SWINGING A TORCH is a weekly sports column that highlights superlative developments in sports. There will be consistent categories every week that will be refreshed on a Thursday to Thursday cycle week by week. There will also be categories and lists that are consistently updated throughout the year as a sports season unfolds. I plan to keep a running list of champions in the main sports ever present on SWINGING A TORCH as well as consistently updated NFL and NBA draft thoughts. I will also highlight notable fashion statements in sports as they arise. Please stay tuned as this column grows week over week:
TORCH SWINGER OF THE WEEK: A hot player in Baseball, Hockey, Tennis, Golf, Soccer, Or Football Kicker
Novak Djokovic over the last two years has climbed to the apex of tennis history. Year over year he is making the debate about the greatest tennis player of all time easier and easier. He now holds the career record for grand slam victories with 24. He is the only tennis player to have completed the career golden masters. This feat is winning all 9 active ATP tournaments. He has achieved this twice. He is also the only racket swinger to achieve the triple career grand slam. The Grand Slam in tennis is winning all 4 major tournaments. Djokovic has made more money playing tennis than anyone in the history of the game with career earnings of around 170 million dollars. The next closest competitor is around 134 million dollars.
His staggering accomplishments on the tennis court are to be noted and applauded. His work off the tennis court to set up the next generation of tennis players for success and his thoughts on building an intentional process for yourself to succeed in whatever endeavor you undertake is what makes Mr. Djokovic this week's Torch Swinger of the Week. He has set up a tennis academy in the capital of his home country Serbia to provide funding and training to young tennis players who need support in their professional journeys. In a recent interview on 60 minutes, he cited his motivation for this being "I have much more than I need." The interview is a fascinating look into the mind of a champion, and he is quite transparent on what disciplines he believes set the table for success. Take a look at the interview below their is plenty to learn from one of the greatest athletes on the planet.:
STRAIGHT FIRE: Example of Undeniable Greatness
Merry Christmas from the NFL to all football fans. On Christmas night fans will have the opportunity to watch the 49ers and the Ravens face off in a holiday showdown. Christian McCaffrey will look to further his MVP campaign with another dominant performance on the national stage. So far this season he has 244 carries, 1292 yards, 13 rushing touchdowns, 57 receptions, 509 yards, and 7 touchdowns. With one catch this upcoming week he will grab his 500th career reception. At 27 years old he has accomplished 10,279 combined career rushing and receiving yards and 80 touchdowns. He is a rare player and single handedly making tens of thousands of fantasy football owners happy around the world.
This past week against the Arizona Cardinals; McCaffrey found pay dirt 3 total times while racking up 18 carries for 115 yards and a score and catching 5 balls for 72 yards and 2 more scores. This outburst against Arizona makes McCaffrey this week's example of undeniable greatness. It also provides him a launching point to grab the MVP conversation by the horns with a dominant performance against an excellent Ravens defense on Christmas night. Enjoy some 2023 highlights from this week's straight fire award winner.
THE YOUNG FIRE CLUB: Young Players (Under 25 Years of Age) to Watch:
NOTE: THIS LIST WILL BE UPDATED AS I BELIEVE SOMEONE BECOMES ELIGIBLE. These are not just great players. This is a list of players I have identified who have the qualities it takes to be franchise cornerstones.
MLB:
CORBIN CARROLL (23 Years Old) - Arizona Diamondbacks - Outfielder (Nominated in 2023)
NFL:
C.J. STROUD (22 Years Old) - Houston Texans - Quarterback (Nominated in 2023)
NBA:
TYRESE MAXEY (23 Years Old) - Philadelphia 76ers - Point Guard (Nominated in 2023)
THE PRO FAN LEAGUE: QUESTION OF THE WEEK?
WHAT WAS THE BEST SPORTS RELATED GIFT YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED AT CHRISTMAS?
