A year ago I sat here writing what would be my last sports column of the year. Unknown to me at the time, one phone call would change my life a week later.

I was ordered to report to my National Guard unit the following morning and was then moved to Ft. Campbell. A few weeks later my destination was Kuwait and from there Iraq.

You may be asking yourself, what does this have to do with sports. Well, ask no more.

Sports are a large part of most Americans lives. Whether it is baseball, football, soccer, or horse shoes. Horse shoes? That's right. A great game to play in the wastelands of Iraq.

Whether it was kicking a soccer ball with some Iraqi children, pitching “shoes” with some fellow platoon members, or throwing a football around with the guys from my unit; it became a staple of life.

None more so than softball. Before we left our basecamp to move back south to Kuwait and go home. The powers that be constructed a softball field in the middle of the camp. Though the field was composed entirely of sand, it was a great thing. The field was dedicated to those who had lost their lives from the many units that lived and worked. It was called “Heroes Field.”

While on the field or in the stands, we felt human again. It was if we were at home playing in the town park. We felt like real people again, if only for a short while, and it was beyond words.

Funny how such a trivial thing could mean so much. Volleyball was always a an easy game to play due to the limitless beaches in Iraq. No ocean, but plenty of beach.

Sports, the other necessity of life other than food, water, shelter. For those who love it, it means that much.

Now enough being serious. I will recap the following year in sports and what to expect this year.

Pete Rose said he did bet on baseball, trying to clear the way for his induction into the hall of fame. Why is he not in it to begin with. Ty Cobb is there. He beat all three of his wives repeatedly until they ran for help. He also bragged about prostitutes he had, and intentionally injured other players.

If he can make it, and other people such as Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio, there is no reason Rose should be kept out. It is just ridiculous.

LSU and USC split the national championship. Funny, the BCS was supposed to eliminate that. Goes to show that no matter how it happens, unless there are playoffs, the system will be flawed.

Well, that’s all this week. I should be back to my normal obnoxious self next time. Until then, see you around.