Whatever happened to the underdog?

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By Greg Billing, Staff Writer 1:34 AM Tuesday, November 3, 2009

I keep hearing people tell me — especially sports radio hosts — how thankful I should be that the New York Yankees are in the World Series.

Same goes for the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl and the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. Cherish those big-market teams, they keep telling me, because sports are more compelling when they win all the titles.

Sorry, but give me the underdogs and the also-rans.

I know having the Yankees, Patriots and Lakers winning championships is great for TV and radio ratings. But I tune out.

I get bored watching the same group of teams or individuals — ahem, Jimmie Johnson — win it all.

I don’t want to watch Florida play for another national title. I’ve seen that rerun. Cincinnati playing for a title? That I’d watch, even if the program wasn’t just down the road.

As for the World Series, I’d love to see New York (both of them), Los Angeles (both of them, again) and Boston go through a postseason drought.

Personally, I’d love to see Pittsburgh or Kansas City get to the Series. They wouldn’t have the big names or the big budgets, but at least it would be something new.

Contact this reporter at  (937) 225-2400, ext. 6991 or  gbilling@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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