan and John Lynch, made a move that was all but a cinch. A move so great, it would shake the internet, and provide Niners fans with rumors and discussion that would never satisfy their palate. And just like that, three first round picks became just one at number three, and 49ers fans jumped with joy and with glee. “We could have Justin Fields, Mac Jones or Trey Lance!” 49ers fans were ecstatic, even breaking out in dance.
When Lance donned his Niners cap, there was a bright future to envision, even if to the starting spot he has yet to have risen. With his ability to run, and arm talent so great, forgive the Butcher Boy Joe Shasky if he is unable to wait. All it took was one practice for him to go to bed, as visions of Super Bowl runs danced in his head.
San Francisco Giants – Camilo Doval
It is easy to enjoy the Giants’ 107 wins, providing us a summer of 107 grins. There was the final season of the great Buster Posey, spending one last summer in the squat. Giants fans will surely miss seeing his name in the lineup quite a lot.
But perhaps the Giants’ greatest gift was the rise of Camilo Doval, whose 100-mph fastball showed fans they could develop a closer after all. Even when times were down, manager Gabe Kapler showed great pride, and when Doval retired Gavin Lux on a deep fly to center, that smile on your face was quite wide.
Listen to sports talk now on Audacy and shop the latest NBA team gear
Oakland A’s – Starling Marte’s August
A large part of the A’s season revolved around moving to Las Vegas. Fans wondered aloud, “Why does Dave Kaval hate us?” After a rough start followed by a 13-game win streak, it was apparent anything could happen on any given week.
But for the glorious month of August, there was Starling Marte. Every game the A’s faithful were treated to a raucous partay. A’s fans loved his frequent base-stealing flight, as he provided the offense with a spark every night. Alas, while his on-field thievery gave opposing teams sweats, his punishment for his greatness, was being signed by the Mets.
San Jose Sharks – The Rise of James Reimer and Timo Meier
Just two years ago, the Sharks fell two games short of playing for hockey’s greatest prize. What has followed is irrelevance, which after nearly 20 years of success, has been a surprise. Gone are the stalwarts, Patrick Marleau and Mighty Jumbo Joe. And The Captain Joe Pavelski, why did he have to go? After the COVID-ravaged season, left Sharks fans with sadness, the play of Timo Meier, has provided a reprieve from the madness. A team-leading 29 points, as he fights to attain an all-star level, has provided the Sharks faithful with something to revel.
Between the pipes sits another great fighter, and that is the goalie, his name is James Reimer. With reflexes so quick, his stops can be savage. He is fifth in the league with a 1.99 goals against average. With Logan Couture, Tomas Hertl and Brent Burns in tow, if COVID does not ruin their season, how far could they go? All it would take, is for this team to get hot, as they sit just five points out of a coveted playoff spot.
Cal Football – The Stanford Axe
Despite a losing, bowless season, the Bears year was still grand. They brought home The Axe, without having to run through a band. No Cal fan likes to see their Bears with more losses than wins, but they still enjoyed the Cardinal taking that 30-point loss on the chin. The Bears future may be neither bright nor in tatters. “We got the Axe,” the faithful fans chant, and that is all that matters. If that was not enough to fill Bears fans with glee, they rejoiced two weeks later with a win over USC. With Justin Wilcox coming back, there will be more to his story. Bears fans will chant to the whole damn world, “This is Bears territory!”
It was a truly fun year for the Bay Area teams. Let’s hope 2022 brings more championship dreams. Until then, may your Christmas be as merry as can be, and happy holidays from all of us, at KGMZ.
