The 2008 ESPYS, hosted by Justin Timberlake, and presented by ESPN, is set to air on Sunday, July 20th at 9:00pm ET. This years’ nominees are a group of remarkable athletes who accomplished astounding feats throughout the 2007 and 2008 seasons. Some of these unforgettable moments include the vast upset in the Super Bowl were Eli Manning and the New York Giants overcame the New England Patriots. Brett Favre of the Green Bay Packers also had a remarkable end to his career when he broke Dan Marino’s all-time touchdown passes report and finished the 2007 season with some of his best numbers. Also, in golf Tiger Woods and Lorena Ochoa stole the spotlight with their sports performances. As for baseball, Barry Bonds broke the all-time home urge record set by Hank Aaron with 755 home runs. Bonds now holds the unusual record with 762 home runs but another baseball ESPY nominee, Alex Rodriguez, will be chasing that new number. Both the Boston Red Sox and Boston Celtics won championships led by Josh Beckett and Kevin Garnett. Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul had hall of fame caliber years. The WNBA features Lauren Jackson who was the MVP and also place the record for most points scored in a single game. In tennis, Justine Henin, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer left fans with performances that were unlike anything seen before. Furthermore, the women made history in auto racing. Danica Patrick and Ashley Force became first time winners in their sports. As for the men, Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch have taken over the sport with their performances. In horse racing Big Brown and Kent Desormeaux fell one victory short of winning the Triple Crown which led to the years second biggest upset in the Belmont Stakes when Da’ Tara won as a longshot of 32-1. This years ESPYS will surely be a year to watch because what took place in sports during the 2007 and 2008 seasons should be recognized. Here is the complete preview and my prediction for each category awarded at the 2008 ESPYS.
1. Best Male Athlete
Tiger Woods, Golf
Tiger Woods won his 14th Major championship by winning the 2008 U.S. Open and tied Jack Nicklaus as the only two golfers to accumulate each major at least three times.
Tom Brady, Unique England Patriots
Tom Brady was named the NFL MVP in 2008. He led the Patriots to the first perfect NFL regular season record of 16-0. He also set the NFL single-season touchdown record with 50 touchdowns.
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Kobe Bryant was named the NBA MVP and finished 2nd in scoring during regular season with an average of 28.3 PPG. He also led the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA Finals.
Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees
Alex Rodriguez was named the American League MVP simply because he led the Majors in runs with143, home runs with 54, and rbi’s with 156. He also finished the season with a .314 batting average.
Prediction: This is very talented group of athletes and all of their accomplishments are kindly of the nominations, however, of the four, only one actually won a world championship. The Fresh England Patriots and Tom Brady surely had a picture breaking year but they lost in the Super Bowl as did Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. The best Male Athlete should be, in my opinion, one who achieved greatness. With that being said, I acquire that Tiger Woods should be this years Best Male Athlete. He continues to amaze the golf world and is the only player since Michael Jordan to be as racy as he is.
2. Best Female Athlete
Lorena Ochoa, Golf
Lorena Ochoa won her 2nd straight Rolex Player of the Year award (Vare Trophy). She also became the first LPGA golfer to acquire over $4 Million in a single season and is currently ranked No. 1 in the world.
Danica Patrick, Auto Racing
Danica Patrick became the first female winner in IndyCar history by winning the Indy Japan 300. She also finished top-5 four times in 2007 and her first win came in her 50th career start.
Candace Parker, Tennessee Women’s Basketball, Los Angeles Sparks WNBA
Candace Parker was named the AP Women’s College Basketball Player of the Year and won the Naismith Award. She averaged 21.3 PPG and 8.5 RPG while winning her 2nd straight NCAA championship. She was then selected number one overall in the WNBA draft.
Lindsey Vonn, Skiing
Lindsey Vonn won the 2008 overall skiing championship and became the first American woman to get the World Cup overall since 1983. She also became only the second American woman to win the World Cup downhill title.
Prediction: This category features some great unique feats that women in sports have accomplished. The first female winner In IndyCar history is very impressive for Danica Patrick as well as Lorena Ochoa’s record breaking single-season earnings. Candace Parker and Lindsey Vonn’s performances where just as spectacular which makes this a tough category to select a winner. I would have to say that the accomplishments of Lorena Ochoa are more than great. She broke earnings records and won the Player of the Year award in consecutive years and should win this years Best Female Athlete. Danica and Candace will surely have their shot at an ESPY in the future.
3. Best Team
Super bowl XLII Champion New York Giants
The Unique York Giants upset the New England Patriots to win the Super Bowl and they did it as a Wild Card team with a 10-6 record. They also set the NFL record for consecutive road wins with 11.
World Series Champion Boston Red Sox
They Boston Red Sox won 96 games which was tied for the best record in baseball. They won the World Series by sweeping the Colorado Rockies in four games and it was their second championship in last four years.
NCAA Men’s Basketball Champion Kansas Jayhawks
The Kansas Jayhawks finished their season by winning 13 straight games and posting a record of 37-3. They won the school’s first national championship since 1988 and the third in the schools history. They also won the Big 12 tournament
NCAA Women’s Basketball Champion Tennessee Lady Vols
The Tennessee Lady Vols won their second straight NCAA championship and their 8th championship in the schools history. They also finished the season with a 36-2 record and a SEC tournament championship.
