Sports are in a topsy-turvey world along with much of our existence, propelled by the COVID-19 existence. Still, we continue. We are refreshed by a few signposts along the way. Although muzzled, muffled, and stifled, college football has found a way, in limited fashion, college basketball is ready to begin, even without fans in the indoor game, and the National Football League continues. We react to our favorite teams and favorite games.
The Master golf tournament was completed with rain the only interruption Friday. Problems include the on-again, off-again, high school Winter sports.
It should be duly noted that:
• Except for just a few times, the Chicago Bears have endured a lack of success at quarterback for 70 years since Sid Luckman retired in 1950. Bears’ fans seem harsh on quarterback failures, but, old-timers were spoiled by the college all-America Luckman from Columbia University. In 12 seasons with the Bears, Luckman led the team to four NFL championships and was League MVP three times.
• March Madness in the college basketball tournament was canceled for the March games by the eruption of COVID-19. We heard earlier this week that the tournament may be played in limited fashion at one site in 2021, likely all in Indianapolis.
• Mark Buehrle, former Chicago White Sox pitcher, is on the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame eligible list for the first time. Other recognizable names include Aramis Ramirez and Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs, and Roger Clemens, Tim Hudson, Torri Hunter, Andruw Jones, and Curt Schilling. Results will be known January 26, 2021.
• The Chicago Bulls are expected to start on or after December 22 and the Chicago Blackhawks will start after January 1, 2021.
• The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has a big State meeting Thursday, Nov. 19 to consider the future of Winter sports in the 2020-2021 school year. The majority of the schools have indicated a willingness to postpone play until 2021. Plans continually change in direct relations to increased COVID-19 cases. The wonderful and traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday tournament this year will be skipped. We need to become healthy.