Every year has a different feel to it.
This one, 2022, felt promising on the sports front. It seemed to put two of the three major professional teams in town in a better light, shining the way to a possibly bright future.
The Guardians were the surprise of baseball. Their executive team and field manager won awards for their work; the precocious center fielder was nearly the rookie of the year; the Guardians won a playoff series. And, oh yes, they are now called the Guardians.
The Cavaliers traded for one of the best players in the NBA, stealing him away from the New York Knicks’ wish list. They surprised last year and they haven’t slowed down at the dawn of this season with their young core of elite talent. A playoff run is possible, and this is the best Cavs team without LeBron James since the end of last century.
The Browns made the biggest splash in the NFL this year, but a lot of mud came along with their big move. They added a quarterback who missed 11 games for a suspension for off-the-field legal issues and poor judgment, to say the least. His acquisition has alienated part of the fan base and has put the Browns high on the enemies’ list of NFL fans. So what seemed like a promising year is slipping into a year of below-par play and another losing season.
Those are just three items as part of our five big sports stories of 2022. One other to keep an eye on is the opening of sports gambling on Jan. 1 in the state of Ohio.
So, here is our list of the five biggest sports stories of 2022:
The Guardians Entered a New EraThe Guardians debuted their new name and they wore it well, making the playoffs and beating the Tampa Bay Rays before falling to the New York Yankees. Steven Kwan, the city’s new fan favorite, finished second in the rookie of the year voting, while team president Chris Antoinette and manager Terry Francona won awards. Here is our story on the name change.
The Cavs Make Cleveland a Basketball Town
The Cavaliers are in play as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference of the NBA. And the offseason trade to add Donovan Mitchell just added speed to the team’s ascent up the pecking order in the league. Here is a unique story we published, featuring Kevin Love and Mitchell in conversation.
The Browns Traded for Deshaun Watson
The Browns traded for Deshaun Watson, who sat out the 2021 season with the Houston Texans, after allegations of sexual misconduct with more than 20 women came to light. He eventually reached settlements with most of the women in early 2022. After the trade to the Browns, the NFL and the NFL Players Association agreed to an 11-game suspension. Other allegations have also surfaced. Many fans were not happy with the team’s decision to add a player like this and, to top it off, Watson received the richest guaranteed contract in league history.
Cleveland Gets a Professional Soccer Team
One to keep an eye on for the future is the addition of a minor-league professional soccer team coming to town in 2025. The Cleveland Soccer Group and MLS Next Pro announced its intentions in November. The name, mascot and home location have yet to be announced. The new team will be on the pitch one year before the next World Cup, which will be held in North America.
NIL Money Redefines Collegiate SportsOn the college scene, NIL (name, image and likeness) opportunities and money are now available to college athletes. Combine that with the much freer access to transferring from college to college, and you get one seismic change. Here is our story on NIL and how it affects some of the area’s high school athletes.
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