All Time Sports Experience

by Nate Dogg on Jul 16, 2009 8:59 AM PDT Comment 20 comments

On the way to work this morning I heard Jason Smith on Colin Cowherd's show talking about this years ESPN V-Foundation auction. The prizes include different sports "experiences" such as hosting the Mike and Mike show from your home! Or get taken behind the scenes at a college basketball game by Dick Vitale.

The question of what sports experience would you empty the bank account to have? Maybe you want one of the ones actually being offered, maybe you want to shoot a little higher. After some deliberation these were the ideas that came to mind:

- A round of golf with Tiger at Augusta.

- An at bat against Randy Johnson.

- A 3 on 3 pick up game with NBA players of my choosing. I pick first and I pick LeBron, natch.

- Draw and quarter Brian Russel.

- Cross country trip in the Madden Cruiser, accompanied by John Maddon.

- World's largest outdoor cocktail party with Orson Swindle.

What would you spend your one sports wish on Fieldgulls?

A place to bury strangers.

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It'd be really tough to pick one out of all the possibilities

Tiger at Augusta is far and away the most awe inspiring for me and so even though I’d make a complete ass of myself trying to play golf there that’d have to be my pick.

I had a surprisingly hard time thinking of anything Seahawks related that I’d do, or even football in general. I’m sure I’m overlooking something.

by Nate Dogg on Jul 16, 2009 9:02 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I would definitely say golf at Augusta.

I’d rather golf with Weir, but that’s just my personal preference. Actually, given a choice between golfing with my brother or a pro golfer, I’d rather golf with my brother. I went to the US Open on Long Island this year and it was an amazing experience. I can only imagine being on the Augusta course, let along golfing on it.

As for other ‘sports experiences’, I’m not sure I’d want an at bat against RJ. I’d either strike out a bunch of times or dribble a weak grounder foul. Not much fun in that. visiting all 30 baseball stadiums would be pretty fun. I think I have 14 or so crossed of my list, and if I can make a California trip next year I’ll have about 20 (though I’d have to redo Minnesota since they’re building a new one).

This isn’t really a ‘sports achievement, but climbing Everest would be fun, as well as trekking to the South Pole (took a class in high school about that). Sailing around the world would be pretty high up there as well (though I hate water), as well as running across the US, and doing a recreation of the Lewis and Clark expedition without technology. All of these things aren’t really sporty, but I thought I’d add a twist to the question.

by LantermanC on Jul 16, 2009 9:59 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Just being a fly on the wall

with the head coach for one regular season week. Reviewing last week’s tape, grading the players and seeing how (if?) things are redressed with the players, reviewing the next opponent, breaking them down, developing a gameplan. Then, on gameday, having a headset on and hearing how they respond to each situation and what kind of calls they make.

by jacobstevens on Jul 16, 2009 10:17 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

A film session with Belichick or whoever would be interesting at the very least

by Nate Dogg on Jul 16, 2009 10:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ugh...

I’ve sat in on far too many film sessions through my days in sports… coaching clinics, step by step break downs and scouting reports. (I’ve done my fair share of actual scouting opponents myself as well, “road scout” sitting in the bleechers madly scribbling notes.)

I guess because I’ve just been immersed in it, there isn’t as much uniqueness to it for me to take out of it. However, I can see the draw if you haven’t. Unfortunately, most “breakthroughs” turn out to be skidmarks and speedbumps, and you are just wading through the darkness searching for victory through grinding out time energy and effort, hoping if you spend more of it than the next guy, you’ll sneak the win if you are less talented or not lose one you should win if you are the more talented team.

Definitely the round of golf with Tiger. Though I’d go with Phil or Daly first, and probably a lot of other guys. I had a friend that played a round with Tom Watson, and that guy is lucky to break 100. He said it was a hell of a lot of fun, and Watson was simply awesome not just as a player (obviously) but was a pleasure for his humor and conversation.

But that’s not even a fair answer, because I’m a golf addict. I’m thinking of switching to heroin. It’s cheaper and less addictive.

