Examining The Psychology Of Sports Fans
Some sports fans' lives depend on how well their teams are doing. In one theory, sports allow us to deeply identify with the athletes so it feels like we are playing the game.
Sports
Hockey's Ovechkin Helps Move Olympic Torch From Olympia
Hockey superstar Alex Ovechkin was among the first torch bearers for the 2014 Olympics that will be held in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. David Greene talks to Ovechkin about the various challenges ahead for the Winter Games, as well as the upcoming hockey season.
Yankees Say Goodbye To Rivera And His Cut Fastball
This was the final season for New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera. His number is being retired by the only team he has ever played for during his 19-year Major League Baseball career. Rivera with his signature pitch, the cut fastball, was one of the most successful closers in baseball history.
Rangers, Reds, Indians Battle For AL Wild Card Spot
On the last weekend of regular-season baseball, Howard Bryant of ESPN joins host Scott Simon to talk about the playoff possibilities, plus big changes afoot in how college athletes get paid for their likenesses.
Will Qatar's World Cup Games Be Played Over Workers' Bodies?
As work begins on the infrastructure, stadiums, hotels and other things being built in Qatar for soccer's 2022 World Cup, a disturbing number of immigrant workers are dying. There are reports of food, water and pay being withheld. Officials vow to change things.
Cuban Athletes Can Finally Go Pro (Outside Of Cuba)
For the first time in over 50 years, Cuba is letting its athletes sign professional contracts in other countries. Sportswriter Stefan Fatsis talks to Robert Siegel about the historic announcement.
Bream's Slide Decades Ago Dashed Pittsburgh's Playoff Hopes
David Greene speaks to Sid Bream, the former Atlanta Braves player whose dramatic slide into home plate ended the Pittsburgh Pirates last playoff run in 1992. A Pennsylvania native and former Pirate, Bream is now cheering for the Pirates as they return to the post season for the first time in 21 years.
Fans Experience The Thin Line Between Winning And Losing
It's not just sports teams that win championships. It's also their fans who endure long seasons hanging on every pitch, touchdown or basket. David Greene finds out what it's like to be on the cusp of either a championship — or a disaster.
Oracle Team USA Defeats New Zealand To Win America's Cup
Oracle Team USA completed a remarkable comeback to win the America's Cup regatta, winning eight straight races. The American team, backed by Silicon Valley billionaire Larry Ellison, beat Emirates Team New Zealand. Just a few days ago, the American team trailed the Kiwis, and were on the brink of being eliminated from the competition.
In Comeback, Oracle Team USA Wins America's Cup
With a 44-second victory, Oracle Team USA faced down Emirates Team New Zealand at the finals Wednesday to hold onto the America's Cup. Wednesday's race capped off an America's Cup competition that included capsizing and shattered masts, and an Oracle Team USA that seemed sure to lose.