New York Mets History: From the Lovable Losers to Amazin’ Champions

The New York Mets entered Major League Baseball in 1962 as an expansion franchise created to bring National League baseball back to New York after the Dodgers and Giants left for California. The Mets struggled badly during their first seven seasons, but everything changed in 1969 when the “Miracle Mets” shocked baseball by winning the World Series. Since then, the Mets have produced Hall of Famers, Rookie of the Year winners, Cy Young Award winners, legendary pitchers, powerful hitters and two World Series championships. The Mets have played their entire history in Queens and Manhattan, first at the Polo Grounds, then Shea Stadium and, since 2009, Citi Field.                                                     The Beginning of the Mets The Mets were officially established in 1960 and began play in 1962. The franchise was awarded to New York after the departure of the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants left the National League without a team in New York. The team’s colors—blue and orange—were chosen to represent the two former New York National League clubs. The Mets played their first regular-season game on April 11, 1962, losing to the St. Louis Cardinals 11–4. Their first home game was played at the Polo Grounds on April 13, 1962, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Mets lost that game 4–3. The franchise’s first victory came April 23, 1962, when New York defeated Pittsburgh 9–1. The early Mets became famous for losing. They finished last in the National League in each of their first seven seasons. Then came 1969. New York Mets Owners The Mets have had several different ownership eras. Joan Whitney Payson — 1962–1975 Joan Whitney Payson was the Mets’ original owner and the first woman to own a Major League Baseball team. She was an important figure in bringing National League baseball back to New York and remained one of the most devoted owners in baseball. Payson died in 1975. Charles Shipman Payson — 1975–1980 After Joan Payson’s death, ownership passed to her husband, Charles Shipman Payson. The Payson family continued to control the Mets until the franchise was sold in 1980. Doubleday & Company — 1980–1986 In 1980, the Mets were sold to a group headed by Nelson Doubleday Jr. and publishing company Doubleday & Company. The purchase price was approximately $21.1 million. Nelson Doubleday Jr. and Fred Wilpon — 1986–2002 Fred Wilpon became increasingly important in Mets ownership after the 1980 purchase. In 1986, Wilpon and Nelson Doubleday Jr. became the principal owners. This ownership era coincided with the Mets’ greatest team of the 1980s and the 1986 World Series championship. Sterling Equities / Wilpon and Katz Families — 2002–2020 Fred Wilpon and his family eventually became the controlling owners through Sterling Equities. The Wilpon era included the 2000 National League pennant and the 2015 National League pennant. Steve Cohen — 2020–Present In 2020, billionaire businessman Steve Cohen purchased the Mets for approximately $2.4 billion. Cohen became the controlling owner and ushered in a new era of aggressive spending and high expectations. Every Mets Home Ballpark 1. Polo Grounds 1962–1963 The Mets played their first two seasons at the historic Polo Grounds in Manhattan. The Polo Grounds had previously been home to the New York Giants and was one of baseball’s most unusual stadiums. The Mets won 56 games at the Polo Grounds during their two seasons there. The final Mets game at the Polo Grounds was played September 18, 1963. 2. Shea Stadium 1964–2008 Shea Stadium opened in 1964 and became the Mets’ home for 45 seasons. It was named for William A. Shea, the attorney who helped bring National League baseball back to New York. Shea became the setting for the Mets’ greatest moments, including: 1969 World Series 1973 National League pennant 1986 World Series 1988 NL East championship 2000 National League pennant The Mets played their final game at Shea Stadium on September 28, 2008. 