Looking back at 2021, forward to 2022

Matt Baide | Dec 30, 20210

2021 is finally coming to an end, and even though all years are almost the same length, this year felt much longer than it was.

The Seahawks lost a playoff game to a quarterback with a bad thumb before an abysmal 2021 regular season. The Sounders finished second in the MLS Western Conference before a first-round playoff exit and the Kraken began their NHL journey and are last in the Pacific Division entering 2022.

There were some bright spots in 2021, with the Mariners exceeding all expectations and making a playoff run that came up just short. The Seattle Storm had a great season, despite an early playoff exit and the Washington State Cougars won the Apple Cup, even after firing a head coach and starting 1-3.

I would give 2021 a C- on the enjoyment scale. There’s always next year for a lot of these teams, and 2022 will hopefully be better than 2021.

What I’m most looking forward to in 2022 is the Seattle Mariners. Yes, the MLB and MLBPA are locked out but I’m going to assume that both parties will come to an agreement before February so no one loses money. The Mariners signed 2021 AL Cy Young winner Robbie Ray and traded for outfielder Adam Frazier from the Padres. Adding those two guys to a roster that won 90 games last season will make going to T-Mobile Park fun this summer.

I’m also looking forward to the Winter Olympics. Did you remember that the Summer Olympics were in Tokyo in 2021? I know, it was a long year. I enjoy the Summer Olympics to see who the fastest man and woman alive are, and I like to watch pingpong, badminton and handball, the only time those sports get nationally televised and receive the respect they deserve.

This year, the NHL has decided not to send players to the Olympics, which I am a big fan of. It means each country will send some of its best amateur players to compete for gold. It reminds me of the U.S. winning the gold in the Miracle on Ice. I met Mike Eruzione, the captain of the 1980 gold medal team that defeated the USSR in the semifinals. While I wasn’t alive for the miracle, let’s hope this year’s hockey tournament captures some of the spirit of those games. I also enjoy curling, speed skating and bobsled.

My biggest question of 2022 will be what will Sue Bird do? She’s arguably the best player in Seattle basketball history and has won four titles for the Storm. Bird won another gold medal at the Summer Olympics and she’s accomplished pretty much anything you can think of at every level, so if she walks away, I understand. But Sue, one more year, c’mon, please?

I can’t speak for everyone, but overall, despite the C- sports grade, my life was an A- in 2021. I moved into an apartment with my girlfriend and we adopted a cat in November. I was able to get vaccinated and spend time with friends and family that I missed in 2020 and I started working at the Shelton-Mason County Journal. I hope everyone had fun over the holidays, has a happy New Year, and see you all in 2022.