Boston Celtics
They Boston Celtics won their 17th championship in franchise history by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in six games. They also had the best regular season record with 66 wins and only 16 losses.
Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings won their 11th Stanley Cup in franchise history and their fourth since 1996-1997. They also won their 6th President’s Trophy representing the NHL’s top regular season team. For the second time they Red Wings have lead the NHL in points during the regular season and won the Stanley Cup the same year.
Prediction: This is probably one of the best group of teams that this category has ever seen. The Original York Giants upset victory was definitely amazing as were all the other championship teams. The only things is that there is one team that was really not expected to win. The Boston Celtics, Detroit Red Wings, Kansas Jayhawks, Boston Red Sox and the Tennessee Lady Vols were all perennial champions in the past years. The New York Giants put together an amazing run and knocked off a record setting team in the New England Patriots. To me the New York Giants were the Best Team.
4. Best Championship Performance
Venus Williams at Wimbledon 2007
Venus Williams became the lowest seed (23rd) to win at Wimbledon. She beat three top-6 seeds (Sharapova, Kuznetsova, Ivanovic) to win the championship and it was her 4th Wimbledon singles crown.
Josh Beckett during MLB playoffs
Josh Beckett was 4-0 with a 1.90 ERA in the post season and In 30 innings of work he had 35 strikeouts with only 2 walks. He also allowed only one earned one run with nine strikeouts in his World Series game one victory.
Rafael Nadal at 2008 French Open
Rafael Nadal became the first men’s singles player since 1980 to win the French Open without losing a single set. He beat five seeded players to win the championship.
Tiger Woods at 2008 U.S. Open
Tiger Woods played 91 holes with an ACL injury and a stress break in his left tibia. He made a birdie on the last hole of regulation to force an 18-hole playoff with Rocco Mediate. This victory was his 14th career major championship.
Prediction: This category is very tough to judge because a championship is a championship and they’re all great, however, to pick one that stands alone is special and clearly there is a winner this year. Of all the nominees for this category one stood out because of the will to win and the determination to fight through it. If you guessed Tiger Woods at the U.S. Open you read my mind. His performance coming off of a knee surgery and re-injuring it, then playing through it to not just finish but to win the event was the most impressive moment for me. Of all Tiger Woods’ victories this was the most dramatic and gripping sports performance. Woods should win the ESPY for this category.
5. Best Breakthrough Athlete
Stephen Curry, Davidson Basketball
Stephen Curry scored 128 points in four games during the NCAA tournament including three straight 30-point games. He led his team to their first Elite Eight appearance since 1969. He also helped his team defeat three higher ranked teams before losing to Kansas.
Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
Adrian Peterson set the NFL single-game rushing record with 296 yards and also led the NFC in rushing with 1,341 yards. He was named the Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Kyle Busch, Nascar
Through July 1st, Kyle Busch has recorded five Budge Cup wins and leads the High-tail Cup point standings. He had only won four races in his previous four years.
Ana Ivanovic, Women’s Tennis
Ana Ivanovic won her first Grand Slam singles title by winning the 2008 French Open and moved into the number one spot in the World rankings in 2008.
Prediction: In this category the performance for Stephen Curry was impressive as is the start for Kyle Busch this year. Ana Ivanovic’s first title and number one situation in the world rankings is just as impressive, however, the performance from Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings to break the single-game rushing record is the most amazing. Although that record has been broken several times in unique years by breaking it in his rookie year and winning the top rookie honors deserves him an ESPY.
6. Best Record-Breaking Performance
Barry Bonds, San Francisco Giants
Barry Bonds broke Hank Aaron’s all-time home run record (755) and now has the new record with 762 home runs.
Tom Brady & Randy Moss, New England Patriots
Tom Brady broke Peyton Manning’s single-season touchdown passes record of 49 with 50 and the same year Randy Moss broke Jerry Rice’s single-season touchdown reception record of 22 with 23.
Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers
Brett Favre broke Dan Marino’s career mark for touchdown passes and now holds the new career touchdown passes recount with 462.
Usain Saunter, Sprinter
Usain Bolt broke the 100-meter world record by recording a time of 9.72 seconds and did this in only his 5th career race.
Prediction: Any record breaking performance is historical, however, records are broken almost every month in sports somehow. The record from this list that I contain to be the most impressive and deserving of the award is that of Brett Favre. He broke the all-time touchdown passes record set by Dan Marino and what Tom Brady and Randy Moss did was over one season. Brett Favre took a career to break this record. I would normally have picked the home run portray set by Barry Bonds, however, with all the allegations that surround him and because the legitimacy of his report smooth remains in doubt by many fans I could not originate him the winner for this award.
7. Best Upset
College Football: Appalachian State stuns Michigan
Appalachian State blocked the last second field goal attempt from Michigan to derive the game and became the first FCS team (formerly division I-AA) to beat a top-5 team.
Super Bowl XLII: New York Giants beat New England Patriots
The New York Giants defeated the 18-0 New England Patriots when Eli Manning hit Plaxico Burress for a touchdown with .35 seconds left in the game.They also won as a Wild Card team.
