Open Mic: My Favorite Sports, Summer Olympics Style

For me, the Olympics are really only good for one thing.

Before we go any further: no, it's not beach volleyball (but, I'm not complaining).

I most enjoy watching mainstream sports at the Olympics; give me an Olympic baseball game over track and field any day. The only competitions that I really enjoy watching in the Summer games are the same ones I watch every year with no special fanfare.

I understand the appeal in watching these individuals compete at such a high level to represent their country, but to me it's just not that appealing. Now if you put 11 guys on a pitch wearing their national colors, then I might tune in.

The Olympics are a great venue for mainstream sports because it allows younger athletes to shine at an international level before we get the chance to see them play for club or maybe even country.

Most baseball teams at the Olympics are comprised primarily of minor leaguer's. Besides the Futures Game, there are few opportunities for the general public to see these talented young players compete. I, myself, am particularly interested to see the centerpiece in the CC Sabathia deal, Matt LaPorta, compete among the world's elite.

Soccer squads also lean toward the young side. All players under 21 are allowed to play in the games without their clubs granting them special permission; even though this is not a FIFA sanctioned event (finally Sepp Blatter does something good!). Most common viewers do not get the chance to watch World Cups for any sides besides the senior teams. That makes the Olympics a showcase for each countries youth and a great opportunity for fans to see the future of their national side.

The one major sport that is not dominated by youth is basketball. And frankly, I don't care. Whenever you put Deron Williams, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James on the same court, I will watch.

Tennis, obviously, is different because of the nature of the sport. This makes the Olympics just like any other tennis match I would watch, except with a nationalistic twist.

The summer games are much different than those in the winter in this aspect. Hockey is one of the only team sports that come to mind as a winter event, and the demand for hockey is certainly not as strong as other sports.

This makes the winter games a very special showcase for individual events, since there isn't much else to watch.

The winter games also feature newer events such as snowboarding super-pipe and other similar competitions that are popular and very entertaining to watch. The summer games lack any such event, which moves the team events into the spotlight.

Overall, at least for me, the appeal in traditional Olympic sports is not as strong as what mainstream sports have to offer. I am very excited to watch as many baseball and soccer matches as my schedule allows, however. I guess I'll try to fit an occasional beach volleyball game in when I can too.