They are best described as words or phrases that are not easily forgotten. Announcers, coaches and players utilize them to describe sports action. They are cliches. Fans take note and repeat them, just to be like their heroes. Without them, play-by-play commentary loses its color, and conversations about sports around water coolers become dull.
The following are 10 of my favorite sports cliches:
1. “It ain’t over till it’s over.” As described at Yogiberra.com, the New York Yankees catcher is acknowledged for his use of this popular cliche. This one is chosen because it exhibits the New York Yankee spirit of never relinquishing the game to the opponent until the final out is made. It creates a mental image of Berra leaping into the arms of Don Larsen after Larsen’s memorable perfect game in the world series.
2. It’s not the size of the dog in the fitght, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” As chronicled by cowboysphan, Archie Griffin, the two-time Heisman Trophy winner at Ohio State University, exemplified this philosphy by running hard on every play. We all can accomplish our goals by recognizing that with a positive attitude, no task is too difficult to complete.
3.” Fatigue makes cowards of us all.” At brainyquote, this life lesson is attributed to the great Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi. It stresses the importance of preparation. Eventually, all desired opportunities are possible. But we must be in the mental and physical condition that is necessary to take advantage of the opportunity when it arises.
4. “Winning isn’t everything, it is the only thing. “This cliche has often been attributed to Vince Lombardi, as well, although he has claimed that he was not quoted correctly. It was also used by the a UCLA football coach, Henry Russell, in 1950. It can be interpreted as giving maximum effort in every endeavor. Every player who does this has won his own internal competition.
5. “Good pitching will always stop good hitting.” As explained at iwise.come, the importance of excellent hurlers is noted by New York Yankee manager Casey Stengel. The New York Mets of 1969 are a prime example of the relevance of this cliche. This one is included because it is a valuable lesson to all managers, from Little League to the majors.
6. Put ’em in a position where they can succeed.” Mike Ditka, the great Chicago Bears coach, is one of many coaches to attest to this philosophy. It is a lesson for all business managers. Putting employees in jobs for which they do not have the needed skills is a detriment to both the employee and the company.
7. Just try to get better every day. This is the philosophy of Tim Tebow of the New York Jets. At theYardBarker.com, Tebow’s adherence to this cliche is explained. If we all did our jobs a little better each day, the results would certainly show.
8. It aint over till the fat lady sings.” The team philosophy of the Washington Bullets in the 1977 season once again highlights the importance of playing the game until the last second has elapsed. Wes Unseld and his mates always tried until the end.
9. “Take it one game at a time.” The Oakland Raiders are among the many teams to rely on this cliche. Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden also has used this one. Is there really any other way that games can be taken?
10.”Never give up.” This is best remembered from North Carolina State University basketball coach Jim Valvano. It has never been stated more eloquently or with more meaning than it was stated by the great Jimmy V.
Dan Dechenaux is a fan of the New York Yankees and the Green Bay Packers.
