CHICAGO – A tradition I started in Indianapolis back in 2010 was to write a poem “‘Twas the Game Before Christmas.” It was a unique way to the tell the story of the Colts game before the holiday.
I now carry on this tradition here in the Windy City, focusing on the current standing of the sports teams in town. So below is the 2015 edition of “‘Twas The Game Before Christmas.”
Enjoy and have a wonderful holiday!
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‘Twas The Game Before Christmas
And the weather’s pretty fair
Not a single snowflake is floating in the air.
But in sports there is still plenty to talk about
Despite a 15-11 record, the Bulls are much in doubt.
Jimmy’s talk of Fred showed some locker room disdain
Then Joakim was lost for a month with a shoulder strain.
But for Hoiberg, there’s still plenty of time to fix
After all, their only up through game number 26.
On the ice, things are just a bit better
for the other team that occupies the United Center.
Joel Qunneville’s Blackhawks in the West are keeping pace
Even if a loss to the Starts put them 10 points back of first place.
The biggest storyline for the group remains Patrick Kane
He’s gotten at least a point in all but four games.
At Halas Hall, John Fox is ready to complete his first season
One that the Bears have won less than they’ve been beaten.
That’s why their future has so much confusion
Even though in two weeks their season comes to a conclusion.
Are we seeing the last of Matt Forte in the orange and blue?
If the running back’s words are serious, that’s probably true.
For a head coaching job, Adam Gase will likely get attention from another
Oddly enough, the future seems more certain for quarterback Jay Cutler.
On the North Side, the future is quite merry and bright
This winter it seems the Cubs moves are more than alright.
On Lackey, On Warren, On Zobrist and Heyward
The Cubs look like the favorites from now looking forward.
But expect Theo and Jed to keep working harder
Maybe for a center fielder, but probably another starter.
Rick Hahn made sure his team wasn’t forgotten
A big bat is what a three-team trade brought him.
Todd Frazier’s a third baseman and a big hitter
Hope is high even after his fade with the Reds last summer.
For local college basketball teams, it’s still early in the journey
Still a lot of doubt if any team will make the NCAA Tourney.
A bowl appearance for NIU was a bust after little offense was gained
Maybe happiness will come from Northwestern or Notre Dame.
The Irish play Ohio State in the Fiesta on New Year’s Day
The Wildcats face Tennessee in the Outback, hoping for the first time to win an 11th game.
At Allstate Arena there’s the Wolves and all the games the Sky won
They feature Chicago’s big rising star in WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne.
On the South Side Chicago’s MLS team hopes to reignite the “Fire”
Veljko Paunovic is the first step as their newest coaching hire.
So here’s to a 2016 where sports teams on and off the field do everything right
Happy Christmas and New Years to all, and to all fans a great night!