3. Citi Field 2009–Present The Mets opened Citi Field in 2009. The ballpark was constructed next to the site of Shea Stadium and incorporates architectural features inspired by Brooklyn’s Ebbets Field. The Mets played their first regular-season game at Citi Field on April 13, 2009. The 1969 Miracle Mets The 1969 Mets are one of the greatest underdog stories in baseball history. Led by manager Gil Hodges, pitchers Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman, and stars such as Tommie Agee, Cleon Jones, Donn Clendenon and Ron Swoboda, the Mets finished the regular season with a remarkable: 100 wins – 62 losses They won the newly created National League East and defeated the Atlanta Braves three games to none in the first-ever National League Championship Series. Then came the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles had won 109 games and were heavily favored. The Mets lost Game 1 but then won four straight games. 1969 World Series Mets defeated Baltimore Orioles, 4 games to 1 The Mets won: Game 2 — Mets 2, Orioles 1 Game 3 — Mets 5, Orioles 0 Game 4 — Mets 2, Orioles 1 Game 5 — Mets 5, Orioles 3 The championship was the first World Series title in Mets history. World Series MVP: Donn Clendenon Clendenon hit three home runs during the Series. The 1986 World Champion Mets The second great Mets championship team arrived in 1986. Manager Davey Johnson led a powerhouse featuring: Dwight Gooden Ron Darling Sid Fernandez Jesse Orosco Keith Hernandez Gary Carter Darryl Strawberry Ray Knight Lenny Dykstra Mookie Wilson Wally Backman Kevin Mitchell The Mets finished the regular season: 108 wins – 54 losses The 108 victories remain a franchise record. The Mets defeated Houston four games to two in the NLCS. They then faced the Boston Red Sox in one of the most famous World Series in baseball history. 1986 World Series Mets defeated Boston Red Sox, 4 games to 3 The Mets lost Games 1 and 2 but won four of… Continue reading New York Mets History: From the Lovable Losers to Amazin’ Champions

ATLANTA BRAVES ARE the OLDEST CONSTANTLY OPERATING PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL FRANCISE in NORTH AMERICA

The Braves history stretches back to 1871, before the National League itself was founded. The franchise has represented three cities—Boston, Milwaukee, and Atlanta—and is the only Major League Baseball team to win the World Series in all three of its home cities. Franchise timeline Years Team name Home city 1871–1882 Boston Red Stockings Boston, Massachusetts 1883–1906 Boston Beaneaters Boston 1907–1910 Boston Doves Boston 1911 Boston Rustlers Boston 1912–1935 Boston Braves Boston 1936–1940 Boston Bees Boston 1941–1952 Boston Braves Boston 1953–1965 Milwaukee Braves Milwaukee, Wisconsin 1966–Present Atlanta Braves Atlanta, Georgia Ballparks and home cities South End Grounds — Boston (1871–1914) Fenway Park — Boston (1914–1915, (temporary) Braves Field — Boston (1915–1952) Milwaukee County Stadium — Milwaukee (1953–1965) Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium — Atlanta (1966–1996) Turner Field — Atlanta (1997–2016) Truist Park — Atlanta (2017–present) Boston years (1871–1952) The club was founded in 1871 by brothers Harry Wright and George Wright. It won multiple league championships during the nineteenth century and became one of baseball’s first dynasties. The famous “Miracle Braves” of 1914 came from last place in July to win the National League pennant before sweeping the heavily favored Philadelphia Athletics in the World Series. The franchise struggled financially during the Great Depression. In 1935, aging superstar Babe Ruth finished his legendary career with Boston, although he played only a short time before retiring. The club temporarily changed its name to the Bees before returning to Braves in 1941. In 1948, pitchers Warren Spahn and Johnny Sain led Boston to another National League pennant. Milwaukee years (1953–1965) The Braves became the first modern MLB franchise to relocate when they moved to Milwaukee in 1953. The city immediately embraced baseball, drawing record attendance. Young stars developed into legends: Hank Aaron Eddie Mathews Warren Spahn The Braves won the 1957 World Series over the New York Yankees and returned to the World Series in 1958 before losing a rematch. Atlanta years (1966–Present) The Braves moved to Atlanta in 1966, becoming the first Major League team in the Deep South. Early Atlanta stars included: Hank Aaron Phil Niekro Dale Murphy