Baseball, hoops could make NYC center of sports world in 2013
The Nets and Knicks both could be impact players deep into the NBA playoffs this spring. (Getty) Credit: The Nets and Knicks both could be impact players deep into the NBA playoffs this spring. (Getty)
New York saw its share of highs (Giants' Super Bowl victory, return of major pro sports to Brooklyn) and lows (Jets quarterback mess, canceled New York City Marathon), and there's bound to be more of the same in the new year. Here's something for sports fans to look forward to each month in 2013.
JAN. 7
Unbeaten Notre Dame aims for its first title since 1988 when it takes on defending champion Alabama in the BCS National Championship Game. The Fighting Irish defense is capable of keeping it close, but the Tide should roll.
FEB. 3
The Superdome in Louisiana plays host to Super Bowl XLVII, but New York is unlikely to have a team in the playoffs for the first time since 2003. There's still a week left in the season, but here's a bold Super Bowl prediction: Broncos over Seahawks.
MARCH 2
The World Baseball Classic begins anew as the United States chases its first title. In the first two competitions, the U.S. has not finished better than fourth, but former Yankees manager Joe Torre has been tasked with amending that.
APRIL 25
The NFL draft might be the Jets' best way to start over at quarterback as they look to move beyond the Mark Sanchez Era. They're looking at the 12th pick as of now, but could move into the top 10. West Virginia's Geno Smith should be on their radar.
MAY 4
The 139th running of the Kentucky Derby is another opportunity for the horse racing world to hope for the 35-year Triple Crown drought to end. Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Shanghai Bobby is an early top contender for The Run of the Roses.
JUNE
The NBA likely has the month to itself to crown its champion. While both the Knicks and Nets figure to be players, there's a good chance the Heat and Thunder will rematch, with Kevin Durant's Oklahoma City coming out on top.
JULY 16
Citi Field will host the MLB All-Star Game for the first time. Queens hasn't welcomed the game since Shea Stadium's inaugural year in 1964. David Wright figures to be the only surefire All-Star selection for the hometown Mets at this point.
AUG. 26
The U.S. Open returns to Arthur Ashe Stadium once again, but won't feature the retired 2003 tournament champion Andy Roddick, the last American to win in the men's bracket. No. 14 John Isner is the top player from the U.S. at the moment.
SEPT. 15
One year ago, the NHL locked out its players. It appears the entire 2012-13 campaign will be lost, but what are the odds the league drags its labor strife into another potential season? With any luck, the Rangers will be focused on the preseason.
OCT. 6
Fifty years ago on this day, the Dodgers swept the Yankees in the World Series, the first between the two teams since the Dodgers left Brooklyn. With L.A.'s new free-spending ways, a Yankees-Dodgers meeting could happen again in the Fall Classic.
NOV. 3
After a one-year hiatus, the New York City Marathon will return. Superstorm Sandy's destruction meant resources were needed elsewhere for the 2012 race, but the race should run as scheduled as long as another megastorm doesn't hit the area.
DEC. 14
Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner as a freshman, will look to become the second two-time winner of the award when the ceremony takes place at the Best Buy Theater in Times Square.
Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.
Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.
