BETWEEN THE LINES: The thrill of victory now; agony later
The end of the old year and the beginning of the new year highlights what has become America’s No. 1 sport — football. I guess that means the rest of the country has finally caught up with Texas, where the pigskin has always been numero uno.
As a Kansas native and New Jersey transplant, I had to develop a taste for the sport. My first love was baseball, and I spent many a night with my transistor radio tuned in to Mel Allen broadcasting the New York Yankees games.
Rooting for the Bronx Bombers in the long run proved detrimental, as I got accustomed to cheering for a perennial winner. Not being in the World Series was the exception, and not the rule. Moving to Houston in 1962 changed my outlook, as I became a supporter of the two local professional franchises.
The baseball team was in its first year of competition, entering the National League in the expansion draft. As the Colt 45s, the team played in the old Buff Stadium until their new playpen, the Astrodome, was completed in time for the 1965 season. Unfortunately, their new crib did not change their luck. It would be 2005 before the Astros finally made it to a World Series, where they lost to the Chicago White Sox.
The football front initially was more promising as the Houston Oilers were the defending champions of the American Football League. They were led by ageless George Blanda at quarterback, the running of Charlie Tolar and the receiving of Louisiana State University standout Billy Cannon. Success was brief. When the team entered the NFL in 1970, losses mounted. The team has yet to make the Super Bowl.
Houston’s only success in professional sports has been the Rockets, who under the guidance of former player Rudy Tomjanovich captured back-to-back NBA titles in 1994 and 1995. For almost half a century, Houston sports fans have endured one disappointing season after another. After a drought of 17 years, Houston finally saw their NFL team make the playoffs this season.
The Houston Texans overcame the loss of defensive standout Mario Williams and quarterback Matt Schaub to season-ending injuries. In addition, their All-Pro wide receiver Andre Johnson missed half the season. In spite of now being led by third-string rookie quarterback T.J Yates, the Texans managed to beat the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the playoffs.
The day after their satisfying win, football fans across the nation were treated to the stunning upset of the Pittsburgh Steelers by the Tim Tebow-led Denver Broncos. Could the football gods be rewarding the underdogs? Is a Texan-Bronco American Conference match in the cards?
Whatever the case, it is more fun enjoying the thrill of victory instead of the agony of defeat. The angst of Houston sports fans has been temporarily removed, but rest assured it soon will rear its ugly head and life will return to the status quo.
Laughlin is a Christian Libertarian. He is an economist, teacher, father, husband and most recently a grandfather. He has written a weekly column for The Tribune for 13 years. He and his wife Gina reside in Meadowlakes. To contact him, email ablaughlin@nctv.com. He is an independent columnist, not a staff member, and his views do not necessarily reflect those of The Tribune or its parent company.