In 1974, Hank Aaron hit his 715th career home run, breaking Babe Ruth’s long-standing record. The Braves became baseball’s dominant franchise of the 1990s under manager Bobby Cox. Their Hall of Fame pitching rotation included: Greg Maddux Tom Glavine John Smoltz Atlanta won an unprecedented 14 consecutive division titles (1991–2005, excluding the 1994 strike season) and captured the 1995 World Series over the Cleveland Indians. After rebuilding, another championship core emerged featuring: Freddie Freeman Ronald Acuña Jr. Ozzie Albies Austin Riley Max Fried The Braves won the 2021 World Series against the Houston Astros. Greatest Braves players and birthplace Player Born Hank Aaron Mobile, Alabama Warren Spahn Buffalo, New York Eddie Mathews Texarkana, Texas Phil Niekro Blaine, Ohio Dale Murphy Portland, Oregon Greg Maddux San Angelo, Texas Tom Glavine Concord, Massachusetts John Smoltz Detroit, Michigan Chipper Jones DeLand, Florida Freddie Freeman Fountain Valley, California Future stars the Braves traded away Player Born Became star with Adam Wainwright Brunswick, Georgia St. Louis Cardinals Jason Schmidt Lewiston, Idaho San Francisco Giants Kevin Millwood Gastonia, North Carolina Cleveland Indians and others Adam Duvall Louisville, Kentucky Cincinnati Reds Elvis Andrus Maracay, Venezuela Texas Rangers Neftalí Feliz Azua, Dominican Republic Texas Rangers Alex Wood Charlotte, North Carolina Los Angeles Dodgers Andrelton Simmons Mundo Nobo, Curaçao Los Angeles Angels David Justice Cincinnati, Ohio Later traded before helping other clubs win championships William Contreras Puerto Cabello, Venezuela Milwaukee Brewers Braves World Series championships 1914 – Boston Braves 1957 – Milwaukee Braves 1995 – Atlanta Braves 2021 – Atlanta Braves The Braves remain one of baseball’s most historic organizations, having produced dozens of Hall of Famers and legends while spanning more than 155 years of professional baseball history. They are the only MLB franchise to win World Series championships representing three different cities. Artie Fischal Views: 1

SUPER BOWL LX WRAP-UP

 29                13    The Seattle Seahawks claimed Super Bowl LX with a comprehensive 29–13 victory over the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 8, 2026. This win secured the second, (Should have been 3rd ! But Coach Pete Carrol elected to not let Marshawn Lynch, run in the winning TD.  He will always be remembered for that BONEHEAD CALL).  Lombardi Trophy in franchise history for Seattle and capped a dominant 2025 season.  Seattle Seahawks Both the Seahawks and the Patriots entered the Super Bowl with identical 14–3 regular season records, each earning top seeds in their respective conferences. Seattle seized the NFC West and the No. 1 seed in the NFC, while New England captured a playoff berth that marked one of the most dramatic turnarounds in franchise history. The Patriots’ journey under new leadership and with rookie quarterback Drake Maye captivated fans nationwide.  The matchup was a rematch of their 2015 Super Bowl encounter, where New England secured a narrow victory. This time, Seattle sought redemption—and they delivered. Game Overview: A Defensive Masterclass From kickoff to final whistle, Super Bowl LX evolved into a defensive chess match dominated by the Seahawks’ front seven and secondary. Seattle’s unit—nicknamed the “Dark Side” defense—consistently disrupted New England’s offensive rhythm, generating pressure, turnovers, and field-position advantages throughout the game.  Key Themes Defensive Dominance: Seattle’s defense held New England scoreless through the first three quarters, applying relentless pressure on Maye and forcing critical mistakes.  Special Teams Impact: Seahawks kicker Jason Myers set a Super Bowl record with five field goals, a testament to Seattle’s ability to convert opportunities even when red-zone touchdowns proved elusive.  Turnovers and Momentum: The defense generated multiple turnovers, including an interception returned for a touchdown by Uchenna Nwosu, swinging momentum decisively in Seattle’s favor.  Seattle Seahawks Despite a modest performance from quarterback Sam Darnold, who engineered scoring drives at pivotal moments, it was Seattle’s all-around execution that defined the victory.  