We here at Notinhalloffame.com thought it would be fun to take a look at the major awards in North American team sports and see how it translates into Hall of Fame potential.

Needless to say, different awards in different sports yield hall of fame potential.  In basketball, the team sport with the least number of players on a roster, the dividend for greatness much higher.  In baseball, it is not as much as a great individual season does not have the same impact.

Last time, we looked at the NBA Finals MVP.  This time we went back to baseball, and the Comeback Player of the Year.

This is a recent award, first created in 2005, so the sample size at present is not a large one, but that has not stopped us before.  As with most awards in the Majors, there is one issued for both the National League and the American League.

So how many MLB Comeback Player of the Years have made the Baseball Hall of Fame?

Let’s find out!

The following are the past players who have won the Comeback Player of the Year who are eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame and have been enshrined.

Ken Griffey Jr., Cincinnati Reds (NL: 2005)                    

Ken Griffey Jr was beset with injury after injury from 2001 to 2004 as a Cincinnati Red with the most games he had in a year being 111.  This season, Griffey Jr appeared in 128 Games and had 35 Home Runs with a .301 Batting Average.  He played until 2010, retiring with 630 Home Runs and 2,781 Hits.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.

Jim Thome, Chicago White Sox (AL: 2006)                      

In 2005, Thome had elbow problems and batted only .205 as a Philadelphia Phillie.  The Phils traded him to the White Sox, and he rebounded with 42 Home Runs and 109 RBIs.  The slugger played until 2012 and left the game with 612 Home Runs.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.

Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees (AL: 2013)                

Mariano Rivera was already entrenched as the greatest Relief Pitcher in history before he won this award, and in 2012 it looked like he had to retire.  In May of that year, he tore his ACL, and it was expected that he would not return, but he did and was back in form.  In what was his final season, the career Yankee had 44 Saves and was an All-Star for the 13^thtime.  Rivera ended his career as the all-time leader in Games Finishes (952), Saves (652) and ERA+ (205).  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019.

The following are the players who have won the Comeback Player of the Year who are eligible for the Baseball Basketball Hall of Fame and have not been selected:

Jason Giambi, New York Yankees (AL: 2005)                   

Jason Giambi won the 2000 MVP, and was a top slugger for the seasons after but knee issues held him to 80 Games in 2004.  In 2005, he returned with 32 Home Runs, and led the American League in Walks (108) and On Base Percentage (.440).  Eligible Since 2020.  Was on the ballot for one year in 2020 and received 1.5% of the ballot.  Ranked #98 on Notinhalloffame.com

Nomar Garciaparra, Los Angeles Dodgers (NL: 2006)       

Injuries compiled on Garciaparra for years, taking him away from surefire Hall of Famer to also-ran.  He missed most of 2005 due to a torn groin, but 2006 had Garciaparra go to his first All-Star Game since 2003.  Garciaparra had 20 Home Runs, and batted .303 this year.  Realistically, this was his last good year, and he retired in 2009.  Eligible Since 2015.  Was on the ballot for two years in 2015 finishing as high as 5.5% in 2015.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Carlos Pena, Tampa Bay Rays (AL: 2007)                        

Carlos Pena had a pair of 100 Hit years, and had a 27 Home Run season in 2004, but he was released by the Tigers before the start of the 2006 season.  He signed with the Yankees, but was released before he played for them.  He did manage to get in 18 Games for Boston, but was in the minors for most of the year.  Pena signed a minor league deal with Tampa before the 2007 season, and he rewarded them with a 46 Home Run and .282 Batting Average year.  Pena was ninth in MVP voting, and two years later he won the Home Run Title (39) and was an All-Star.  Pena would later play for the Cubs, Houston, Kansas City and Texas.  He retired with 286 Home Runs.  Eligible Since 2020.  Was on the ballot for one year in 2020 but did not receive any votes.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Dmitri Young, Washington Nationals (NL: 2007)             

