The Sport Superlatives - Issue No. 22

May 31, 2024

🏆 The Superlatives 🏆

The Most Celebrated: Josh Gibson

Earlier this week, it was reported that Negro Leagues’ statistics would be incorporated into the MLB’s historical records. As the Negro Leagues stats from 1920-1948 are being integrated and elevated by the MLB, one baseball legend is finally getting his flowers: Josh Gibson. 

Gibson has long been recognized as one of the best catchers in baseball history, having been inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972. But as of Wednesday, he has now entered the chat as a leader in career batting average, career slugging percentage, and single-season batting average, competing with the stats of Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb. While the rich history of the Negro League stands on its own -with or without validation from the MLB- it is certainly a win to have these legacies be more broadly recognized and celebrated. 

The Most Villianized: Ángel Hernández

MLB Umpire Ángel Hernández announced his retirement after a 30+ year career… and if the headlines are anything to go by…. He won’t be missed by teams or fans. Hernandez has often been criticized for his calls during games. So much so that a number of “anti-reels” have popped up all over Blue Ivy’s internet, highlighting his worst calls. 

While he loved the game of baseball, he and the MLB had a… slightly toxic relationship, which led to him suing the MLB in 2017 for discrimination. While he was unsuccessful in suing the league, the MLB is said to have given him a settlement that prompted his retirement. Well, at least now, the only calls he has to make are to his lil’ friends to meet him on the golf course… or whatever retired people do.

@umpireauditor

** NEW UMPIRE AUDITOR RECORD ** (4/12/24) Umpire Angel Hernandez rang up Wyatt Langford on three pitches out of the zone. The strikeout pi... See more

🏀 We’re Almost There: So, the Boston Celtics are headed to the NBA Finals. They made quick work of the Indiana Pacers, sweeping them right on out of the NBA playoffs and straight into vacation mode. Now, don’t be fooled. With the exception of Game 2, these were some tight games that came down to the final seconds, but in the end, the best team won and was crowned Eastern Conference Champions. 

On top of that, Jaylen Brown (not Tatum? Oh, the scandal!) was dubbed the Eastern Conference Finals MVP! His response to winning? “I wasn't expecting it at all; I don't ever win s—.” That’ll be our exact speech when we hit the lotto. Anywho, yay for more participation trophies!

On the West Coast, the Mavericks finally stopped playing with their food and sent the Timberwolves packing. After being up 3-0 in the series, they relaxed a bit and let the T-wolves take one and maintain a bit of their dignity (the same can’t be said for the Pacers). However, after last night’s [blowout] win, the Mavs have punched their ticket to meet up with the Celtics in the NBA Finals. The Western Conference Finals MVP award was given to…you guessed it…Luka Dončić …woohoo. Now they can all rest up and prepare for battle…and we can all watch the carnage as the NBA Finals begin Thursday, June 6 on ABC. 

🏒 Studying for the Finals: We are in full swing in the NHL Eastern and Western Conference Finals!

How many OTs will be played before the title of Eastern Conference champs is claimed? At least three! Two to the Rangers and one to the Panthers. The teams went into Game 5 last night, tied up in the series, and the Panthers came out with the lead, winning 3-2.

Over on the west side, the Edmonton Oilers/Dallas Stars series started with a 2OT win by Edmonton, but things have really evened up since then. In Game 4, the Stars led with two early goals in the first period, but the Oilers roared back with five consecutive goals (from five different scorers) to take the game. The Oilers’ Stanley Cup chase is not just for their fans but also for every Canadian NHL fan since the last time a Canadian team won the Cup was 1993. Game 5 is tonight (Friday) at 8:30 PM EST.

🏒 We Have A Winner! Minnesota is the inaugural PWHL champion, taking down Boston with a decisive 3-0 win on Wednesday. Three-time Olympian, first-time mom, champion negotiator, and Minnesota captain (and oldest teammate) Kendall Coyne-Schofield had the honor of lifting the Walter Cup for the very first time. We love an athlete who has found fulfillment outside the home while still championing DEI, motherhood, and who ACTUALLY plays a contact sport, unlike a certain Kansas City kicker…

🎾 Court Is In Session…and the King of Clay has been dethroned in the first round. Yep, as expected, Rafa Nadal lost in straight sets to Alexander Zverev. Nadal played hard and had some opportunities, but the opposition quickly stomped out those little fires. Many believe this might’ve been his last match at Roland Garros, and if so, congrats on a great career, Rafa!

On the women’s side, #1 ranked and two-time defending champ, Iga Swiatek, had a close call in her second-round matchup against four-time Grand Slam champ, Naomi Osaka. Swiatek was down 5-2 in the 3rd set and looked like a goner, but pulled through with an incredible comeback to win the match. Also, our girl Coco Gauff (you knew it was coming) has been cruising and made it into the 3rd round without dropping a set.

🏀 Idols Become Your Rivals: WNBA players Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier are ready to launch their new 3 vs. 3 basketball league dubbed “Unrivaled.” The league is poised to set the record for the highest average salary in professional female sports. Now, this announcement has social media (the couch coaches and insta-know-it-alls) wondering who is funding these salaries (an easy Google search would’ve told them they’ve got some good investors)...but honestly, that’s none of our business. We’re all for paying women what they’re worth ‘round these parts! The league is set to begin play in January 2025. 

🏈 Who Let the Dogs Out?  Well, apparently KC Chiefs’ defensive lineman, Isaiah Buggs, did…and never let them back in. Hence his arrest. Allegedly, Buggs done got caught up on some animal cruelty charges. When will these football players learn? These people don’t play about their furry companions. And what’s with these Kansas City Chiefs players going off the rails??? 

🏈💔🏀 Another Sad Love Song: NFL tight end and singer (using that term very, very loosely) Darren Waller has dropped a song about his divorce from WNBA player Kelsey Plum. The single (yes, girl, there apparently will be a whole album released at some point) is entitled “Who Knew (Her Perspective).” Waller said in a recent interview, "I’ve struggled with intimacy in romantic relationships my whole life, and I recognize the toll it has taken on the lovers I’ve been close to… Essentially, I’m telling myself, from the damage I’ve done, that it’s imperative for me to heal the wounds in my life I’ve been avoiding by seeking relationships." We wish him luck & vocal lessons on this self-healing journey. 

Your sports term of the week is: double fault.

IRL Example:  It’s like when you fail a test, but by some stroke of luck, the teacher lets you take it again and right your wrongs…only to fail again. Welp, guess you have to just take the L!

Nod to one of the Greats makes for great fashion!

Jrue Holiday came in with big GOAT energy rocking the BE:SPECIAL UNC Jordan Tapestry Hoodie that you, too, can rock. 

Or you could opt for a less boho, more street style look with the same big D energy, like Timberwolves Leonard Miller (D for delightful, of course… why, what did you think it stood for?). Who knows, maybe wearing the VIVI Jordan t-shirt helped give him the juice to support his team’s Game 4 win… from the bench…

Anywho, here are a couple of Jordan tee’s we are feeling from Nordstrom.

Not sure how to style your new graphic tee? We personally love to pair it with biker shorts. But a few of our fav IG fashion girlies told us it's skirt season!

Don't be afraid to show those legs & act up a little this summer, sis!

Do you love sports? Want to find a way to fit more sports into your week? We’ve got you. From keeping up with your work colleagues to impressing hot dates, our newsletter aims to keep you in the know regardless of your fandom level or the reason. That’s your business, sis!

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