Last year for Christmas I got tickets to go see the Tampa Bay Lightning in Florida. I was going to be in Florida on a business trip and was able to latch the game onto my trip. It was a memory I will not soon forget, and I was grateful to experience a new stadium far from home. Hockey is one of the greatest live sports experiences and that night did not disappoint. In addition, I got to enjoy some delicious seafood in a beautiful setting overlooking the water that night. All in all it was a hat trick experience!
PRO FAN LEAGUE: BUSINESS OF THE MONTH SPOTLIGHT (THIS IS NOT SPONSORED)
NOTE: I am excited to share our PRO FAN LEAGUE BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT section. We are "NOT JUST FANS" at Pro Fan League. We are passionate about the work God is doing through all sorts of people in the world. As a tribute to this reality we will spotlight a business/entrepreneur/worker we believe demonstrates well the PRO FAN LEAGUE ethos each month. We will also keep running links to these business websites like a hall of fame:
I would like to introduce you to Lawrence Sheffield, the Founder of Manufacture Good in Birmingham, Alabama. Manufacture Good also runs a company called Fullstack Firewood. Also in Birmingham, Alabama. Check out the links here...Manufacture Good, Fullstack FirewoodFullstackFirewood. Manufacture good makes furniture and delivers firewood, but a huge part of its mission is to give opportunity to people who have made some mistakes in life or are feeling like they lack purpose and are looking to get back on the right track. They accomplish this through an intentional apprenticeship program. They have seen amazing results from this model, and I asked founder Lawrence Sheffield what inspired him to start Manufacture Good; his response to me via linkedin, "Gods calling brother. Helping people become who they needed when they were younger. Wood, Metal and Firewood are just ways to love and serve employees and customers." We stand and applaud Lawrence and all his people at Manufacture Good and Fullstack.
This is a huge part of what PRO FAN LEAGUE is about. Spotlighting and encouraging people who are making amazing things happen in the world around us through work and relationship. If you are intrigued by what you see here, please go the manufacture good website, check out what they are selling and order some goods. Make a donation if you feel led. Check out this video to see the impact this business is having on the people who make it happen every day. KEEP MAKING PLAYS MANUFACTURE GOOD!
PRO FAN LEAGUE FAVORITES: BLESSINGS OF HOPE - blessingsofhope.com
Blessings of Hope is an organization based out of Lancaster County Pennsylvania that will have a prominent place often on this page and in "The Pro Fan League Podcast". Blessings of Hope uses all sorts of channels to rescue food that would otherwise be thrown out and sources that food into the hands of people who need it and can use it. I will write more at length about them in the future. This ministry makes an amazing difference with multiple levels of impact. This is not a sponsored post, I put them on this blog and in my podcasts because they have earned the right to be known. If you are looking for a way to serve or give this holiday season, please check them out. They are always in need of volunteers. For now, please view this video, I will let it do the communicating.
NOT JUST FANS THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:
Distractions are all around us. We are surrounded by noise, entertainment, busy schedules, other people and their opinions, and opportunities to indulge in endless activities. As we come into the Christmas season this coming week, what is distracting you? As you come into this new year, what are the things holding you back from defining and accomplishing your micro and macro missions?
In the Novak Djokovic interview referenced in this week's "Swinging A Torch" he talks about how he was distracted by other world class tennis players and their processes as he would prepare to battle them on the tennis court before matches. His distraction and comparison to them in his own mind would set up him losing to them. He talked about how as a human we will all experience fear and failure, but the key is recognizing that and continuing to quickly move forward.
Jesus came to earth to set the captives free. Free from sin that so easily entangles. This Christmas season take some time to ponder where distractions and comparison are holding you back from accomplishing your big Y's and what the Lord has for you to do for His glory. The Lord has placed you where your feet are at with the gifts you have, rejoice and GO MAKE PLAYS! Thank the Lord for his blessings and ask him for guidance as you prepare for the match coming your way that is 2024! I am cheering for you. We are "NOT JUST FANS"!
GIBBS
Photo Credit: Novak Djokovic: https://images.prismic.io/fff-rg-commun-news/ Christian McCaffrey: 42452f20-untitled-design-2023-01-14t161122.120.jpg (1280×720) (thesportsrush.com)
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