It feels like we haven’t seen a live sports game on TV in years. Programs like ESPN and Netflix’s The Last Dance have given us something to look forward to, but what do we do in between episodes, and what do we do after it ends?
Classic games from every sport are being broadcast, and many others can be easily found online. You could binge highlights of seasons past, as well. However, that’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Legendary games may only have a few memorable moments, and full games are usually only enjoyable when they’re happening right now, where the consequences of the result can be fully realized.
YouTube and gaming are alternatives.
Twitch.tv, the gold standard for video game livestreams, has been at the forefront of providing simulations and streams of sports games being controlled by both casual fans and prominent players like Barcelona’s Antoine Griezmann. Each MLB team also has one player participating in a league on MLB: The Show, which has been running for a few weeks.
I don’t watch too many sports game streams unless they’re tournaments or very unique, and you may feel the same way. I’d still recommend checking out Twitch.tv every once in a while in case something piques your interest. But if you want something a bit more unique, YouTube offers its own experience. Not only do I prefer the video game content on the platform, but there are creators who either make old games more enjoyable, or help me understand sports better. Here are some creators to check out:
Baseball
Jomboy Media – With a knack to read lips, Jomboy and his deep understanding of baseball will make you see America’s pastime in a different light. Many sports fans call baseball boring, but whenever I show them Jomboy’s videos, they usually change their mind. Perhaps it’s his mix of humor with genuine commentary and quick, yet easy to digest, breakdowns of moments in games beyond the big ones. Whether you like baseball or not, this is a channel that any sports fan can appreciate.
Antonelli Baseball – Former Padres prospect Mark Antonelli had his career cut short due to injuries. His videos give the biggest insight into the baseball world of any channel I have seen. Though not as enthralling as one of Pat McAfee’s Peyton Manning stories, Antonelli gives watchers of the sport a behind-the-scenes look at baseball from the minors to the majors. He also has started a Diamond Dynasty series on MLB: The Show.
Others to consider: Foolish Baseball, Dodgerfilms, The Noise Media
Football
NotTheExpert – Drew Morris, better known as NotTheExpert, plays a variety of American Football games on his channel, but likely his biggest successes have been his NCAA 14 dynasty rebuilds. His two custom teams, The UGF Pandas and the DVSU Dingos, have been smash hits and his commentary and love for the teams will keep anyone captivated and feeling a real connection. Unlike many other YouTubers who play Madden or NCAA, I feel that he hits a good balance with his use of sound effects during play, enough to keep things a bit fresh but not over-the-top and childish. From the moment you start watching, you’re going to fall in love with the development of the teams, and by starting late, you won’t have to wait days in between to see how the season develops.
Highlight Heaven – I don’t usually binge highlights but Highlight Heaven’s videos are more than what you might see on the NFL’s official channel. Both old and new, sometimes inconsequential games, are showcased here. Although we don’t get a breakdown like Jomboy’s baseball videos, we get to experience a well edited and condensed version of games that cut out all of the fat. It’s a no-brainer for anyone who loves football highlights.
Others to consider: PerramCrowe, KTO, Strong Opinion Sports
Ice Hockey
TSN/BarDown – BarDown was created by TSN, one of Canada’s largest sports networks, and features hockey content beyond the news that the network typically reports. A hockey history fan’s dream, the site’s YouTube channel offers unique challenges focusing on players, teams, jerseys, and logos that the staff all compete against each other in. I’ve only recently begun my descent into the sport, but it’s clear that BarDown offers great content for anyone from the newbies to the diehards. If you’re new to the NHL, you may not be able to relate to a lot of what they are saying, but you’ll learn trivia about teams, and you’ll get entertainment from the friendly banter between the staff.
Basketball
How Hungry Are You? – Serge Ibaka hosts a cooking show where he interviews the NBA’s biggest stars and feeds them rare and sometimes bizarre foods. Serge doesn’t hold back and will roast anyone, though it’s all in good fun. You do NOT need to be a basketball fan to enjoy this, though having a basic knowledge of the NBA and its stars helps. A spoiler to show just what you’re getting into: he fed Kevin Durant snake.
General
UrinatingTree – Never afraid to hold back, UrinatingTree will uppercut your favorite team into oblivion following an embarrassing game, bad trade, scandal, or playoff loss. No team is safe, not even his favorites. If anything, he is harsher on his own teams. If he ever gives a team praise, you know they deserved it.
FivePoints Vids – The channel has a lot of videos on stadiums, but it covers a variety of sports, even including NASCAR. While there are no defining characteristics, FPV provides great general informational videos. You’ll find literally everything here no matter your interest.
Jon Bois – Any self-proclaimed stats nerd cannot live without Jon Bois and his hit Chart Party series. Seriously, you’ll be glued to your screen learning about a player who only had 2 seasons under his belt, or a team that didn’t even make the playoffs. His current Mariners series on SB Nation is just as good.
