Once players get past the fame and the fortune, it's all that matters. As for the fans, it's a feeling of exhilaration that cannot be described until the moment sinks in. In other words, it's all about the bling!
Many players and fans go their whole careers and lives without the experience, leaving a feeling of emptiness that won't go away. Others are more fortunate, and are able to revel in the glory of a championship.
For four of the five teams below, their players and fans are still looking for that long-lasting feeling of ecstasy, one that can only come from reaching the mountaintop. As for the other team, no one is still alive to claim a championship.
Without further ado, here are five teams and cities starving for that elusive ring, hopeful that their clubs finally have what it takes to be called "champions."
Cleveland Cavaliers
When a once-in-a-decade player comes to a winless franchise and takes it to within four games of a championship, it's incredible. When he vanishes in a shocking departure, it's devastating. And, when he returns as the best player in the game, it's a full circle experience made for Hollywood.
But, how will this script end? Forget the rough start to the season, and even forget the current 8-game winning streak. This team won't win a title overnight, and it doesn't need to. The truth is that the Eastern Conference is so weak that they can reach the finals without even playing great, kind of like when LeBron went with Miami the first time. And, if they reach that grand stage, they put themselves in position to win it all. It will be interesting to follow their progress this year and in the coming seasons to see if Cleveland fans can finally get their long-deserved title.
Chicago Cubs
Unless you are 106 years old, you cannot lay claim to experiencing a Cubs championship. For a town still hung up on Steve Bartman and other curses, it's hard to think that the Cubs can contend. But, after acquiring ace Jon Lester and All-Star catcher Miguel Montero, perhaps there is hope after all. Put those two with a bright, young team full of talent and potential, and experts will have you believe the Cubbies are a few pieces away from contending. Just winning the division would be a start, but wouldn't it be the ultimate cinderella story if they won the whole shebang?
While Back to the Future 2 predicted a Cubs championship in 2015, let's temper expectations. After all, they also predicted floating skateboards and flying cars. So, while winning a World Series in 2015 is unrealistic, the club is definitely heading in the right direction and setting itself up to make a similar run to the ones we have seen from the Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals in recent years.
Seattle Mariners
It's hard to believe that it has been 13 years since the Mariners won 116 games and flopped in the playoffs. It's even harder to believe that they were never able to win a World Series with the nasty lefty Randy Johnson, "The Kid" Ken Griffey, Jr. and the man known as "A-Rod."
Fast forward to today, and the Mariners mojo is beginning to come back. A team one win away from making the playoffs, the 2015 Mariners recently signed slugger Nelson Cruz to help bolster an improving lineup. The team recently signed J.A. Happ, and is looking to make some more moves, including a potential Ian Desmond signing. And, don't forget about the man dubbed "King Felix."
Time will tell if this club can finally get to the postseason and maybe make a run, but they certainly have baseball enthusiasts talking. Watch out for the M's!
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals fans still replay that painful nightmare in their heads, when Santonio Holmes came down with that improbable touchdown catch to win the Super Bowl. Ever since, the team has seemingly gone into obscurity. But, something clicked this year and they are off to a 10-3 start.
Without Carson Palmer and some other key players, the club might not be thought of as a real contender. But, if I was a potential opponent, I would not want to go to Arizona and play that defense.
On top of that, the Super Bowl is in Arizona. You just never know!
Memphis Grizzlies
The rarely talked about Memphis Grizzlies have sprinted out of the gates to a 17-4 record. Given the market and their lack of popularity and history, dating back the the Vancouver days in 1995, it's no surprise that they don't get mentioned much. But, NBA fans must take notice of this team. Known for their defense, the team is getting better on offense behind the much-improved play of Mike Conley, the shotmaking of Courtney Lee and the scrappiness of veterans Tony Allen, Tayshaun Prince and new addition Vince Carter.
There's no reason to think they can't contend, and they are really strong at home and possess two very solid big men in Randolph and Gasol, a rarity in today's NBA. Watch out for the Griz!
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