College World Series: Fresno State beats Georgia
Fresno State became the lowest seeded team ever to win the College World Series and became the lowest seeded team to ever reach the championship round of any NCAA tournament sport.
Belmont Stakes: Longshot Da’ Tara (38-1) wins
Da’ Tara upset Triple Crown candidate Big Brown by winning at the Belmont Stakes. Da’ Tara entered the race as 38-1 longshot.
Prediction: This category represents not only this years best upsets but some of the best upsets in the history of sports. The Michigan defeat was very impressive as was the Fresno State College World Series championship. In sports, the Triple Crown is one of the hardest feats to achieve therefore I believe the upset was valid but it was expected in a plot. My pick for the Best Upset would have to be the New York Giants defeating the undefeated Current England Patriots as a Wild Card team.
8. Best Moment
Great Sportsmanship: Central Washington vs. West Oregon Softball
Western Oregon’s softball player, Sara Tucholsky hit her first career home run and while jogging around first inappropriate she injured her knee. The opposing teams players from Central Washington picked her up and carried her around the bases despite the face that the home run knocked them out of playoff contention.
No-hitter: Red Sox Pitcher Jon Lester
Less than two years after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Jon Lester, threw a no-hitter. It was the first no-hitter thrown by a Red Sox left-handed pitcher since 1956. He threw 130 pitches and had nine strikeouts with two walks.
First Female IndyCar winner Danica Patrick
At 26 years old, Danica Patrick became the first female winner in IndyCar history by defeating Helio Castroneves in her 50th career initiate.
Prediction: The most unique thing to see in sports was the Great Sportsmanship that was displayed in the women’s softball playoffs. Although the no-hitter and the first female IndyCar victory were impressive as well what happened in the softball game is something you’ll probably never see again and that is why it should win the ESPY for Best Moment.
9. Best Game
Super Bowl XLII: Giants over Patriots
The Modern York Giants won the game by a score of 17-14 and they rallied twice in the fourth quarter to take the lead. This New England Patriots loss was their first in over a year.
NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship: Kansas over Memphis
The Kansas Jayhawks trailed by nine with 2:12 left in regulation. They went on a 12-3 run and Mario Chalmers hit a three-pointer to send the game into overtime. The Jayhawks then came away with the 75-68 overtime victory.
NBA Finals Game 4: Celtics over Lakers
The Boston Celtics overcame a 24-point deficit to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 97-91 and a commanding lead in the series at 3-1. They became the first team in NBA Finals history to overcome more than a 15-point first period deficit.
Prediction: This category features three great games in all of sports history, however, one tops them all. The Super Bowl game that featured the Unique England Patriots, the first team to go undefeated in a 16 game regular season, while entering the game with an 18-0 just to lose to the New York Giants takes the ESPY for Best Game in my book.
10. Best Play
Super Bowl XLII: Eli Manning pass to David Tyree
On third down, Eli Manning scrambled around dodging the New England pass rush and connected with David Tyree for a 32-yard completion that gave them a first down en route to the big upset.
Mississippi Miracle
In a division III game Trinity University won the game on the final play after a completed pass with 15 laterals which was touched by seven different players including two offensive lineman. The play was named the “Mississippi Miracle.”
Nash Shoots and Scores
Rick Nash made several moves to baffle two defense men and the goalie while scoring the game-winning goal in Phoenix.
Big Ten Stunner
Minnesota’s Blake Hoffarber, scored on a length of the court pass and frightened Indiana in the big Ten tournament. This marks his second ESPY nomination. He won the Best Play in 2005 as a high school athlete.
Prediction: The fact that there is a nomination for someone who won an ESPY as a high school athlete and now is up for an ESPY as a college athlete is simply remarkable. The shot by Nash and the pass by Manning were also very nice plays. The most memorable and unbelievable was the “Mississippi Miracle.” The fact that the play already has its own name shows you the significance of the play and should win the ESPY for Best Play.
11. Best Sports Movie
Resurrecting the Champ
A sports reporter rescues a homeless man nicknamed “Champ.” The reporter discovers that the homeless man is in fact a boxing legend that was believed to have died. The movie stars Samuel L. Jackson and Josh Hartnett.
The Game Plan
An NFL quarterback is living the bachelor lifestyle when he discovers he has an eight-year-old daughter from a previous relationship. The movie stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Semi Pro
Jackie Moon is the owner/coach.player of the AVA Flint Michigan Tropics. He rallies his teammates to make their NBA dreams come proper and the movie stars Woody Harrelson and Will Ferrell.
Leatherheads
A romantic comedy that is position in the world of 1920’s football. The owner of a pro team drafts a college star only later to see his new coach fall for his fiancee starring George Clooney and Renee Zellweger.
Prediction: To be unprejudiced, this years sports movies were not the best but some were consuming. Since I have to take one I’ll go with saying that “Leatherheads” will with the ESPY for this category.
12. Best Coach/Manager
Tom Coughlin, Modern York Giants
Tom Coughlin led the New York Giants to a Super Bowl championship while setting a record with 11 consecutive road wins.
Terry Francona, Boston Red Sox
Terry Francona led the Boston Red Sox to their second World Series championship in four years. With 96 regular season wins and the tie for the best characterize in the majors it marked the second highest salvage total for a Red Sox manager in 29 years.
