FINISHES

by Dave Friant

It’s in the top tier of what elevates the pulse rates of sports fans. Athletic contests with outcomes up for grabs. Good ol’ barnburners. Either as a participant, an in-person onlooker at an event, or viewer of an ESPN sports presentation while relaxing in a comfortable recliner, it’s my bet that 90% or so of y’all have experience in such activities.

Preparation is essential. These toss-up finishes have the potential of messing with your psyche and physical health. Furthermore, the stability of the marital union becomes dicey after enduring a “you bet HOW MUCH?” dialogue with the principled one within the home. Results in many cases affect adrenaline levels/BP readings that require an increased dosage of Beta Blockers for relief. In addition to downing those last two Pizza Hut slices in record time, such episodes of panic can be effectively dealt with nowadays on your iPhone. No kidding. A Shortcuts app can act as a speed dial emergency call when matters become overwhelming. Check with your grandkid(s) for proper handling of the setup. As with all stressors, proceed with caution.

At times, photo finishes through the lenses of high dollar cameras are used to determine the fate of a participant(s). The by-a-nose winner during the arguably most exciting two minutes in sports each year comes to mind with colorfully adorned tiny jockeys sitting atop hightailing it thoroughbreds at Churchill Downs. Or a Daytona 500 by-a-bumper completion of a NASCAR auto racing event. Oodles and oodles of close competitions in a variety of sports.

On the other end of the spectrum are athletic walks in the park. Clashes where winners are identified soon after the start of a contest. Early season college football games involving ranked teams versus “directional schools” (e.g. Eastern Washington University, Southwestern Maine State) typically are yawners. Add to that list USA Olympic hoopsters who demonstrate their superiority against most any competing country in the world.

Improbable results frequently toy with emotional states. Small fissures in the “no way we lose this one” levels of certainty by expected victors often aid underdogs into outstanding performances. Crowds get rowdy. From pee wee football 8-year-olds to highly paid professional athletes, momentums change and have miraculous impacts on outcomes. Recalled is arguably the greatest upset in the history of sports when the USA 1980 Olympic Hockey Team took to the woodshed the mighty Soviet Union squad. The phrase “Do you believe in miracles?... YES!” voiced by sportscaster Al Michaels is etched into the minds of every sports fan on earth.

It’s fascinating to witness come-from-behind bounce backs. Absolute shockers. “Prevent defenses” doing anything but. Low percentage “Hail Mary” prayerful passes at the end of games which for the most part go unanswered. Power play extra skater tallies in the final five minutes of a hockey game. Fabulous viewings for even the unenthusiastic fan.

Executions by skilled athletes continue to steal the show when spectacular talent is unleashed. Regardless of the matchup, it continues to satisfy my need for a sports fix. Worthy of a watch in lieu of a Friday night entire upstairs vacuuming chore. Such viewings (the non-casket type) by far eclipse an unexpected weekend visit from Uncle Joey with his twitching left eye and casino stories about his earlier Atlantic City pre-prison days.

Lots of options up for grabs. Even if not as a participant, the Metroplex offers fans live observations of the four major professional sports plus other competitive activities involving renown athletes.

Set aside that list of costly front burner purchases/projects and buy a ticket or two for a sporting event. Professional. Collegiate. High school. Makes no difference. Or pack up those new-fangled on sale lounge chairs with the deep cup holders purchased to watch an up close and personal Saturday afternoon “freebie” matchup involving your grandson or granddaughter. A post-game partially cooked hotdog and a medium cherry slush will usually do the trick with any queasiness associated with jitters experienced by the jock or jockette-in-the-making.

Applaud the efforts of participants. Act your age and refrain from having it out with an official. A lack of self-restraint can undo positives that might be derived from being present for the game. Such embarrassing moments last much longer than the gratification of a 4-3 extra inning win with a two-out double by your Mike Trout wannabe grandson.