It certainly came as no surprise that Detroit Tigers right-handed ace Justin Verlander was the unanimous 2011 Cy Young winner in the American League. He captured the pitching triple-crown, leading the league in wins, strikeouts and ERA, much like Clayton Kershaw did. Kershaw on Thursday was rewarded with the National League Cy Young Award.
I had the privilege of seeing Verlander first-hand this past summer on a visit to Comerica Park. He was dominant against the Minnesota Twins, racking up his 18th win of a 24-win season. Verlander's performance highlighted a truly memorable experience for this lifelong fan of the Tigers.
Another of my favourite teams is the Edmonton Eskimos, and whatever happens in the Western final against the B.C. Lions won’t take away from a great comeback season for the green and gold.
Finishing out of the playoffs last year, they totally turned things around in 2011.
Another football team that wears green and gold, although south of the border keeps rolling along too. The Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers are undefeated, with Aaron Rodgers showing he is among the elite quarterbacks, if not the best this season, in the NFL.
I think the bubble will burst soon for the Pack. I can't see them running the table for an undefeated regular season. Being able to do that is a formidable task, which is why it hasn't been accomplished very often.
Still with football, congrats to Seamus Postuma and Frank Pankewich, two former city high school standouts , who made the all-star grade this season in the OUA.