An All-Star in 2003 with the Detroit Tigers, Young’s 2006 season was his last in Motown, where he only played in 48 Games, had a sub .300 OBP and was treated for substance abuse and depression.  The Tigers released him that year, and it looked like his career might be over.  The Nationals signed Young, and in 2007 he was an All-Star again and he batted .320, which was good enough for fifth in the NL. He played one more season, and he retired with 1,389 Hits and 171 Home Runs.  Eligible Since 2014.  Although Young was eligible in 2014, he was not on the ballot.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Cliff Lee, Cleveland Indians (AL: 2008)                            

Lee won at least 14 Wins annually from 2004 to 2006, and was fourth in Cy Young voting in 2005.  Lee had a horrendous 2007 where he had abdominal issues and was sent down to the minors, and his ERA was over six in his 20 Games with Cleveland. He rocketed back with his best year ever, going 22-3, and he led the AL in Wins, ERA (2.54) and FIP (2.83), and he won the Cy Young, making him the first to win the Cy Young and the Comeback Player of the Year at the same time.  Eligible Since 2020.  Was on the ballot for one year and received 0.5% of the vote.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Brad Lidge, Philadelphia Phillies (NL: 2008)                    

An All-Star in 2005, Lidge’s game fell apart after and he dropped to 19 Saves in 2007 from his 42 two years before.  Lidge joined the Phillies, and he was an All-Star again with 41 Saves and an ERA of 1.95.  Lidge finished fourth in Cy Young voting, was an All-Star, and won the Rolaids Relief and Delivery Man of the Year Award.  The Phillies won the World Series that season, and Lidge was the first player to win the Comeback Player of the Year and the World Series in the same year.  Lidge played until 2012 and retired with 225 Saves.  Eligible Since 2018.  Was on the ballot for one year and received 0.5% of the vote.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Chris Carpenter, St. Louis Cardinals (NL: 2009)              

In 2007, Carpenter threw only six innings and underwent Tommy John Surgery and he was only on the mound for 15.1 Innings in 2008 due to shoulder issues.  The Pitcher stormed back as the Cy Young runner-up and had a 17-4 record while leasing the National League in ERA (2.24).  Carpenter would be an All-Star again the following year, and he played until 2012, finishing his career with a 144-94 record.  Eligible Since 2018.  Was on the ballot for one year and received 0.5% of the vote.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Tim Hudson, Atlanta Braves (NL: 2010)                          

An All-Star twice with Oakland, Tim Hudson joined the Braves in 2005 and did well until Tommy John Surgery took him out in 2008 and he missed most of 2009.  In 2010, he was an All-Star again with a 17-9 record and a fourth place finish in the Cy Young.  Hudson was an All-Star again in 2014 as a San Francisco Giant and retired the year later with 222 Wins and 2,080 Strikeouts.  Eligible Since 2021.  His first year of eligibility is this year.  Ranked #101 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Lance Berkman, St. Louis Cardinals (NL: 2011)               

Lance Berkman was a five-time All-Star with the Astros, but in an injury plagued 2010 he only had 14 Home Runs and batted .249. Berkman joined the Cardinals and blasted 31 Home Runs, was an All-Star for his sixth and final time and he helped the Cardinals win the World Series.  He played two more seasons and retired with 1,648 Hits, 326 Home Runs and 1,090 RBIs.  Eligible Since 2019.  He was on he ballot for one year and had 1.2% of the ballot.  Ranked #88 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Let’s update our tally, shall we?        

So, who is up next?

The following are the players who have won the Comeback Player of the Year in MLB who have retired but have not met the mandatory years out of the game to qualify for the Baseball Hall of Fame:

Aaron Hill, Toronto Blue Jays (AL: 2009)

Aaron Hill suffered a concussion in late May of 2008, and he was put for the remainder of the season.  Hill came back to have the best season of his career where he was an All-Star for the first and only time of his career, and would post career-highs in Home Runs (36), RBIs (108) and Hits (195).  The Second Baseman would also win his lone Silver Slugger this season. Hill went on to play for Arizona, Milwaukee, Boston and San Francisco, and he retired with 1,501 Hits and 162 Home Runs.  Eligible in 2023.

Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston Red Sox (AL: 2011)

Jacoby Ellsbury played only 18 Games due to fractured ribs in 2010, but he returned the following season to have his only All-Star year.  Ellsbury had career-highs in Hits (212), Home Runs (32), RBIs (105), and the Slash Line (.321/.376/.552).  He would later win his second World Series ring with the BoSox in 2013, and he finished his career with 104 Home Runs and 1,376 Hits.  Eligible in 2023.

Chris Young, Seattle Mariners (AL: 2014)

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome held Chris Young to only nine minor league starts in 2013, and he was a long way removed from his 2007 All-Star year in San Diego.  Young was a Mariner for only this season, and he went 12-9 with a 3.65 ERA.  He played three more years with Kansas City, winning a World Series ring and retiring with 79 Wins against 67 Losses.  Eligible in 2023.

Chris McGehee, Miami Marlins (NL: 2014)

Chris McGehee debuted in 2008, and had a decent 2010 season, but was a journeyman after that, playing in Japan in 2013. McGehee returned to the Majors as a Miami Marlin, and he would collect 177 Hits with a .287 Batting Average.  He went back to journeyman status and was out of the majors after 2016.  McGehee had 721 Hits over his career.  Eligible in 2022.

Prince Fielder, Texas Rangers (AL: 2015)

Prince Fielder won the Home Run Title in 2007 with the Milwaukee Brewers, and he had six more 30-Home Run years right after. Fielder joined the Texas Rangers in 2014, but he had season-ending neck surgery after 42 Games.  In 2015, Fielder had 187 Hits, 23 Home Runs and batted .305, and was an All-Star for the sixth and final time.  Injuries kept him to only one more season, and he retired after the 2016 season with 319 Home Runs and 1,645 Hits.  Eligible in 2022.

The following are the players who have won the MLB Comeback Player of the Year who are still active.

Francisco Liriano, Minnesota Twins (AL: 2010)

Francisco Liriano was an All-Star as a rookie in 2006, but he missed all of 2007 due to Tommy John Surgery, and he was injured for much of 2008 and 2009.  Liriano rebounded with a 14-10 record in 2010 with a 3.62 ERA.  36 Years Old, Playing for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Fernando Rodney, Tampa Bay Rays (AL: 2012)

Fernando Rodney los the closers job with the Angels the year before with only three Saves and a 4.50 ERA.  With the Rays, he came back with a vengeance with 48 Saves, a 0.60 ERA, a 0.777 WHIP and a fifth place Cy Young finish.  43 Years Old, Free Agent.

Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants (NL: 2012)

Buster Posey was the 2010 Rookie of the Year and the Catcher helped lead the Giants to a World Series win.  2011 was not as good, as a home plate collision fractured his fibula and tore ligaments.  Posey rebounded by taking the Giants to another World Series win with 24 Home Runs, a Batting Title (.336) and an MVP.  Posey won another World Series Ring with the Giants in 2014.  33 Years Old, Playing for the San Francisco Giants.

Francisco Liriano, Pittsburgh Pirates (2) (NL: 2013)

Liriano made history as the first player to win the Comeback Player of the Year twice, and he did it in both leagues.  This time, he made a comeback after an awful 2012 split between Minnesota and Chicago (AL), and in his first season as a Pirate he had his best year in baseball.  Liriano went 16-8 with a 3.02 ERA and a ninth-place finish in Cy Young voting.  36 Years Old, Playing for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Matt Harvey, New York Mets (NL: 2015)

An All-Star in 2013, Matt Harvey missed all of 2014 from Tommy John Surgery.  Harvey went 13-8 for the Mets in 2015, and had a 2.71 ERA with 188 Strikeouts.  31 Years Old, Free Agent.

Rick Porcello, Boston Red Sox (AL: 2016)

After having six good seasons with the Detroit Tigers, Rick Porcello joined the Red Sox, but had a poor year with a 9-15 record and an ERA near five.  Porcello had a monster 2016 with a 22-4 record and a league-leading SO/BB (5.91). He would also win the Cy Young, and two years later, he helped Boston win the World Series.  31 Years Old, Playing for the New York Mets.

