Undecided? Let’s analyze some running mates
- Tom Rife: Livin' the Team
- October 29, 2020
- 784
In light of the long-awaited election coming up this Tuesday, perhaps the time has come to delve into an analysis of running mates.
No, no, not a diatribe on “those” running mates, which would quickly turn far too abrasive for an honorable forum such as this. It would be irresponsible to torture long-standing sports readers with such claptrap.
However, it is true — especially in sports — that a brilliant running mate can help elevate a dynamic duo to historic levels of accomplishment. So here is a partial list of some personal favorites, in no particular order, that may (or may not) come to mind. Let us begin with a couple of terrific tandems close to home, then, upon executive order, branch out:
Omar Vizquel and Roberto Alomar, Jr. — This middle infield duo was one of the most electrifying permutations baseball has ever seen. They combined for 21 Gold Glove awards, and together, they helped the Cleveland Indians prosper for three years (1999-2001). The double-play marvels have been compared to Detroit’s Alan Trammel/Lou Whitaker, Cincinnati’s Dave Concepcion/Joe Morgan and even the illustrious Joe Tinker/Johnny Evers of the Chicago Cubs.
LeBron James and Dwayne Wade — Both were drafted into the pros in 2003. In the summer of 2009, Akron’s James famously took his talents to South Beach and became a member of the Miami Heat with his best friend. The twosome went on to four-straight NBA Finals appearances, winning two of them, before LeBron returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014 and guided the Cavs to the 2016 championship.
Bernie Kosar and Vinny Testaverde — Quarterbacks inextricably linked by their deeds at the University of Miami, the two were Cleveland Browns headliners as well. Flashback to 1993 when head coach Bill Belichick decided to bench, and then ultimately release, Kosar, the longtime starter, in favor of Testaverde. The Browns got off to a 5-2 start but released Bernie in the middle of the season, lost their next four games and seven of their last nine to finish with a 7-9 record.
Bob Griese and Earl Morrall — Another pair of QBs forever connected by their heroics on the gridiron. On April 25, 1972, Morrall was claimed on waivers for $100 by the Miami Dolphins, reuniting him with his former Colts head coach, Don Shula. Morrall replaced the injured Griese during the team’s win over San Diego on Oct. 15. The victory gave Miami a 5-0 record, with Morrall building on that win to lead the team to the first undefeated regular season in the NFL since 1942 and only undefeated season ever, starting 11 out of 17 games that year.
Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris — Speaking of the undefeated Miami Dolphins, these backfield running mates were the spine of the ‘Fins’ bruising ground attack. Miami led the NFL in rushing in 1971 and 1972, setting a new rushing record in 1972 at 2,960 yards. Csonka’s 1,117 yards that season — combined with Morris’ 1,000 — made them the first 1,000-yard rushing duo in NFL history.
Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski — Down south in Tampa Bay, still making waves in the NFL, even without Belichick as their coach.
Max Patkin and The San Diego Chicken — OK, this is said in jest. These two baseball clowns performed in different eras, so they weren’t actually running mates. But there’s just something about using the words running mates and clowns in the same breath that seems fitting in a year like we’ve experienced in 2020. (You make the call.)
Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig — This is as obvious as Maris and Mantle.
Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen — As obvious as Kobe and Shaq.
Jimmie Johnson and Chad Knaus — As a NASCAR driver/crew chief combination, the duo’s seven Cup titles speak for themselves. Will their run of five-straight championships ever be matched?
Aaron Rodgers and Danica Patrick — Oops. Former dynamic running mates in life who suddenly ran away from each other with blinding speed.
Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan — Often lost in the shuffle of Prime Time performers, the identical twins have been as successful in tennis as any pair of athletes in all of sports, winning more than 110 doubles titles together, along with 16 Grand Slam doubles championships. The brothers have won more matches than any other doubles team in history.
Abbott and Costello — Another stab at write-in humor, folks. We’re gonna need plenty in the days ahead. At least we’ll always know Who’s on first and What’s on second.
So Who’s gonna win the election?
I Don’t Know.
Third base!