We live in interesting times. We live in the land of champions. On this first day of 2008, let's look ahead to some stories we'll be reading in the new year . . .
NEW YORK, Jan. 9 - The Baseball Writers Association of America last night announced that Rich Gossage and Jim Rice earned election into the Hall of Fame.
"It's about time," said Gossage. "What took them so long?
Rice had no comment.
"It was the strangest thing," said BBWAA official Jack O'Connell. "When I called Jim to tell him about his election, he snapped at me, said, 'Where'd you get this number?' and hung up."
WASHINGTON, Jan. 20 - Roger Clemens testified before Henry A. Waxman's House oversight committee yesterday and again denied the contents of the Mitchell Report.
"Like I told Mike Wallace on '60 Minutes,' I did not allow Brian McNamee to inject steroids, or any performance-enhancing substance into my buttocks," Clemens told Congress. "I always packed my own bag and carried my own bags and there was never any juice on my person. Everything I did in the twilight of my career was on the level."
Earlier in the day, Jose Canseco was arrested by Capitol Police when he became hostile at a security checkpoint. Canseco was carrying copies of his new book and got into a jam with authorities when he tried to crash the hearing.
"Roid rage," explained a contrite Canseco.
GLENDALE, Ariz., Feb. 4 - The New England Patriots last night completed the first 19-0 season in NFL history, defeating the Dallas Cowboys, 31-28, to win their fourth Super Bowl in seven seasons.
The game was marred by one of the more bizarre plays in postseason history when a man carrying a champagne bottle ran onto the field and tackled Randy Moss as Moss was striding toward the end zone after catching a pass from Tom Brady. Late Sunday night, authorities identified the troubled trespasser as Mercury Morris, a member of the 1972 Miami Dolphins.
"We don't know how he got past security," said an Arizona State Police officer. "But we confiscated a tape from the Patriots that showed Morris standing on the Cowboys sideline throughout the game. Thank goodness for the Estrella tape."
BOSTON, Feb. 6 - "Gentlemen, mount your ducks," Boston Mayor Thomas Menino said, officially starting the Patriots' duck boat parade down Boylston Street Tuesday.
Jonathan Kraft, son of the Patriots owner, rode in the lead float and hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy throughout the ceremony, refusing to let anyone else touch it.
"No chants about the Yankees today," said the son of the Patriots owner. "Looks like we've finally made it."
BOSTON, Feb. 12 - Jack Parker's Boston University Terriers last night won the Beanpot for the 12th time in 14 seasons . . .
TOKYO, March 26 - Red Sox rookie center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury hit for the cycle and went 5 for 5 as the Red Sox began their title defense with a 7-5 victory over the Oakland A's last night in the Tokyo Dome.
"Glad we didn't trade the kid," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona, who was ejected in the first inning for not wearing his standard uniform top.
Hideki Okajima picked up the save with a 1-2-3 ninth and presented the game ball to Jonathan Papelbon's dog.
Manny Ramírez hit two homers and spoke with NESN's Tina Cervasio after the game.
"When did the A's get this new ballpark?" asked Ramírez.
SAN ANTONIO, June 14 - The Celtics last night beat the Spurs, 114-110, to win the 17th championship in franchise history, the first flag for the green in 21 years.
Former Celtic coaches Rick Pitino and M.L. Carr joined the crowded celebration in the winner's locker room.
"Championship-driven, just like I told everybody," said a smiling Carr.
"This would have happened sooner if I had stayed," said Pitino.
"Wish I had come back and played with these guys," said broadcaster Reggie Miller.
BOSTON, July 20 - Bruins boss Charlie Jacobs yesterday fired every member of the coaching staff and front office and announced a new slogan for the 2008-09 season: "Invisible - It's called Bruins."
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y., July 28 - Jim Rice delivered a speech for the ages at Sunday's annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
"I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth," said the gracious Rice. "I didn't say much all the years that I played. I just wanted to play the game. It wasn't until I started working at NESN that I learned that the baseball writers are really a bunch of great guys. I've actually chartered a boat and I'm taking all the writers out deep sea fishing next weekend."
MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 3 - Republican presidential nominee John McCain stunned the nation last night when he announced that he's asking Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling to join the ticket as vice presidential running mate.
"Curt is a great American and he's not afraid to share his opinion," McCain told the delegates at the Republican National Convention.
"I'm flattered," Schilling wrote in his blog. "But I'm not sure I have time. I've already got a lot on my plate. It's not easy being a major league pitcher, pitching coach, player-manager, team physician, traveling secretary, and team historian. I've also got my new gaming company. Plus, Bud Selig has asked me to develop a reliable urine test for HGH. I've had to cut back on my work with Habitat for Humanity, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Army Corps of Engineers. But I respect Senator McCain and it's something I'll consider."
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 29 - The Red Sox won their third World Series title in five years last night, completing a sweep of Joe Torre's Dodgers with a 9-8 victory.
There was considerable confusion before the game when a troupe of Irish step-dancers entertained while the Dropkick Murphys performed "I'm Shipping Up to Boston." It was the handiwork of former Sox choreographer Dr. Charles Steinberg. California fans had no idea what was going on, but road-tripping members of Red Sox Nation enjoyed the show and stuck around for a postgame encore starring Papelbon.
"I guess this is a different constituency," said Steinberg. "It was kind of weird to see thousands of our fans leaving a World Series game that was still tied in the eighth inning."
DENVER, Nov. 17 - The Houston Dynamo defeated the New England Revolution on penalty kicks after 120 minutes of scoreless action in the MLS Cup.
BOSTON, Nov. 29 - Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino today announced the latest ticket-price hike for the 2009 season at Fenway Park. Box seats by the dugout will sell for $15,000 per game, with tickets for Yankee games going for $20,000.
"It's all about revenue streams and keeping up with the Yankees," said Lucchino.
Lucchino would not comment on rumors that the Sox plan to open the 2009 season against the Dodgers in Monte Carlo, but denied an Internet story that the ball club plans to change its name.
"We are not changing our name to the Boston Gold Sox," said Lucchino.
DETROIT, Dec. 30 - Boston College defeated the Air Force Academy, 21-20, yesterday in the inaugural Continental Tire/Valvoline/Meineke/Crank Shaft Bowl played at old Tiger Stadium at the intersection of Woodward and Trumbull. It was BC's ninth consecutive bowl victory.
"Who needs the Orange Bowl when you can play in the Continental Tire/Valvoline/Meineke/Crank Shaft Bowl?" said BC athletic director Gene DeFilippo. "Plus we got a week in downtown Detroit. It's a reward for our kids and our fans."
FOXBOROUGH, Dec. 31 - The 16-0 Patriots went back to work today, making no mention of their NFL-record 35 game-winning streak.
"I'm not aware of any streak," said coach Bill Belichick. "Just thinking about the next game."
Dan Shaughnessy is a Globe columnist. He can be reached at dshaughnessy@globe.com.