Anthony Rendon, Washington Nationals (NL: 2016)

Rendon had a great 2014 year with a fifth place finish in MVP voting.  The season after, he had a poor year and missed his share of games, but he bounced back with a 20 Home Run year in 2016. Rendon would later lead the Nationals to their first World Series win in 2019.  29 Years Old, Playing for the Anaheim Angels.

Mike Moustakas, Kansas City Royals (AL: 2017)

Mike Moustakas helped the Royals win the 2015 World Series, but in 2016, he had a torn ACL and only played in 27 Games.  In 2017, Moustakas was an All-Star for the second time and he belted 38 Home Runs, his personal best.  31 Years Old, Playing for the Cincinnati Reds.

Greg Holland, Colorado Rockies (NL: 2017)

Greg Holland was an All-Star closer in 2013 and 2014, and he was injured late in the 2015 season, which coincided with the Royals World Series win.  Holland missed all of 2016 following Tommy John Surgery, and he returned in 2017, though with Colorado.  Holland was again an All-Star and he led the National League in Games Finished (58) and Saves (41).  31 Years Old, Playing for the Kansas City Royals.

David Price, Boston Red Sox (AL: 2018)

David Price had a down year in 2017 with elbow issues holding him to 16 Games, but he was healthy in 2018 and went 16-7 with 177 Strikeouts. Price and the Red Sox would win the World Series this year.  34 Years Old, Playing for the Boston Red Sox.

Jonny Venters, Tampa Bay Rays and Atlanta Braves (NL: 2018)

With all due respect to all of the other winners, this has to be the most inspirational winner ever.  Venters was an All-Star in 2011 (his second year in the league) and he led the National League in appearances (2011).  Venters would have arm trouble and had to endure his second and third Tommy John Surgery, and after last playing in 2012, he returned in 2018, now as a Tampa Bay Ray. He was traded back to the Braves in July of that year, and would see more action than he had as a Ray. Venters had a total 5-2 record with three Saves.  35 Years Old, Playing for the Boston Red Sox.

Carlos Carrasco, Cleveland Indians (AL: 2019)

This is the first winner who had a weaker year than the season before, but Carlos Carrasco is the first winner to battle cancer.  Carrasco has a 17-10 year in 2018 and in June of 2019, he was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia.  Carrasco returned in September. 33 Years Old, Playing for the Cleveland Indians.

Josh Donaldson, Atlanta Braves (NL: 2019)

In 2018, injuries held the former MVP to 52 Games, but Josh Donaldson had a lot to prove in 2019.  The Third Baseman joined Atlanta as a Free Agent and in his comeback year he had 37 Home Runs and 94 RBIs.  34 Years Old, Playing for the Minnesota Twins.

The Comeback Player of the Year was all over the place and based on what we see, its percentage of Hall of Famers will likely decline.

So, what is up next?

We return to basketball and the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, which is awarded to the player who shows the most outstanding service and dedication to the community.

As always, we thank you for your support, and look for that soon.

Tonight, during the UFC on ESPN 8 broadcast it was announced that Kevin Randleman will be entering the UFC Hall of Fame in the Pioneer Wing.

Randleman was a two-time NCAA Wrestling Champion in the 177-pound weight class and the former Ohio State Buckeye, and he would have his first professional fight in 1996.  Three years later, Randleman won the vacant Heavyweight Title at UFC 23, and had one successful defense before losing it to Randy Couture.  Following his run in UFC, he would compete in Pride with notable matches against Quinton Jackson and Mirko Cro Cop.  He last competed in 2011, and retired with a 17-16 record.

Randleman died in 2016 at the age of 44 after suffering a heart attack.

He becomes the 17^thmember of the Pioneer Wing, which consists of fighters who turned professional before November 17, 2000.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate the family of Kevin Randleman at this time.