Pat Summitt, Tennessee Womens Basketball
Pat Summitt won her eight championship with a record of 36-2. She currently has 983 career wins.
Doc Rivers, Boston Celtics
Doc Rivers led the Boston Celtics to their first NBA championship since 1986.
Prediction: The nominees for this category are some of the best ever. Doc Rivers winning the championship was expected since they spent all that money on Garnett and Allen. The same goes for the Boston Red Sox. Those two teams handed the coaches championships. The two best, in my opinion, were Tom Coughlin of the New York Giants and Pat Summitt of the Tennessee Lady Vols. i believe the edge goes to Pat Summitt with all those championships and wins in her career. She should win the ESPY for this category.
13. Best Finish
McMurray Edges Busch
Jamie McMurray beat Kyle Busch at Daytona International Speedway to win the Pepsi 400. On the final lap, they appeared to touch several times and McMurray finished only 0.0005 seconds ahead of Kyle Busch.
Hilltoppers Advance
Western Kentucky defeated drake in the first round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Ty Rogers hit a desperation three-pointer with three defenders in his face and no time on the clock.
Spurs Prevail
Michael Finley scored to send the game into overtime. Then Tim Duncan knocked down his first three-pointer of the season to send the game into a second overtime. Steve Nash hit a last minute three=pointer but Manu Ginobili answered by scoring the game winner with 1.8 seconds left on the clock.
Penguins Stay Alive
The Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 in three overtime periods. Marc-Andre Fleury made 55 saves and Petr Sykora scored the game winning goal.
Prediction: The Best Finish is always more entertaining when traveling at speeds of 200mph so that is why I hold the McMurray’s finish over Busch as the ESPY winner for this category.
14. HUMMER LIKE NOTHING ELSE Award
Manny Ramirez, Boston Red Sox
Manny Ramirez ran back on a ball that was well hit and jumped up on the wall with one foot and made the catch. Before he fell back down off the wall he high fived a fan and then threw a strike to double off a runner at first improper.
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Sidney Crosby scored an overtime goal outdoors in the snow against the Buffalo Sabres on New Year’s Day.
Ashley Force, NHRA Race Car Driver
Ashley Force became the first female to win an NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series Funny Car event. She did this all by beating her dad, 14-time droll car champion John Force, to win the NHRA Southern Nationals in Atlanta, Georgia.
George Martin, Dilapidated NFL Player
George Martin walked over 3,200 miles and raised over $2 million to back Ground Zero rescue and recovery workers in Original York. He began in September 2007 and finished in June 2008.
Prediction: What George Martin did was surely like nothing else and gets my vote for this category.
15. Best NFL Player
Tom Brady, New England Patriots
Tom Brady was named NFL MVP and he led his team to the first ever 16-0 record in the NFL. He also set the single-season touchdown passes record with 50.
Randy Moss, New England Patriots
Randy Moss caught 98 passes for a total of 1,493 yards. He also region the single-season touchdown reception recount with 23. He did this by recording eight regular season games with multiple touchdown receptions.
Eli Manning, New York Giants
Eli Manning led his Wild Card winning team to win the Orderly Bowl. In the post season he three six touchdown passes with only one interception.
LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers
LaDainian Tomlinson led the NFL in rushing with 1,474 yards and he scored 15 touchdowns.
Bob Sanders, Indianapolis Colts
Bob Sanders was named the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He recorded 132 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers
Brett Favre completed 66.5 percent of his passes, threw for 4,155 yards, and had 28 touchdown passes. This led his team to the NFC championship game.
Prediction: Despite losing the Clean Bowl game to the Unique York Giants Tom Brady’s year was the best ever seen from a quarterback. He won the MVP and led his team to an undefeated record of 18-0. That kind of leadership takes the ESPY for this category.
16. Best NBA Player
Lebron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Lebron James led the NBA in scoring with an average of 30.0 PPG becoming the 2nd youngest person do so. He also became the third player in NBA history to average at least 30 PPG, 7.9 RPG, and 7.0 APG.
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Kobe Bryant was named the NBA MVP and he finished second in scoring with an average of 28.3 PPG. Due to his unselfish style of play this year he helped his team earn a berth in the NBA Finals.
Chris Paul, Unusual Orleans Hornets
Chris Paul became the first player in NBA history to lead the NBA in assists and steals while averaging at least 20.0 PPG. He also led the Hornets to the second best record in the Western Conference.
Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
Dwight Howard led the NBA in double-doubles with 69 and he also led the NBA in rebounds per game with 14.2.
Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics
Kevin Garnett was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year. He also led the Celtics to their first championship since 1986 and in the Finals, he averaged 18.2 PPG and 13.2 RPG.
Prediction: Despite Kobe Bryant winning the NBA MVP which around the league is known as the NBA’s best player, Chris Paul should collect the ESPY for this category. He was far greater than the rest of the nominees because what he accomplished has never been done by anyone before.
17. Best MLB Player
Alex Rodriguez, Recent York Yankees
Alex Rodriguez was named the American League MVP and he led the Majors in runs with143, home runs with 54, and rbi’s with 156. He also finished the season with a .314 batting average.