Here’s an interesting thought along the “scouting” vein. I’d like to be a fly on the wall of the Vegas oddsmakers, to know how they come about their numbers and expectations…

Please, for the LOVE OF GOD, stop suggesting next year's 1st round pick (or picks) be used for Taylor Mays and or a QB of the future. Let's just let the season unfold, people, and evaluate much deeper in the process!!!

by whiskey chainsaw on Jul 23, 2009 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That makes sense.

I wonder how different it is at the pro level, though, than at secondary and post secondary.

by jacobstevens on Jul 24, 2009 12:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

very true...

for one thing, I imagine with the tools and resources they have it is much more detailed.

for instance I read an article about the Houston Rockets taking “Moneyball” to the NBA and it focused on Shane Battier and his non-statistical statistics and value, which is tremendous to his team.

I’d be interested in being in on their meetings and statistical analysis… but for the most part, I have a haunting suspicion its the same thing just at a higher level with bigger toys to play with.

by whiskey chainsaw on Jul 25, 2009 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great idea.

I’m more of a draft/stats guy. When I play Madden or that baseball simulation game, I end up simming everything and paying more attention to the draft/FA. I’d LOVE to be part of a baseball draft, scout some players and be in the ‘war room’ come draft day. Football and basketball as well, watching 1 on 1 workouts, combine stuff, then being in there watching the phone calls as trades are being felt out or draft boards are being rearranged etc.

by LantermanC on Jul 16, 2009 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hahahaha...

I do that too. I love the construction of the team more than the performing in the game… that’s why we all so love the offseason. Plus it is filled with hope. Weekly coaching duties are a grind to get to game day and the cornucopia of emotions that come with that day!

by whiskey chainsaw on Jul 23, 2009 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm in this boat as well.

I love playing arm-chair GM. So my ultimate sports thrill would be to follow around a real one who actually knows what he’s doing. A week shadowing Ruskell or Zduriencik. Not just the scouting & analysis, but all the other stuff the job entails: negotiations, wheeling & dealing, balancing cap health and long term best interests of the team, etc. I’m pretty sure I’d love it..

by jteckmann on Jul 25, 2009 3:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Chill in the dugout with the M's for about a week'

"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."

by Fearless Frog on Jul 16, 2009 11:32 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

God damn it.

Chill in the dugout with the M’s for about a week’s worth of games. I’d imagine friendly banter with Griffey and co. would be a treat.

"Part, fools!
Put up your swords. You know not what you do."

by Fearless Frog on Jul 16, 2009 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just drink the leaded coffee, stay away from the unleaded.

by jacobstevens on Jul 16, 2009 1:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Play "Marco Polo" with Michael Phelps.

Bike 10 miles with Lance Armstrong.
I’m not a golfer, but I think playing putt-putt with Tiger might be fun. (If he’s too busy, his wife could fill in and I wouldn’t complain.)

And I’ll definitely second Fearless Frog’s “Chill in the dugout with the M’s”….pretty much anything Griffey-related, actually.

by thebyron on Jul 16, 2009 1:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

How about...

Hanging with Vegas oddsmakers.

I like the putt putt idea.. makes me think of not GOLFING with Tiger,
but maybe playing frisbee golf with Tiger. I’d golf with Jordan too. But knowing his gambling habits, no pressing, that could get ugly!

Playing Horse with Larry Bird or Dirk Nowitzki.

One on One with Sue Bird! ;)

Race at the Brickyard, feel a car built for racing totally maxed out.

Get advanced surfing lessons from Kelly Slater, then hit the North Shore for Pipeline or the Outer Log Cabins… or Mavericks in Cali, though I would only do any of those sites if I got hella better and knew I’d live, lol.

I’d certainly golf the Nullarbor Links :
http://www.katu.com/sports/51261552.html
http://www.nullarborlinks.com/

This is a really cool exercise in imagination… thanks for the mind stimulator! :)

by whiskey chainsaw on Jul 23, 2009 3:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

One on One on the basketball court?

by LantermanC on Jul 27, 2009 9:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

One on one...

metaphorically speaking… mainly. but sure, that too…

though I believe on the court she’d be in trouble, but I’m getting older. In my heyday I played against a couple pro women and while they were great team players one on one they were simply not up to the par of a typical D2 guy (which is about my level.)

by whiskey chainsaw on Jul 27, 2009 3:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs