A reluctant look back at the big events of a bad year
By Derek Togerson ••
Even by the criminally low standards set through the notoriously awful history of San Diego sports, 2015 was a banner year. The lows so epically outnumbered (and outweighed) the highs, it almost seems depressing to do a story recapping the year.
So take a walk with me down amnesia lane as we remember the Pros and Cons of San Diego Sports, 2015 Edition, starting with the good stuff:
PROS
The Gulls returned! Pro hockey and San Diego were meant for one another. The American Hockey League came to our town with a really good product featuring the top prospects in the Anaheim Ducks organization and fans have flocked (pun intended) to the Valley View Casino Center to watch. Plus rarely will you see an organization spend as much time or be as good in the community as the Gulls. Overall they’ve been a blessing in a year full of garbage.
Getty Images
Matt Kemp points to the sky as he celebrates his first inning two run home run on August 14, 2015 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Matt Kemp hit for the cycle! You probably have the day memorized … August 14, Coors Field, Denver, CO. Kemp had a single, double, triple and home run in one game to give the Padres their first cycle in franchise history, ending years of jokes about how the Friars don’t have a cycle or a no-hitter. Now the jokes are centered on the no-hitter.
The Aztecs won a NCAA Tournament game!SDSU beat St. John’s in the first round before running in to Duke, the eventual national champions. It also comes off the heels of winning yet another regular season Mountain West Conference championship.
The Aztecs won 10 straight football games! The last time the Aztecs won 11 games in a season was in 1969 when a certain coach named Don Coryell was in charge. Rocky Long’s guys overcame a slow start to win the MWC title and demolish Cincinnati 42-7 in the Hawaii Bowl.
AP
Bonita, Calif.'s Walker Lannom, right, consoles pitcher Antonio Andrade (13) after he gave up a grand slam to Pearland, Texas' Zack Mack during an United States elimination baseball game at the Little League World Series tournament in South Williamsport, Pa., Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015.
AP
Bonita, Calif.'s Jacob Baptista (23) is greeted by teammates after hitting a two-run home run off Pearland, Texas' Ben Gottfried in the third inning of an United States elimination baseball game at the Little League World Series tournament in South Williamsport, Pa., Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015.
AP
Bonita, Calif.'s Walker Lannom hits a three-run home run off Pearland, Texas' Ben Gottfriedduring the first inning of a U.S. elimination baseball game at the Little League World Series, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015, in South Williamsport, Pa.
AP
Bonita, Calif.'s Antonio Andrade pitches during the first inning of a U.S. elimination baseball game against Pearland, Texas, at the Little League World Series, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015, in South Williamsport, Pa.
AP
Bonita, Calif., players smile before a U.S. elimination baseball game against Pearland, Texas, at the Little League World Series tournament, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015, in South Williamsport, Pa.
AP
Bonita, California's Nick Maldonado (18) rounds third after after hitting a grand slam off Bowling Green, Kentucky's Ty Bryant during the third inning of a baseball game in United States pool play at the Little League World Series tournament in South Williamsport, Pa., Friday, Aug. 21, 2015. The West won 14-2.
AP
Bonita, Calif.'s Preston Fleming makes the catch on a fly ball to center field by Bowling Green, Ky.'s Eli Burwash during the first inning of a baseball game in United States pool play at the Little League World Series tournament in South Williamsport, Pa., Friday, Aug. 21, 2015.
AP
Bonita, California's Nick Maldonado (18) leaps on home plate as he is swarmed by teammates after hitting a grand slam off Bowling Green, Kentucky's Ty Bryant during the third inning of a baseball game in United States pool play at the Little League World Series tournament in South Williamsport, Pa., Friday, Aug. 21, 2015. The West won 14-2.
AP
Bonita, California's Dante Schmid (25) is greeted by teammates after hitting a three-run home run off Bowling Green, Kentucky's Eli Burwash during the third inning of a baseball game in United States pool play at the Little League World Series tournament in South Williamsport, Pa., Friday, Aug. 21, 2015.
ESPN
Images from the broadcast of Opening Round in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on Friday, August 21, 2015.
ESPN
Images from the broadcast of Opening Round in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on Friday, August 21, 2015.
ESPN
Schmid scores first in the SVLL Opening Round win against Kentucky on Friday August, 21, 2015.
ESPN
Images from the broadcast of Opening Round in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on Friday, August 21, 2015.
ESPN
The team celebrates one of the homers in their Opening Round victory against Kentucky.
ESPN
Images from the broadcast of Opening Round in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on Friday, August 21, 2015.
ESPN
Sock monkey gets national exposure on ESPN.
ESPN
Images from the broadcast of Opening Round in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on Friday, August 21, 2015.
ESPN
Images from the broadcast of Opening Round in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on Friday, August 21, 2015.
ESPN
Images from the broadcast of Opening Round in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on Friday, August 21, 2015.
ESPN
Images from the broadcast of Opening Round in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on Friday, August 21, 2015.
ESPN
Images from the broadcast of Opening Round in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on Friday, August 21, 2015.
ESPN
Images from the broadcast of Opening Round in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on Friday, August 21, 2015.
ESPN
Images from the broadcast of Opening Round in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on Friday, August 21, 2015.
ESPN
Images from the broadcast of Opening Round in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania on Friday, August 21, 2015.
SVLL
Front L-R: Antonio Andrade, Nick Maldonado, Marc Cervantes, Isaac Artalejo, Preston Fleming, Ariel ArmasnBack L-R: Jaime Ramirez, Walker Lannom, Levi Mendez, Jake Baptista, Ward Lannom, Braiz RamireznDante Schimd, Nate Nankil, Arturo Maldonado
SVLL Facebook page
Sweetwater Valley Little League All-Stars head to Williamsport to compete in the Little League World Series competition.
SVLL Facebook page
Sweetwater Valley Little League All-Stars head to Williamsport to compete in the Little League World Series competition.
SVLL Facebook page
Sweetwater Valley Little League All-Stars head to Williamsport to compete in the Little League World Series competition.
SVLL Facebook page
Sweetwater Valley Little League All-Stars logo.
NBC 7
Supporters rally behind the Sweetwater Valley Little League All-Stars in Eastlake, Calif.
NBC 7
Supporters rally behind the Sweetwater Valley Little League All-Stars in Eastlake, Calif.
NBC 7
Supporters rally behind the Sweetwater Valley Little League All-Stars in Eastlake, Calif.
NBC 7
Supporters rally behind the Sweetwater Valley Little League All-Stars in Eastlake, Calif.
NBC 7
Sweetwater Valley Little League All-Stars head to Williamsport, Pennsylvania to compete for the Little League World Series.
A photo of the boys celebrating during their Aug. 25 game against Bowling Green, Kentucky.
A still from their game on Aug. 25.
AP
Bonita, Calif.'s Antonio Andrade (13) celebrates with teammate Walker Lannom (16) after scoring during the first inning of an United States elimination baseball game against Bowling Green, Ky. at the Little League World Series tournament in South Williamsport, Pa., Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
AP
Nate Nankil, left, of Bonita, Calif., slides past Eli Burwash, of Bowling Green, Ky., to score on a passed ball during the fifth inning of a U.S. elimination baseball game at the Little League World Series, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2015, in South Williamsport, Pa. Bonita won 11-3. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
AP
Bowling Green, Ky.'s Ty Bryant (5) reaches for an errant throw from third baseman Maddox Burr as Bonita, Calif.'s Antonio Andrade (13) slides safely into second during the first inning of a U.S. elimination baseball game at the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pa., Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2015. Andrade scored on the errant throw. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
AP
Bonita, Calif.’s Dante Schmid pitches during the first inning of a U.S. elimination baseball game against Bowling Green, Ky., at the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pa., Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Sweetwater Valley LL goes to Williamsport! We had yet another local team reach the Little League World Series, setting offensive records along the way.
Junior Seau was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame! One of the most emotional nights of the year for San Diego sports fans as our favorite son took his rightful place among football’s immortals. Junior’s family did a wonderful job representing him in Canton and showing his legacy lives on through his children.
Joe Robbins/Getty Images
Jerome Bettis poses with his bust during the NFL Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on August 8, 2015 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar
Children of former NFL player Junior Seau, from left, Jake, Tyler, Hunter, and Sydney pose for a selfie with the bust of their late father during an induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015, in Canton, Ohio.
Joe Robbins/Getty Images
Caption:CANTON, OH - AUGUST 8: Junior Seau's daughter Sydney Seau is seen on a recorded acceptance speech during the NFL Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on August 8, 2015 in Canton, Ohio.
AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar
Daughter of former NFL player Junior Seau, Sydney Seau poses with a bust of her father during an induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015, in Canton, Ohio.
AP Photo/Tom Puskar
Former NFL player Tim Brown, left, unveils his bust bust with presenter, his brother, Donald Kelly, during an induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015 in Canton, Ohio.
AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar
Former President and General Manager of the Buffalo Bills, Bill Polian, right, poses with his bust with Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning during an induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015 in Canton, Ohio. Polian drafted Manning when he was with the Indianapolis Colts.
Joe Robbins/Getty Images
Mick Tingelhoff poses with his bust along with several of his former teammates during the NFL Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on August 8, 2015 in Canton, Ohio.
AP Photo/Tom Puskar
Former NFL Contributor Ron Wolf gives gestures as he gives his speech during an induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015, in Canton, Ohio.
AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar
Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2015 member Tim Brown poses in the crowd at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium while being introduced during an induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015.
AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar
Jerome Bettis fan Marty Higbee, of Cincinnati, Ohio, wears a foam Bus as he waits for the induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame of Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015, in Canton, Ohio.
Pro Football Hall of Fame
Sydney Seau holds a special plaque dedicated to her father at the Gold Jacket Dinner held Thursday night.
AP Image
A mural of the Pro Football Hall of Fame 2015 inductees hands on the side of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, Friday, Aug. 7, 2015.
AP
Photos of the Pro Football Hall of Fame 2015 inductees hang from Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium adjacent to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, Friday, Aug. 7, 2015. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Telemundo
Junior Seau official photo from The Class of 2015 from the Professional Football Hall of Fame.
Professional Football Hall of Fame
The Class of 2015 from the Professional Football Hall of Fame.
Philip Rivers threw for 503 yards at Lambeau Field! Only 18 times in history has an NFL quarterback thrown for 500-plus yards in a single game. Rivers did it at the most historic venue in the league. Alas, like everything else this season with the Chargers, that ended with a loss, giving us a nice transition to …
CONS
Everything associated with the Chargers except that 500-yard game: Yup, this includes their truly horrible record, the fact their first round pick (running back Melvin Gordon, who they traded up to get) that was supposed to free up the offense had more touches without scoring a TD than any other player in the NFL, the season-ending injury to Keenan Allen who was on a pace to set NFL records with Rivers, injuries to pretty much everyone else, the 4-game drug suspension for Antonio Gates, the contentious media sessions with Mike McCoy, the free agent signings that did not work, the fact they celebrated the retirement of LaDainian Tomlinson’s #21 by not scoring a single touchdown for the man who scored more touchdowns than anyone else in franchise history, the entire ugly stadium saga, the silence during the ordeal from Chargers CEO Dean Spanos, and every time Mark Fabiani opened his mouth.
The Padres give us hope then yank the rug out from under us: Such hope. Such excitement. Such a letdown. Padres General Manager A.J. Preller gets points for trying and for those few months leading up to Spring Training the Friars fan base was more energized than it’s been in years. Starting 10-5 just sent the hype to a fever pitch. Then they hit a bad stretch that lasted until October, firing Bud Black along the way, replacing him with Pat Murphy (who was simply in over his head) and losing plenty of guys to injury along the way.
The Sockers hit a rare rough patch: After being nothing short of dominant in their reincarnation the Sockers finally lost their first playoff game at home to get knocked out of the 2014-15 post-season. Their 2015-16 year got off to a non-Sockers-esque start with four losses in eight games after losing four matches all the previous regular season.
Jimmie Johnson has trouble at Dover: The El Cajon native was right in the thick of another NASCAR championship run when the series arrived at Dover international Speedway. Johnson has 10 wins at the Monster Mile, more than any other driver has at any other track in history. So of course he had mechanical problems with the #48 Lowe’s Chevy, finished 41st and was eliminated from title contention. It’s what happened to San Diego sports in 2015!
Phil Mickelson goes winless: For the first time in his career Mickelson, the most successful golfer ever to come out of San Diego, has gone winless in two straight seasons. He finished 2nd at the Masters but missed the cut at his home town tournament (the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines) and his old collegiate haunt (the former ASU star only got in two rounds at the Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale).
While the pros may outnumber the cons, the cons certainly outweigh the pros. This has been a rough year for the San Diego sports scene. However, things can turn around in 2016. But that’s a story for another day.
