The Greatest Month for Sports

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 28: Heath Evans #44 of the New England Patriots runs after a catch for 12 yards as Ko Simpson #30 of the Buffalo Bills makes the tackle at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 28, 2008 in Orchard Park, New York. The Patriots won 1

October is the greatest sports month. Some might even say it's the greatest month in general, especially those of us from places that have great fall foliage.

In the crisp, yet not numbing cool of October, the weather is perfect for the exertions of the sports field. Old arguments are settled and new ones are created.

Baseball plays its postseason games

DENVER - OCTOBER 28: (L-R) David Ortiz #34, Eric Hinske #12, Mike Lowell #25, Julio Lugo #23, Curt Schilling #38 and Dustin Pedroia #19 of the Boston Red Sox celebrate after defeating the Colorado Rockies in Game Four of the 2007 World Series at Coors Fi

In October, the regular season of baseball is done, and the stage is set for the grandest sports tradition in America. First, the playoffs and then The World Series.

Pro football in full swing

INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 04: Offensive center Jeff Saturday #63 of the Indianapolis Colts readies the ball for the snap against the New England Patriots on November 4, 2007 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Patriots won 24-20. (Photo by Andy L

By October, the early season pretenders are showing their weaknesses, and the big boys of the league, like the Colts and Patriots, are starting to flex their muscles as they go into that second gear that the great teams have. There are fewer fluky games.

At the same time, the injury toll has not yet gotten as bad as it will as the season continues. Formerly injured players are coming off the PUP list and, in the perfect football weather of October, some of the best ball of the season will be played.

College football

EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 14: Maurice Wells #34 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks for a opening after getting around the tackle of Kendell Davis-Clark #38 and Joe Toth #97 of the Michigan State Spartans on October 14, 2006 at Spartan Stadium in East Lans

October isn't just great professional-football weather; it's the height of the college and high school football seasons as well.

Basketball season nears

16 Mar 2000: Mateen Cleeves #12 of Michigan State University tries to steal the ball from Milo Stovall #11 of Valparaiso University during the first round of the NCAA Tournament Midwest Regionals at the Goodman Arena at Cleveland State University Convoca

In October, the college basketball season is about to start. All the fans are excited about new players, the returning players with added experience, and the schedule for the new year. Colleges like Valparaiso and Gonzaga, with basketball programs much stronger than the size of the schools, might suggest that this is the year they push some of the big boys aside and make a mark.

Pro basketball begins

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 6: Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics scores against Anderson Varejao #17 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at the TD Banknorth Garden on March 6, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics won 105-94. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowle

The new NBA season begins. Can last year's champions repeat? Will some other team improve more than expected?

Hockey begins

BRIDGEPORT, CT NOVEMBER 19: Jay Rosehill #4 of the Springfield Falcons battles against Wyatt Smith #27 of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers during the game on November 19, 2005 at the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, Connecticut. (Photo By Lisa Meyer/Getty

Hockey is underway, with its one major league and a minor league that is almost at the same level, giving good hockey to cities like Springfield and Bridgeport a good show.

No better time for anything!

NORTH CONWAY, NH - OCTOBER 17: Trees sport colorful leaves as a river flows past October 17, 2005 near North Conway, New Hampshire. The fall foliage season has gotten off to a slow start with the trees being still green in many spots and in others the lea

Whatever your sport—even something as simple as a walk through the woods—October is the time to do it, to be a participant, not only a spectator.

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