For too long the denizens of our fair city have identified themselves as losers because of the struggles of our professional sports teams, but perhaps we turned a corner in 2012.   

As it became obvious to everyone else that Abernathy was going to score, the ESPN play-by-play announcer excitedly spit out every single word of his name: “Ralph... David... Abernathy... the... fourth...”  

Walt Jocketty’s Christmas list wasn’t long, but it was still a tall order. Well, two weeks before Dec. 25, he checked off the final big-ticket item: a leadoff hitter.  

Joey Votto finished his 2012 season with singles in each of his final two plate appearances, but it was his fifth-inning at-bat in Game 5 of the National League Division Series that sticks with him.   

Butch Jones sat in a room Dec. 4 with University of Cincinnati president Santa Ono and a representative of the Belk Bowl and told the media — which was most certainly not there to discuss the Dec. 27 game against Duke — he had every intention of coaching the Bearcats in that game and beyond.   

Most people remember at some point in life dating someone we now refer to as “crazy.” The use of the word can sometimes feel as misleading as the choice of “dating” in the same sentence. Batshitfuckingcrazy is often the preferred description.    

It’s becoming harder and harder to continue to be a fan of college sports and perhaps more difficult to follow the ever-changing landscape of the supposed amateur athletics. By the time this story hits the printing press, the Big East could be even smaller.   

If a win isn’t televised, does it make a sound? Perhaps not, but coupled with a breather of a stretch, a couple of wins for the Bengals could at least return the team to TV in Cincinnati soon.   

Cooperstown came to West Chester for a night, at least. On Nov. 3, the Courage and Character Foundation hosted eight Hall of Fame players and Pete Rose as part of the Johnny Bench and Friends fundraiser in West Chester.
  

There are days I miss being a fan. Saturday was one of those days, and it reminded me what’s different about my chosen profession and most people. I’m not a fan, no matter how hard I try.