Josh Beckett, Boston Red Sox
Josh Beckett was the only pitcher in the majors with 20 wins during the 2007 season. He was 4-0 with a 1.90 ERA in the post season and In 30 innings of work he had 35 strikeouts and two walks. He also allowed only one earned one race with nine strikeouts in his World Series game one victory.
Jimmy Rollins, Philadelphia Phillies
Jimmy Rollins was the NL MVP and he hit 30 home runs while driving in 94. He also stole 41 bases.
Jake Peavey, San Diego Padres
Jake Peavey was named the NL Cy Young award winner and he finished the season with a record of 19-6. He posted an ERA of 2.54 with 240 strikeouts in 223.1 innings pitched.
C.C. Sabathia, Cleveland Indians
C.C. Sabathia was named the AL Cy Young award winner and he finished the season with a record of 19-7. He posted an ERA of 3.21 and was just recently traded to the Milwaukee Brewers.
Prediction: Despite not winning the Cy Young award, Josh Beckett should be the ESPY winner for this category. He was the only pitcher with 20 wins during the season and he led his team to a World Series championship.
18. Best NHL Player
Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
Alexander Ovechkin was named the NHL MVP. He led the league in scoring with 112 points and goals with 65. He also set the NHL single-season record for goals scored by a left wing.
Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames
Jarome Iginia was one of only three players to score at least 50 goals. This was the second time in his career that he has scored at least 50 goals and he recorded a career best 98 points in 82 games.
Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins
Evgeni Malkin finished second in the league in scoring with 106 points.
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Sidney Crosby totaled 72 points in 53 regular-season games. He also led the Penguins to the Stanley Cup Finals with 27 points in 20 playoff games.
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings
Finished fourth in the NHL in scoring with 97 points. He also won the Selke Award as the NHL’s top defensive forward and the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship.
Prediction: All these athletes had great years in the NHL but one stands out due to the record he residence for goals scored. Alexander Ovechkin broke the single-season narrate for goals scored by a left waft and that accomplishment far exceeds any career bests the other players recorded. The ESPY for this category belongs to Ovechkin.
19. Best Male College Athlete
Tim Tebow, Florida Football
Tim Tebow won the Heisman Trophy and became the first college football player to urge and pass for at least 20 touchdowns in the same season.
Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina Basketball
Tyler Hansbrough was named the 2007-2008 Collegiate Player of the Year by the Associated Press, the NABC, and USBWA. He also averaged 22.6 PPG and 10.2 RPG
Michael Beasley, Kansas State Basketball
Michael Beasley finished the season third in Division I scoring by averaging 26.2 PPG and was first in rebounding with an average of 12.4 RPG. He was also selected second overall in the NBA draft.
Prediction: This is a close one between Tim Tebow and Tyler Hansbrough. They both had phenomenal years but with Tim Tebow becoming the first player in college football history to hurry and pass for at least 20 touchdowns in the same season is remarkable. That is a record that even Michael Vick couldn’t accomplish. The ESPY for this category should go to Tim Tebow.
20. Best Female College Athlete
Candace Parker, Tennessee Basketball
Candace Parker led her team to their second straight championship while averaging 21.3 PPG and 8.5 RPG in 38 games.
Angela Tincher, Virginia Tech Softball
Angela Tincher led the nation with an ERA of 0.63 and a nation-leading 13.8 strikeouts per seven innings. She led her team to their first ever NCAA College World Series and finish with a picture of 38-10.
Rachel Dawson, North Carolina Field Hockey
Rachel Dawson was named National Player of the Year and the ACC tournament MVP. She led North Carolina to the NCAA championship while scoring 19 goals and finishing with a picture of 24-0.
Prediction: Angela Tincher and Rachel Dawson had great years for their teams, however, Candace Parker stands out to me because she led her team to back-to-back championships and earned herself the number one overall pick in the WNBA draft. Parker should win the ESPY for this category.
21. Best Bowler
Walter Ray Williams Jr.
Waler Ray Williams Jr. led all PBA bowlers with an average of 228.34. He also made eight championship round appearances.
Chris Barnes
Chris Barnes made a PBA-high nine championship round appearances and amazingly cashed in all 21 events he participated in.
Norm Duke
Norm Duke led all PBA bowlers in earnings with a total of $176,855 and became only the second bowler in history to win the four Grand Slam events in his career.
Prediction: This is a hall of fame caliber list of PBA bowlers and what they did this year was very impressive from each bowler. The one bowler that stands out is Chris Barnes. He cashed in every event that he participated in. That simple fact should win the award alone but not only that he made a PBA-high of nine championship round appearances. He should get the ESPY for Best Bowler.
22. Best Fighter
Kelly Pavlik, Boxer
Kelly Pavlik beat Jermain Taylor in seven rounds to win the middleweight championship. He then beat Gary Lockett while defending his title.
Floyd Mayweather, Boxer
Floyd Mayweather defeated the unbeaten Ricky Hatton in ten rounds. He improved his record to 43-0.
Joe Calzaghe, Boxer
Joe Calzaghe was crowned the world super middleweight champion with a unanimous decision over Dane Mikkel Kessler. That was his 21st WBO title defense and he added Kessler’s WBA and WBC belts to his collection. He followed it all up with a victory over Bernard Hopkins.
