And so it begins. This is my first official post on Sports Vortex. I, like those who (hopefully) will visit this site, love sports.
Ever since around the fourth grade, I have been infatuated with sports. Those long summer evenings spent playing basketball and watching the Red Sox play while chugging down root beers in Massachusetts must have done it. There was something special about visiting my relatives in New England. We would play on the black top in my great aunt and uncle's backyard until it was too dark to see the ball, and then we would retire to the cozy 70's style family room in their house. We would all gather to watch the Red Sox play. Right there was when it started. Family, Massachusetts, basketball, the Red Sox, root beer, and happiness. That was the secret recipe to make me a sports fan.
From there I grew attached to the Philadelphia Eagles, then I started following the English Premier League, and in 2007 with the formation of the Boston "Big 3" I was a Celtics fan.
Yes, I know, I've picked some teams with rich cultures and histories, but ones also filled with heartbreak. The Eagles haven't won a Super Bowl EVER, the Red Sox finally broke the curse in 2004, and the Celtics had a championship season in 07-08 after two decades of mediocrity. These teams keep every season interesting. The Eagles appear to be Super Bowl bound every year but it never turns out that way. The Red Sox always seem to be heading into the right direction but then something always comes up: injuries, the Yankees, biggest pennant race collapse ever (2011), the Yankees, Bobby Valentine, and oh yea, the Yankees. As for the Celtics, its the Miami Heat and other teams that followed there super team prototype of 07 that now bar their way to banner number 18.
Since I conceived the idea of creating my own website/blog that discusses sports I've often wondered why do I love sports? I just can't quite figure it out There are many facets to my affinity of sports and I think that is why I can't pinpoint one reason or another. I believe it's a combination of the sports personalities, each teams' unique identities, the pageantry, the history, the culture connected to each franchise, and also how important sports are to people. Sports for many is a way of life. It's all they know. For some it's a way out of the lives they lead or were thrust into. Sports is not only an interest but a passion of mine. Sports are also what I want to deal with the rest of my life during and after college.
Hopefully through this blog I can figure out why I love sports so much. And along the way I hope to entertain, interest, and maybe even inspire those who happen to stumble upon Sports Vertex. All are welcome and I hope you enjoy what I have to say.
Matt Iorio