The best of 2024
Oh, and the Mets got Juan Soto.
Before I reflect on 2024, let me look ahead to 2044, when Juan Soto is inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. His plaque, like every other player’s in Cooperstown, will feature his head with a hat on top. That hat will bear the insignia of the New York Mets.
That, more than anything, is why I’m thrilled with the signing. Too often, the Mets have invested in past-their-prime stars who’d already made their mark elsewhere: Pedro Martinez, Johan Santana, Max Scherzer, Eddie Murray, Justin Verlander, Carlos Delgado, and Jason Bay, to name some.
Soto has a proven track record (seven big-league seasons, which include a batting title, five top-10 MVP finishes, and four All-Star appearances), a year of performing in New York (last season with the Yankees), playoff success (a World Series in 2019 and another stellar showing this fall), and multiple elite traits as a hitter (power and the ability to get on base).
The reason Soto became the highest-paid athlete ever is all of those things plus his age: He turned 26 in October. He still has several years of what should be his prime. Will he be worth $50 million as a 40-year-old? Of course not, but that’s the business.
Soto has already been a National, a Padre, and a Yankee. Barring a catastrophe, upon retirement he will be considered a Met. Forget how the Mets got him; he’s ours now.
What I’m reading
The Verge dug up what it would cost to access every NFL game on TV this season: a staggering $857.86. While I don’t doubt that many Americans would like to watch every single NFL game, the bigger issue for me is the lengths one must go just to watch every game of their favorite team.
Since moving to Michigan, I’ve purchased an MLB.tv single-team subscription to watch the Mets, but that doesn’t work when they’re on national TV. I’d also need cable (or a streaming equivalent) to get FOX and ESPN, as well as Apple TV for certain Friday-night games. Peacock and even Roku have exclusively streamed various MLB games in recent years, and TBS airs certain playoff games. Like with the NFL (or NBA) it can add up.
My MLive colleague Ryan Boldrey investigated the origin of the “ugly Christmas sweater” party. Apparently, a couple Canadians claimed to have started it. A few Michiganders have proof they’ve been doing it longer. A fun read this holiday season.
My five favorite stories (as in, those I’ve written) of 2024
What it was like on Michigan sideline for final minutes of Rose Bowl win over Alabama
The headline is accurate: I had great access at the end of a thrilling playoff semifinal that sent Michigan to the national championship.
Consumed: Restoring Michigan basketball the new obsession of Dusty May
My offseason, in-depth profile on new Michigan men’s basketball coach Dusty May, from his time as a hard-nosed player in Indiana to becoming a student manager under Bob Knight to taking Florida Atlantic to the Final Four.
Tackling the unheralded (but impressive) playing career of Michigan coach Sherrone Moore
As a player, Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore got a late start to the sport, started at a junior college, and worked his way up to one of the premier programs in college football.
The Michigan basketball player whose life is worthy of a movie
A story on the interesting off-court life of Michigan forward Will Tschetter, who emerged last season and has blossomed this year.
On the field and in the locker room for Michigan’s championship celebration
Similar to my Rose Bowl story, but this celebration was even bigger.
The top-10 songs (as in, those I’ve listened to) of 2024 (in no particular order):
“Lunch,” Billie Eilish
“I could buy her so much stuff” is a hilarious rich person line
“Texas Hold ’Em,” Beyoncé
We’ve seen the country-to-pop transition plenty. Beyoncé did the opposite, and crushed it.
“A Bar Song,” Shaboozey
Took me back to spring break ’04.
“Good Luck, Babe!” Chapelle Roan
Certified hit maker.
“The Architect,” Kacey Musgraves
Great concept, masterfully written, and beautifully delivered.
“Ego,” Halsey
One of the more underrated pop stars of this generation. The chorus comes in with a bang.
“Close to You,” Gracie Abrams
Mentioned this song on a previous post. I was fortunate to hear it live.
“I Can Do It with a Broken Heart,” Taylor Swift
The best song on her album. I also heard this one live; surely you are quite jealous of how I spent the year two thousand and twenty four.
“APT.” Rosé and Bruno Mars
The catchiest hook of the year, and every non-Korean speaker hears the most repeated word a bit differently.
“Can I Get a Chee Hoo?” Dwayne Johnson aka Maui
My kids don’t read this blog, but if they did, they’d want this song included.
Happy holidays and, if you don’t hear from me, happy New Year.
Glad to see you’re doing well and keeping up with the trends. If you didn’t hear, Burt Mirsky passed away about a week ago. He was 90. Wishing you and the fan happy holidays.