Seattle Seahawks Standout Performances Kenneth Walker III — MVP Running Back Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III delivered a historic performance, rushing for 135 yards on 27 carries and contributing key receptions out of the backfield.  His effort earned him Super Bowl MVP honors, making him the first running back in the 21st century to win the award since Terrell Davis in 1998.  Reuters Walker’s versatility and physicality helped Seattle control the clock and sustain drives, giving the defense more rest and the opportunity to make game-changing plays. Sam Darnold —  Steady Leadership While not the statistical star of the game, Darnold managed the Seahawks’ offense efficiently. He finished with 202 passing yards and a touchdown, avoiding turnovers and delivering when necessary—especially in the fourth quarter to expand the lead.  Seattle Seahawks Seahawks Defense — Collective Excellence The Seattle defense operated as a cohesive unit. They combined quarterback pressures, sacks, and turnovers to stifle New England’s attack. Veterans and young playmakers alike contributed, with key plays from cornerback Devon Witherspoon and linebacker Uchenna Nwosu shifting the tide at critical junctures.  Patriots: A Tough Night in Santa Clara For the New England Patriots, the Super Bowl journey ended in disappointment. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye showed flashes of brilliance—including multiple touchdowns and nearly 300 passing yards—but ultimately struggled against the Seahawks’ physical defensive front and opportunistic secondary.  Seattle Seahawks The Patriots’ offense never fully found a consistent rhythm until late in the game, and when they did, it was too little too late. New England’s lone offensive touchdowns came in the fourth quarter, long after the Seahawks had seized control. Still, the Patriots’ season marked a remarkable turnaround, laying groundwork for future contention and establishing Maye as a rising star with invaluable postseason experience.  Strategic Breakdown: How Seattle Won 1. Turnovers and Field Position Seattle’s defense forced multiple turnovers—both interceptions and fumbles—that directly led to points or shifted momentum. These plays not only halted New England drives but also flipped field position in crucial moments.   Special Teams Superiority Jason Myers’ field goals weren’t just scoreboard padding; they kept momentum squarely in Seattle’s hands when red-zone touchdowns proved elusive early.  Punter Michael Dickson also helped with impeccable placement, consistently pinning the Patriots deep.   Run Game Control Kenneth Walker III’s steady ground attack helped control the clock and kept the Patriots’ defense honest.  By balancing the attack with both run and pass, Seattle avoided predictability and kept New England off balance.  Fan and Cultural Impact Super Bowl LX extended beyond sports, with performances that highlighted the intersection of pop culture and athletic spectacle. Artists such as Bad Bunny headlined the halftime show, bringing energy and global attention to the event.   (I had to put  in Bad Bunny, even though I thought it was so bad I tuned it out.  In fact I tuned the entire half time show out). The game also sparked discussions across social media, from tactical debates to fan celebrations and reactions—highlighting how the Super Bowl remains a centerpiece of American culture every February.  Legacy and Looking Forward The Seahawks’ victory in Super Bowl LX not only delivered redemption for their 2015 loss but also solidified the 2025 Seahawks as one of the franchise’s most balanced and resilient teams.  Seattle’s blend of defensive excellence, strategic special teams, and opportunistic offense will be remembered as a blueprint for championship football. For the Patriots, the loss is a pivotal chapter in a rebuild centered around youth and innovation.  With Maye and a promising core, New England’s future in the AFC looks bright, even as they reflect on lessons from this Super Bowl experience.  Final Thoughts Super Bowl LX was a testament to discipline, defense, and execution—a game where Seattle’s formula of pressure, opportunism, and fundamentals triumphed on the biggest stage.  For fans of the Seahawks, it’s a moment of celebration; for Patriots supporters, it’s motivation to return stronger.  Either way, the 2026 Super Bowl will be remembered as a defining clash between two historic franchises.  Artie Fischal Views: 2

