The Sonics hold Seattle’s only major pro-sports championship, way back in 1979, in the era of Downtown Freddy Brown, Jack Sickma, and Gus Williams. There was the blip of Xavier McDaniel (X-man) in the 80′s, and they had a hot streak in the 90′s with Gary Payton and the Reign Man. But despite mostly mediocre seasons, fans still turned out to Key Arena. And don’t let David Stern tell you otherwise… Key Arena is a great place for fans to watch a basketball game. You’re right on top of the action and there isn’t a bad seat in the house. David Stern used to believe the same. Of course this year, it was painful to watch the Sonics. Clay Bennett has done what he could to put the worst product on the court as possible (final record: 20-62) , perhaps in part to discourage fans from coming and strengthening his case to take the team home to Oklahoma City. So while most NBA fans are paying attention to the Lakers/Celtics series, I’m monitoring the Sonics/Seattle federal trial along with other fans to see if the only major Seattle team with a championship leaves. Yes, I know the Seattle Storm won the WNBA title, but that’s not the same.

How about the Mariners? I’ve followed the M’s from its first year playing in the Kingdome in 1977. I remember watching games from the cheap left field bleachers, when the tickets cost $3.75, and listening to Dave Niehaus’ play-by-play on the radio while I was doing yard work growing up. I’ve attended spring training games in Arizona regularly over the last 12 years. And I think I’ve been to every single home playoff game they’ve had (which haven’t been many). The team had two magical years… They won 116 games in 2001. But 1995 remains the miraculous year. They staged a remarkable comeback to tie the Angels and win the West with a one game playoff. And I will always remember the decisive 5th game against the Yankees, and the wide grin on Ken Griffey Junior’s face on the jumbotron as he scored on Edgar Martinez’ 11th inning double to win it. That win probably saved the Mariners in Seattle. But it is telling that an AL Division playoff win is the high point of the franchise. And after a tantalizing season in 2007, I had high hopes this spring for a contending team. But today, on the heals of being swept by the Washington Nationals, the first shoe finally dropped with the Mariners announcing that they’re firing GM Bill Bavasi. It certainly won’t be the first change, since at the current pace of 24-45, the Mariners are on pace for their worst record in their entire history.

So, for me, it’s time to start anticipating the start of the NFL season. No, the Seahawks haven’t won a Superbowl yet (I watched them lose to the Steelers in Superbowl XL). And yes, they finally cut the cord with Shaun Alexander, so the running game will be a question mark. And yes, they had what looked like an unremarkable draft. But it’s another new season, and fortunately for the Seahawks, they are in the hapless NFC West, so they should be contenders again this year. Thank goodness…. I need something to look forward to!

6/19 update: Seattle Mariners just fired manager John McClaren

DSC00405.JPG, originally uploaded by dnak.

Yes, I was at the game in Detroit.

Seahawks fans were easily outnumbered 10-to-1 inside Ford Field by terrible towel-wielding steeler fans. I was surprised we made as much noise as we did.
I won’t lie. The game was painful…. with the hawks dominating the first half on the field but getting only 3 points; with ill-timed dropped passes; with one-sided calls by the officiating crew; with the defense failing to stop Steeler trick plays. But congrats to the Steelers on their 5th title… to win all of their playoff games on the road is an amazing achievement. Final Score 21-10.

Detroit did a good job hosting… they cleaned up the downtown area and created a whole winter festival to get the town excited. It worked…. I met Detroit suburbanites who said it was the first time they spent more than a couple hours Downtown (and when they did, it was to attend a game). One even said it was the first time their kids ever had been downtown. The people of Detroit were very welcoming, happy to see people coming in to see their city awash in positive media attention.

One thing I will remember most about that night after the game was over… As we were walking out of downtown, with Steeler fans yelling on the streets, I exchanged a glance with a man wearing a 12th man jersey walking the other way. It was just a nod of the head and an expressionless face, but we were feeling the same thing. All of us have felt it, but somehow it feels worse this time.

The Seahawks had their best year by far…. hopefully, they can get back to the big game again soon (in a warmer city, and before another 30 years). The big question is if they can sign Alexander in the offseason… I know they want to, but they might not be able to afford him and keep the offensive line together (which is the biggest reason for his success). We’ll see.

I’m glad I went…. The days leading up to the game were crazy, with celebrities and NFL greats walking the streets and media crews filming day and night. And the few of us Seahawk fans shouting “Go Hawks” at anybody wearing blue amidst the sea of yellow. I wish it ended differently of course, but I’m still happy I was there for the Seahawks first Superbowl.