You can hear it in any local barbershop or your favorite breakfast joint. The constant discussions pertaining to both our Colts and Pacers as they look poised to make playoff runs that just might end up golden.
The expectations are indeed high, and one cannot help thinking about the possibilities. After all, it is indeed rare for two small market teams in the same zip code to be simultaneously rearing their heads for legit runs at a championship. It just doesn’t happen that way.
You would think that would energize the respective fan bases to an immeasurable level, and while it has for the majority of folks, there are still those who take the “not so sure, lets wait and see” approach. While that faction buys tickets too, I offer the following sentiment; enjoy the ride.
The likelihood of any community having a NFL and an NBA franchise contending for all the marbles at the same time is truly rare and clearly special. That probability is compounded greatly for teams in smaller markets such as Indianapolis, and in my humble opinion makes it even more interesting and certainly very special.
The window of opportunity with the Colts seems wide open with Andrew Luck at the helm, but injuries and free agency can change the complexion of a team overnight, so lets squeeze every drop of juice out of the orange we can this season.
The same good news relates to our Pacers who have assembled a great core of young players who took the eventual NBA champs to the playoff buzzer last season. They too look hungry and ready, with an excellent shot of getting to the fork in the road that provides an opportunity for a title.
For those of you who say we need another player here or there, or we are close but not quite ready yet, I say you definitely need to rethink the situation.
Why can’t it be now, and for that matter, why shouldn’t it be? Both the Pacers and the Colts should win their respective divisions and host home playoff series. Sure, they will both have to exorcise some demons along the way, but our home teams have quite a bit of talent, and barring serious injuries, their chances for winning it all are darn good. Bold talk you say? Not really. The parity (or futility as some say) in the NFL allows a young, and talented team like Indianapolis to stake their claim this season, versus a few years from now.
Miami is again loaded, but the Pacers have more than a few weapons and a score to settle to boot.
Translation; lets just win them both right now and revel in the glow it will provide.
The road to the top is a tough one, but as a city and a state, we clearly must take more than just some solace in the fact that we have two teams that are more than relevant and ready to shine.
Regardless of what transpires, it will no doubt be entertaining and interesting. These guys are solid in our community away from the game and that truly makes the situation even better.
My point is that we must embrace this since professional sports is fickle and success is clearly cyclic. That being said, lets get behind these teams in a way we never have. Sure, both franchises have enjoyed great support in the past, but it is time to crank it up several notches and hold on tight, as these dual opportunities are scarce.
The seasons overlap, and while choosing your favorite may seem hard, it really isn’t. Just put your arms around them both and ride along with something that just may surprise you. Avoid a shortage of seats later by getting on the bandwagon now.
If you cannot attend in person, turn on the tube and follow it that way. Working during the game? No problem, just follow it on your radio or your computer. No matter which manner you choose, be part of something rare and exciting. Think back to the days in which we were not in contention and smile.
The time for these teams is now, and nothing short of a title will suffice. Let your voice be heard and along the way develop some memories you will cherish sport fans, as this doesn’t happen often.
Danny Bridges can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or at Bridgehd@aol.com.