**The Death of Junior Seau: A Tragic Loss and the Rise of CTE Awareness**

Junior Seau was a football icon, a defensive powerhouse who dominated the NFL for 20 seasons and earned a reputation as one of the greatest linebackers of all time. His larger-than-life personality and relentless playing style made him beloved by fans, teammates, and opponents alike. However, in May 2012, Seau’s life came to a tragic and shocking end when he died by suicide at the age of 43. His death left the sports world in disbelief and raised serious questions about the long-term impact of head injuries in football. Following his passing, Seau’s family donated his brain for research, and it was confirmed that he had suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma. His death not only underscored the dangers of concussions in contact sports but also helped spark a national conversation about player safety in the NFL. Junior Seau’s Football Career: A Legend on the Field Before his tragic death, Junior Seau’s football career was the stuff of legend. Drafted fifth overall by the San Diego Chargers in the 1990 NFL Draft, Seau quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier defensive players. Known for his intensity, leadership, and ability to read offenses, Seau was the heart and soul of the Chargers’ defense for 13 seasons. He earned 12 Pro Bowl selections and was named to the All-Pro team 10 times. Seau’s legacy extended beyond San Diego. He went on to play for the Miami Dolphins and later the New England Patriots, where he was part of two Super Bowl teams. By the time he retired in 2009, Seau had cemented his place as one of the best linebackers in NFL history, finishing his career with 1,849 tackles and 56.5 sacks. Despite his incredible success on the field, it became clear after his death that the toll the game took on his body and mind was far greater than anyone had realized. The Tragic Death of Junior Seau On May 2, 2012, Junior Seau was found dead in his home in Oceanside, California, from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest. His death by suicide stunned the sports world, as Seau was known for his infectious energy, positivity, and love for life. He was not someone anyone expected to take his own life. Seau’s suicide was eerily similar to the death of former Chicago Bears safety Dave Duerson, who also died by suicide in 2011 after shooting himself in the chest. Like Duerson, Seau left his brain intact, suggesting that he may have been aware of the potential damage caused by his years of playing football. At the time of his death, Seau did not leave a suicide note, but his family and friends were left searching for answers, grappling with the possibility that the cumulative impact of concussions had contributed to his mental health decline. The Link to CTE: A Family’s Donation and Medical Discovery In the wake of Junior Seau’s death, his family made the decision to donate his brain to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for scientific research. The results of the analysis were devastating but not entirely surprising. In January 2013, the NIH confirmed that Seau had suffered from **chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition linked to repeated head injuries and concussions. CTE can lead to symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, depression, and suicidal thoughts—all of which are believed to have played a role in Seau’s death. CTE is caused by the buildup of an abnormal protein called tau, which forms clumps that slowly spread throughout the brain, killing brain cells and impairing cognitive functions. The disease had been discovered in the brains of other former NFL players, including Duerson and former Pittsburgh Steelers center Mike Webster, but Seau’s case added a new level of awareness to the discussion because of his high profile and the circumstances of his death. The findings confirmed what many had feared: Seau’s years of repeated hits to the head had likely led to his CTE diagnosis and the mental health struggles he faced