Holly Holm, Boxer
Holly Holm defeated the undefeated Mary Jo Sanders. She then defeated Belinda Laracuente for the IFBA welterweight title.
George St. Pierre, MMA
George St. Pierre regained his welterweight championship with a win over Matt Serra. His record is now an impressive 16-2.
Prediction: For this category there are several grand fighters, however, what Floyd Mayweather accomplished by beating the undefeated Ricky Hatton and staying undefeated himself makes him clearly the Favorite to win the ESPY for Best Fighter.
23. Best Driver
Jimmie Johnson
Jimmie Johnson won his 2nd straight Nextel Cup championship in 2007. He won ten races during the year along with four pole awards, 20 top-5 finishes and 24 top-10 finishes.
Kyle Busch
Kyle Busch has started of the 2008 season by winning five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series wins before July 1st. Through July 1st, he is currently leading the Sprint Cup points race.
Dario Franchitti
Dario Franchitti is an IndyCar Champion. He also became the first driver ever to finish in the top-7 of every hurry. He finished in the top-5 12 times in 2007.
Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton finished the 2007 season with four victories, 12 podium finishes, and six pole positions. He was the 2007 F-1 runner-up.
Scott Dixon
Scott Dixon won the 2008 Indianapolis 500 and had four wins in 2007. He finished second in the 2007 IndyCar points race.
Tony Schumacher
Tony Schumacher has won four straight World Championship titles. That is a new POWERade series top fuel record.
Prediction: This category features three drivers that stand out. Jimmie Johnson has had two consecutive championship years and Dario Franchitti has finished in the top 7 of every accelerate. Also, Tony Schumacher has won four straight titles which sets a new top fuel represent. Of the three, Tony Schumacher should salvage the ESPY for Best Driver.
24. Best Female Action Sports Athlete
Gretchen Bleiler, Snowboarding
Gretchen Bleiler won the gold medal in superpipe at the 2008 Winter X games. She earlier won the halfpipe at the 2007 World Cup. She also won the 2007 Grand Prix, Tamarack and the 2007 Brenkenridge Grand Prix.
Jessica Patterson, Motocross
Jessica Patterson won the Women’s Motocross Association title.
Stephanie Gilmore, Surfing
Stephanie Gilmore became the first surfer ever to win an ASP world title in rookie season. She recorded four 2007 Elite Tour victories.
Lindsey Jacobellis, Snowboarding
She won the gold medal at the 2008 Winter X Games and in 2007 she won her second consecutive SBX World Championship title.
Prediction: In this category, in my opinion, what Stephanie Gilmore accomplished at the age of 19 by winning the ASP world title as a rookie is the most impressive feat from the females in Action Sports. She should fetch the ESPY for this category.
25. Best Male Action Sports Athlete
Shaun White, Skateboarding/Snowboarding
Shaun White became the first athlete to ever win a gold medal in both the Summer and Winter X Games. He won the skateboard vert competition in summer and then snowboard superpipe in winter.
Kevin Robinson, BMX
He defended his gold medal on the BMX Big Air ramp and was selected as X Games 13 Most Outstanding Athlete.
Chad Reed, Supercross
Chad Reed dominated the 2008 AMA SuperCross circuit while winning nine races and the overall AMA World Champion title.
Kevin Pearce, Snowboarding
Kevin Pearce won a silver and bronze medal at the Winter X Games. He also won the Artic Challenge and Burton European Open.
Prediction: Again, all tremendous accomplishments, however, Shaun White becoming the first athlete to win a gold medal in both the Sumer and Winter X Games should make him the ESPY award winner for this category.
26. Best Female Athlete with a Disability
Patty Cisneros, Basketball
Patty Cisneros was the captain of the U.S. women’s wheelchair basketball team and she led her team to win the Parapan American Games. She also led the U.S. squad to victory in the 2008 North American Cup.
Jessica Galli, Track & Field
Jessica Galli position the world record in Women’s Wheelchair 200, 400 and 800 Meters.
Susan Beth Scott, Swimming
Susan Beth Scott set a world record in the 400-meter freestyle at the 2008 U.S. Swimming Trials.
Shay Oberg, Softball
Shay Oberg was born without a left hand, however, she started in center field and batted as a switch-hitter. She finished the season with three home runs, 13 rbi’s and a .280 batting average.
Prediction: The winner for the ESPY in this category should go to all of the athletes, however, since I have to determine unprejudiced one what Jessica Galli did by setting three world records makes her stand out in this category and should be the ESPY winner.
27. Best Male Athlete with a Disability
Matt Scott, Basketball
Matt Scott’s defense helped lead the U.S. Men’s Wheelchair Basketball team to Gold over Canada in the Paralympic Pan-Am Games. He led his team in steals with 13 in six games.
Phil Scholz, Swimming
Phil Scholz area American swimming records for the 50-meter butterfly, 800-meter freestyle, and the 1500-meter freestyle.
Marthell Vazquez, Soccer
Marthell Vazquez was named the MVP of the 2007 World Championship in Brazil. He led the U.S. team in scoring with four goals in the tournament.
Ryan Kocer, Wrestling
Ryan Kocer lost his left leg and had his right leg crushed during football season leaving him only months to prepare for wrestling season. The three-time defending state champion qualified for the state tournament again, despite his injury, and managed to finish fourth.
