SPORTS From the Bleachers

COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

While basically a column about sports, there have been times when sports were not the focus.

As I sat down to write this week’s column, I thought this might be one of those weeks. After some deliberation, I decided to rethink my position. After all, the NBA finals have begun and appear to be headed toward an exciting, hard fought conclusion. About one third of the Major League Baseball season is over and little has been decided.

The NFL always finds ways to pique our interest and their Organized Team Activities are absolutely doing that across the nation but particularly in Chicago where Bears fans can’t wait to find out how good their team will be. Finally, hockey has returned to center stage in Chicago with the Blackhawks about to draft super kid Connor Bedard. I’ve been around a very long time, and I can’t remember the last time the Blackhawk and Bear fans were this excited and optimistic.

So, is the optimism warranted? Let’s start with the Bears.

They were the worst team in the league last year. Since then the Packers traded the quarterback that “owned” the Bears, Aaron Rodgers. The Bears added two starting offensive linemen, an exceptional wide receiver, a couple of defensive linemen, two linebackers, and a cornerback. Most importantly, fans are excited about their quarterbacks improvement. Going from worst to first, at least in their division, is not out of the question. Fans, including myself, can’t wait for September 10th. when opening day pits the Bears against the Packers.

What about the Blackhawks? Somehow, it doesn’t seem fair that an entire rabid fan base are pinning their hope’s on a 17-year-old, but that’s exactly what is happening. Right now, Bedard is only a prospect, but the young man has credentials that only superstars can match. In fact, this past season in the Canadian Hockey League, his accomplishments included player of the year, top scorer, and top draft prospect, becoming the first player in league history to win all three awards.

I heard a hockey professional wonder aloud if Bedard would score a point a game in his rookie season. Probably not this season, but soon the Blackhawks should be back in contention for multiple Stanley Cups. With all the attention on the Bears and Blackhawks, maybe the Bulls can rebuild quietly and Chicago can become the winter sports capital of the nation.

I would be remiss if I didn’t talk a little bit about baseball. Both the Cubs and Sox had better weeks and because they play in divisions that aren’t very strong this year, they’re still in the race. White Sox relief pitcher Liam Hendricks won his recent battle with cancer and today, on National Cancer Survivor Day, he won his first game since his return. Congrats Liam, we’re all proud of you.

Shel Silverstein said, “I will not play at tug o’ war. I’d rather play at hug o’ war, Where everyone hugs instead of tugs, Where everyone giggles And rolls on the rug, Where everyone kisses, And everyone grins, And everyone cuddles, And everyone wins.”

Be kind. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.