My Ultimate Sports Bucket List

Tomorrow I'll begin a new chapter in my life.

At high noon, I will somberly depart my home of 21 years in the Greenville section of Smithfield Rhode Island, and move to a newer, more modern house three minutes down the road.

It will signal the commencement of so many wonderful memories such as the block parties, and the friendships I made, but at the same time, it will begin a new stage of my life in which I'm sure to have many memorable experiences with many new friends.

During my time in the old house, I was fortunate enough to experience many happy times as a sports fan.

For instance, I was able to live to see my beloved Red Sox win not one but two World Series championships.

I was also extremely lucky to be able to sit in old Yankee Stadium before it sadly closed its doors.

With a new chapter of my life about to begin, I thought it'd be nice to reflect on the things I haven't yet accomplished as a sports fan.

What follows is a list of things I'd like to accomplish pertaining to sports before my time on this Earth expires.

• I'd like to get an article published in a major metropolitan daily newspaper or a national sports magazine. That may seem obvious to you, but the thrill of seeing my name below the headline in something many people may read will produce feelings of exhilaration and pride I may never experience again.
• I'd like to take my Uncle Bob, a lifelong and passionate Packer fan, to a game at Lambeau Field to sit among the Packer faithful with foam cheeses on our heads and smiles on our faces.
• I'd like to sit among the Cameron Crazies at Duke University and taunt the latest over-hyped NBA prospect at UNC.
  
• I want to visit every ballpark in the major leagues; seven down and 23 to go. I don't know where I'm going next, but I'm sure some people will tell me what makes their ballpark unique and sway me to pack my bags for that city.
  
• To sit in a Monster Seat at Fenway Park would be a divine experience. Of course there's always the chance that I may get hit in the throat by a ball, but it would still be worth it.
• Speaking of seats, an afternoon game at Wrigley Field among the Bleacher Bums would probably produce some stories I wouldn't be proud to tell!
• I'd be proud to take my charter Captain Pop to any place he'd want to go in search of the one fish he's never caught.
• I'd like to see each of my favorite teams win a championship. This is very likely to happen since the Bruins are the only team I have not witnessed celebrate a championship in my time as a New England Sports fan.
• I want to be among the spectators at Churchill Downs to hear the singing of My Old Kentucky Home and then swear my head off as I blow my last $20 bucks on a 30-1 long shot who barely gets out of the gate.
• Finally, I want to pass pass on the privileged experience of being a passionate sports fan to my children and grandchildren. Then, I would sit back and watch with anticipation as they create their own experience as a fan. That to me, would be the greatest gift of all.