Prediction: Again, the recount setting performances are what make an athlete stand out and the three records that Phil Scholz set for American swimmers should make him the winner for the ESPY in this category.
28. Best Female Tennis Player
Justine Henin
Justine Henin won ten tournaments in 2007 including the U.S. Open. She finished 2007 as the No. 1 ranked player in the world and she retired in 2008 still holding the No. 1 ranking.
Maria Sharapova
Maria Sharapova won the Australian Open without losing a single set. She has totaled three tournament wins in the first four months of 2008. She has been ranked No. 1 at times during 2008.
Ana Ivanovic
Ana Ivanovic won her first Grand Slam singles title by winning the 2008 French Open. She moved to the No. 1 world ranking in 2008.
Prediction: The only reason that Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic are swapping back and forth with the No. 1 world ranking is because Justine Henin retired while holding that space. She won 10 tournaments in 2007 before retiring and should be the ESPY winner for this category.
29. Best Male Tennis Player
Roger Federer
Roger Federer won at both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in 2007. He also finished 2007 as the No. 1 ranked player in the world for the fourth straight year. He earned over $10 Million in prize money and his match record in 2007 was 68-9.
Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal posted a match represent of 70-15 in 2007. He also won the French Open without losing a single set.
Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic won the Australian Start in 2007 and moved to the No. 3 ranked player in the world.
Bob & Mike Bryan
Bob & Mike Bryan and ranked the No. 1 doubles team in the world. They combined to post a doubles match record of 77-9 in 2007.
Prediction: Despite the fact that the other three nominees are great players, Roger Federer takes this award handily by finishing the 2007 season ranked No. 1 in the world for the fourth straight year. He is the clear current to win the ESPY for this category.
30. Best Track & Field Athlete
Tyson Gay, Sprinter
Tyson Gay beat Asafa Powell in the 100-meters at the World Outdoor Track & Field Championships. He also won three gold medals at Worlds
Allyson Felix, Sprinter
Allyson Feliz became only the second woman to win three gold medals at the World Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
Jeremy Wariner, Sprinter
Jeremy Wariner won the 400-meter and 1600-meter relays at the World Outdoor Track & Field Championships. He is also ranked No. 1 in the world in the 400-meters for the fourth straight year.
Usain Promenade, Sprinter
He ran a 9.72 100-meters which set a new world record at the Reebox Grand Prix.
Prediction: This is one of the toughest categories because you have some of the best sprinters in history as the nominees. The world record set by Usain Bolt was impressive as was Allyson Feliz at the World Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Jeremy Wariner’s relay accomplishments are unprejudiced as impressive, however, Tyson Gay beat the former world record holder and won three golds at Worlds and should procure this ESPY.
31. Best Golfer
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods won the inaugural FedEx Cup while leading the PGA Tour in scoring and earnings. He also became the sixth player to catch the U.S. Inaugurate at least three times. He won seven PGA tour events in 2007 and four in 2008.
Lorena Ochoa
Lorena Ochoa won her 2nd straight Rolex Player of the Year Award (Vare Trophy). She also became the first LPGA golfer to win over $4 million in a single season and is currently ranked No. 1 in the world.
Phil Mickelson
Phil Mickelson won three tournaments in 2007 and two early in 2008. He is also currently ranked No. 2 in the world.
Annika Sorenstam
Annika Sorenstam won three tournaments and posted eight top-10 finishes in her first 11 starts on the 2008 LPGA Tour. She also finished second in the LPGA world ranking.
Prediction: It’s awfully tough to beat Tiger Woods for this category, however, if anyone does it could be Lorena Ochoa this year. I will set my money on Tiger Woods to win this ESPY because he continues to set records and win tournaments.
32. Best Jockey
Kent Desormeaux
Kent Desormeaux rode Big Brown to victory in the Kentucky Derby and The Preakness in 2008.
Garrett Gomez
Garrett Gomez won 266 races and earned over $23.8 million in 2007.
Robby Albarado
Robby Albarado won 253 races in 2007 including the Breeders Cup Classic aboard Curlin with his purses totaling $19.3 million.
Prediction:Kent Desormeaux won two of the three biggest races in horse racing and should easily take home the ESPY for the Best Jockey.
33. Best Outdoor Athlete
Lance Mackey, Dog Musher
Lance Mackey won back-to-back Iditarods in 2007 and 2008 and his fourth consecutive Yukon Quest. He also became the only musher ever to win both races in the same year.
Dave Hahn, Mountain Climber
Dave Hahn reached the summit of Mt. Everest for the 10th time this year setting a record for American climbers. He also holds the describe for the most summits of Vinson Massif (Antarctica’s highest point) with 25.
Skip Storch, Marathon Swimmer
Skip Storch made a record setting swim by circling the island of Manhattan three times in 32:52:30. He also set the record for two trips at 20:56:17 and afterwards was hospitalized for muscle tears, abrasions, and hypothermia.
Captain Scott Smiley, Mountain Climber
Captain Scott Smiley is believed to be the only blind person to climb Mt. Rainier. He accomplished this feat after being blinded by a roadside bomb in Iraq. He was named the Army Times Soldier of the Year in 2007.