leading up to his death. His family later spoke out about how Seau had exhibited signs of emotional instability, mood swings, and difficulty sleeping in the years before his death, which they now believe were linked to his brain condition. The Impact on the NFL and Player Safety The death of Junior Seau and the confirmation of his CTE diagnosis marked a turning point in the NFL’s handling of concussions and player safety. While concerns about concussions had been growing for years, Seau’s case brought the issue to the forefront in a way that was impossible to ignore. His death raised serious questions about the long-term health risks that players face from repeated blows to the head and whether the NFL was doing enough to protect its athletes. Following Seau’s death, the NFL took significant steps to address the growing crisis surrounding head injuries and CTE. The league implemented new concussion protocols, improved sideline evaluations, and placed greater emphasis on player education about the risks of head trauma. In 2016, the NFL publicly acknowledged the link between football-related concussions and CTE—a statement that had been long overdue. Seau’s family also filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the NFL, alleging that the league had failed to protect players from the risks of repeated head injuries. While the lawsuit was eventually settled, it highlighted the growing legal and moral battles between former players and the league over the issue of player safety. Ongoing Debate and Theories Although the discovery of CTE in Junior Seau’s brain helped explain some of the reasons behind his tragic death, the case has also raised broader questions about how head injuries are managed in professional football and the overall culture of the NFL. Some of the ongoing debates and theories surrounding Seau’s death include: 1. Could More Have Been Done? – Many have questioned whether more could have been done to prevent Seau’s death. Could the NFL… Continue reading **The Death of Junior Seau: A Tragic Loss and the Rise of CTE Awareness**

NCAA March Madness 2016

What a thrilling ending to the 2016 edition of MARCH MADNESS. North Carolina probably wishing the could have waited a couple of seconds for their final shot.  I didn’t do so well.  I DID however pick a number two seed to win (Michigan State); BUT it was a number two seed which won.  So I have to give myself  a half credit (?). It has been FUN.  I  plan to do this again next year.  Despite my troubles with CHROME.  It gave me fits in updating.  I would spend sometimes an hour updating just one bracket sheet.  Finally learned I had to clear my cache every time before I attempted to update anything. Be sure to check back regularly.  I don’t have any idea what I will write about….. NO! wait I have some idea.  Maybe some racing history. (If I can find the notes I made a couple years ago.  Also…. who knows. WELCOME TO OUR 2016 MARCH MADNESS.  I am not sure How many years we have been doing this.  I will have to look it up.   This is where you can print your “OFFICE POOL” Bracket, Check the scores, etc. I will have this “MASTER BRACKET”,  “WHAT IF YOU CHOSE THE HIGH PICKS”  for each game.  An “UPSET BRACKET”  (if the favored team wins it will be in Green, if it is an upset it will be listed in RED”.  And, Yes I will have my picks so you can compare your picks to mine. (And Laugh or Cry)  What is a seed?  Merely a starting place.  Although unlikely, IT is possible for two 16 seeds to meet in the final game.  Would lets say Michigan St  were to be seeded as a number 16.  They would still have  to win all games to be CHAMPION !    SEEDING attempts to give a more favored team an easier path to the CHAMPIONSHIP.  Seeding should lead to  the best 2 teams playing in the final game.  However there  is always that upset minded team;  or  the chance that the favored team has a bad game, a stand out player is sick or injured.  I am reminded of one year in our STATE High School WRESTLING Tournament.  The Athletic Assn.  decided to go with a draw, rather than seeding.  The Result?  Two wrestlers with one defeat each faced each other in the first match.  Loser of a first round match goes home.  It was a 3 OT match.  