The Joys Of October

It's worth noting that this time next year, the presidential race will be in the home stretch, and the commercials and the mud-slinging will be at their peak.

So it's a good idea to enjoy the joys of October this year while you can.

That means the World Series. We've already got one shocking underdog -- the Colorado Rockies -- slated to play in the Fall Classic -- and possibly another one, if the Cleveland Indians hang on to beat the favored Boston Red Sox. The Rockies winning the National League championship is comparable to the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey team capturing the gold medal and the 1969 New York Mets winning the World Series. And you can bet it won't be long before the underdogs in the presidential campaign start comparing themselves to the Rockies.

Unfortunately, none of them can claim the same turf, since none of the candidates can say Denver is home.

And the joys of October includes college football and the traditional pageantry it boasts. Rivalries renew themselves in October -- and surprises occur. Last weekend, we had the rarest of events in college football -- both the No. 1 and No. 2 teams were beaten, causing a massive shakeup in the polls and reminding everyone that anything can happen.

The NFL is nearing the midway point of its season, with the Green Bay Packers sharing the top spot in the NFC behind the 38-year-old arm of Brett Favre. Favre is still a gunslinger and he reminds us, as George Blanda did a generation ago, that even the older guys can make their contribution in sports.

And, of course, basketball and hockey are getting under way, so there's something for everyone out there.

Enjoy the joys of October. They may be harder to enjoy next year.