Scott Reese, Angler
Scott Reese won the B.A.S.S. Toyota Tundra Angler of the Year award and he won three Bassmaster events in 2007.
Prediction: This is another amazing group of athletes that are all deserving of this award. I believe the fact that Lance Mackey became the first musher to ever win both the Iditarods and the Yukon Quest in the same year makes him the winner for this ESPY.
34. Best MLS Player
Juan Pablo Angel, New York Red Bulls
Juan Pablo Angel scored 19 goals in 24 regular-season games in 2007. He was also a finalist for the 2007 MLS MVP and 2007 Newcomer of the Year.
David Beckham, L.A. Galaxy
David Beckham has scored four goals and had six assists in his first 12 games in 2008
Landon Donovan, L.A. Galaxy
Landon Donovan totaled eight goals and 13 assists in 2007. He has now scored 11 goals in his first 10 games in 2008.
Luciano Emilio, D.C. United
Luciano Emilio was named the MLS MVP in 2007. He led the league in goals scored with 20.
Matt Reis, New England Revolution
Matt Reis had an average of 1.43 goads scored against and he had 10 shutouts in 2007. He also started in all 30 of his teams games.
Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Chicago Fire
Cuauhtemoc Blanco scored four goals and had seven assists in 14 regular-season games in 2007. He was also a finalist for the MLS MVP.
Prediction: This category features some outstanding athletes. The one player who stands out among the rest is the MLS MVP, Luciano Emilio. He led the league in goals scored and clearly was the Best Player and should score the ESPY for this category.
35. Best WNBA Player
Lauren Jackson, Seattle Storm
Lauren Jackson was named the WNBA MVP and she led the league in scoring (23.8 PPG) and in rebounding (9.7 RPG). She also tied the WNBA record for most points scored in a game with 47.
Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury
Diana Taurasi finished third in the WNBA in scoring (19.2 PPG) and led her team to the WNBA championship.
Becky Hammon, San Antonio Silver Stars
Becky Hammon finished second in the WNBA MVP voting and she ended the season in fifth in the WNBA in scoring (18.8 PPG). She also led her team to their first playoff berth in team history.
Seimone Augustus, Minnesota Lynx
Seimone Augustus finished second in the WNBA in scoring (22.6 PPG).
Prediction: The one player who stands out in the WNBA is Lauren Jackson and despite not winning the WNBA championship she won the MVP award and led the league in scoring while setting the WNBA record for most points scored in a game. She should win the ESPY for Best WNBA Player.
36. Best International Male Athlete
Rafael Nadal, Tennis
Rafael Nadal posted a match record of 70-15 in 2007. He also won the French Open without losing a single set.
Christiano Rinaldo, Soccer
Christiano Rinaldo scored 31 goals in 34 appearances for Manchester United during the 2007-2008 season.
Manu Ginobili, Basketball
Manu Ginobili averaged 19.5 PPG and 4.8 RPG during the 2007-2008 regular season. He also won the the NBA’s Sixth Man award.
Kaka, Soccer
Kaka was named the FIFA Best Male Soccer Player for the 2007 season.
Prediction: This award could go to any of the above athletes. I would say that Rafael Nadal has the best chance to collect this ESPY because of his dominating performance at the French Open.
37. Best International Female Athlete
Justine Henin, Tennis
Justine Henin won ten tournaments in 2007 including the U.S. Open. She finished 2007 as the No. 1 ranked player in the world and she retired in 2008 still holding the No. 1 ranking.
Lorena Ochoa, Golf
Lorena Ochoa won her 2nd straight Rolex Player of the Year Award (Vare Trophy). She also became the first LPGA golfer to earn over $4 million in a single season and is currently ranked No. 1 in the world.
Marta, Soccer
Marta scored a game winning goal in the World Cup semifinal against the U.S. She was also named the 2007 FIFA Best Female Soccer Player for the 2007 season.
Lauren Jackson, Basketball
Lauren Jackson was named the WNBA MVP and she led the league in scoring (23.8 PPG) and in rebounding (9.7 RPG). She also tied the WNBA record for most points scored in a game with 47.
Prediction: This award has several strong nominees. The top three, Justine Henin, Lorena Ochoa and Lauren Jackson all have the potential to win an ESPY in their own sport. This category is basically an ESPY to determine of the three who is the best athlete. I like all three of these athletes and predicted them as ESPY winners in each of their hold sports. The winner of this ESPY could go to Marta because it’s the only category she is nominated for and the other three nominees could have already been selected for their ESPY. I’m gonna go on a limb and say that Marta gets the ESPY for this category.
That is the last category for the 2008 ESPYS. As you can see there are alot of great sports moments and astonishing athletes that are more than deserving of this recognition. Please check back to see how well I did with my predictions for each category. Also leave me your comments and let me know what you deem about any particular category or about this article. I would appreciate any feedback or comments that you would like to leave pertaining to the 2008 ESPYS. Congratulations to all nominees and enjoy the show.
SOURCE USED FOR STATISTICAL AND FACTUAL INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE ATHLETES, RECORDS AND DIFFERENT CATEGORIES:
http://promo.espn.go.com/espn/specialsection/espys2008/
Death Row Inmates Claim Jailhouse Snitch Testimony Got Them the Death Sentence