One of these wrestlers went home, while wrestlers with more losses during the season advanced.  The winner of this match had no competition left.  Easy wins.  He won the CHAMPIONSHIP  that first match.  Not much excitement. Reportedly there is a TEENAGE GIRL in Indiana who has only missed 3 games in this years bracket. She picked Texas over Northern Iowa.  California over Hawaii. Final game she had Syracuse over North Carolina.  Her Champion pick is……VILLANOVA. She says she does not follow Basketball regularly and has only attended a game or two at her high school.      Maybe this is proof the rest of us over think some things To  print BRACKET: Click on PRINT PDF button at top and select page with the bracket you want to print. ( If you do not see the “PRINT PDF” button.  Please go to the The Title “NCAA March Madness 2016”  and click to advance to the full post).  MASTER BRACKET [pdf-embedder url=”https://fromthemiddle.blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/2016-march-madness-MASTER-bracket.pdf”] ALL HIGH PICKS [pdf-embedder url=”https://fromthemiddle.blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/2016-march-madness-ALL-HIGH-PICKS-bracket.pdf”] UPSETS [pdf-embedder url=”https://fromthemiddle.blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/2016-march-madness-UPSETS-bracket.pdf”] MY PICKS [pdf-embedder url=”https://fromthemiddle.blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/2016-march-madness-MY-PICKS-bracket.pdf”]       Views: 110

It Is MARCH MADNESS TIME

Finally it is  MARCH MADNESS!!!!!.  Who will be the Number One team this year? Who will be the CINDERELLA team? Could this be the year a 16 seed upsets a number 1 seed? Who will be the most upset minded team? Could we see a one Conference final game. Maybe even a one Conference FINAL FOUR. Will SOMEONE Come Up with a PERFECT PICK SHEET. WOW!   Lots of possibilities waiting for us. Maybe your favorite School Will WIN First we have to have our 68 teams. So Knowing you can’t account for the NCAA’s  Comittee, THEY have an altogether sometimes strange reasoning for their picks.  One thing I really don’t like is this. The committee has decided to add 4 teams they would not have included in the original 64.    They may take one of these teams to play into a 12 seed spot.   They may have 2 of these teams play into the same  SET OF 16.  The way I see it they should have these teams play in by having them play the 16 seeds.  That way you have one play in, in each block of 16.   But; Going out on a limb. I have selected these 68 teams to play in the NCAA Tournament of 2013.  In Alphabetical Order. [table]1st 16, 2nd 16,3rd 16,4th 16 1. Akron,  18. Hampton,  35. Memphis,52. St. Mary’s 2. Arizona, 19. Harvard,  36.  Miami,53. San Diego St. 3. Belmont,  20. Illinois,  37. Michigan. ,54. S. Dakota 4. Boise St,  21. Indiana,  38. Michigan St.  ,55. Southern 5. Bucknell,  22  Iona,  39. Minnesota.  ,56.  Stephen  F. Austen 6  Butler,  23. Iowa St. ,  40. Missouri.  .,57.  Syracuse 7. California,  24. James Madison.,41.Montana ,58.  Temple 8. Cincinnati,  25 Kansas,  42. New Mexico  ,59. Tennessee 9. Colorado,  26. Kansas St,  43. N.Carolina,60.  UCLA 10. Colorado St.,  27.  Kentucky,  44. N. Carolina St.,61. UNLV 11. Creighton,  28 LaSalle,  45.  Notre Dame,62. Valparaiso 12. Davidson,  29.  Liberty,   46. Ohio St.,63. Va. Commonwealth 13. Duke,  30.  Long Beach St.,  47. Oklahoma, 64. Vermont 14.  Florida, 31LIU Brooklyn., 48. Oklahoma St., 65.   Villanova 15. Florida Gulf Coast,  32.  Louisiana Tech.,  49.  Oregon,66. W. Kentucky 16. Georgetown,  33.  Louisville,  50.Pittbursgh , 67. Witchita St. 17.Gonzaga,34. Marquette,51.  St. Louis,68.  Wisconsin [/table] Now my Picks for Number one seeds.  (which will not happen due to the NCAA’s need to spread the wealth).  The most deserving (as I see it)  Indiana, Michigan St., Michigan, and Gonzaga. I Know a lot of you will wonder why I have 3 teams from the Big Ten.  Simply because,  The strength of the Big 10 this year.  I think if any of these teams were in ANY other conference they would have been the number one team. That is the way I see it. Join me for our annual Picks un-contest  SEE if you can beat me.  I once again will have my picks using the upper ranked team, my personal picks, and the actual finishes. Views: 122