NASCAR season is back. Sunday, May 17, at Darlington Raceway, will be the initial race out of seven, over 11 days during the month. However, things will not be quite the same after the recess' fogs dissipate. Last Friday, competition executives released an official bulletin filled with rules changesfor the remaining 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season and forward. The technical changes detail safety and competition alterations as a measure to restrain the team’s costs and boosting racing safety measures.

These guidelines come from the deliberation that took place after the preliminary investigation into Ryan Newman’s crash. The violent incident on the final lap of the Daytona 500 left the driver severely injured. After missing three races and a still recovering bruised brain, he was cleared to come back on May 10. NASCAR is preparing a media briefing to reveal the Newman investigation findings.

As competition grows endlessly, the regulations promise safe quality racing for both the teams and the fans. The mentioned regulations will not affect current competition significantly. Moreover, those intend to lessen comprehensive modifications for the Next Gen Car to debut on the 2021 season. However, NASCAR senior vice president of racing development, John Probst, stated that teams were provided with details about the technical changes in advance.

NASCAR's return comes impregnated with a lot more than instructions for custom wheels manufacturer selectionand tuning restrictions. The following modifications are very specific and its goals are aiming to minimize about 30 to 40 horsepower from 510 hp for Daytona and Talladega tracks. Although these modifications are a decision NASCAR took after Newman’s incident, overall rules were reviewed and adjusted according to the identified needs. The following is a summarized version of the recently released bulletin.

1. During the remaining season, NASCAR will not allow on-track testing for Cup Series, Gander Truck Series, and Xfinity Series.
2. Wind tunnel usage time is now under restriction. Every organization will have only 150 hours to test. These will be distributed for 70 hours during 2020 and 90 hours in 2021.  Individual NextGen vehicle organizations are banned from wind tunnel testing. Only a few facilities were approved for wind-testing such as Aerodyn Wind Tunnel in Mooresville and Windshear Wind Tunnel in Concord, both in North Carolina.
   
   
3. Short block sealed engine changes are now restricted to eight. This measure is for both full or long blocks and the bottom portion only or short blocks. This means that each vehicle needs to endure these events with a short-block sealed engine.  It will require the team’s adaptation since it previously was a 13 limit. For all the remaining races or cycles, teams can only change engine parts such as valves, cylinder heads, and valve springs. This action is meant to prevent time and costly rebuilds.
   
   
4. Restrictions on the throttle body were reduced to 57/64” at superspeedways. It was formerly a 59/64”.
   
   
5. Obligatory changes and updates regarding the padding roll bar. These will be mandatory for all vehicles from June 1.
   
   
6. Talladega beginning tracks require the setting up of a check valve at overflow expansion tanks and/or oil reservoir tanks.
   
   
7. Superspeedways tracks require the application of slip tape along the facing surfaces. It needs to be applied throughout the entire lower rearward. Likewise, within the rear bumper cover extension.
   
   
8. Mandatory addition of a lower main roll support bar #20 and an upper main roll support bar #21. This modification will be needed for superspeedways tracks. Additionally, requirements demand an intrusion plate. This specification is optional in other tracks.
   
   
9. Chassis modification regulations. Each organization will be allowed twelve active and four inactive certified chassis modifications. Those can only be retired after a minimum of three races use. However, if irreversibly damaged after a crash in a shorter period, the chassis can be replaced. Each racing organization is restricted to ten unique chassis designs. These may be available for display in preseason shows.
10. Officials limited at-track or road crewmembers. Maximum personnel is twelve during race weekends. This includes engineers and mechanics, crew chiefs, and spotters. Moreover, the organizational staff is reduced to three. Also, the driver’s team will be 16 members only. This measure is an answer to the global pandemic situation.
    
    
11.  Superspeedway tracks will not have aero ducts. 

Although previous incidents lead to car modifications that teams will struggle to fulfill, stock-car racing is not only about cars. During a NASCAR race, a driver must be in flawless physical strength to be able to endure sustained high G force. Three G of acceleration on turns triple the driver’s weight. Additionally, the driver is wearing a helmet, gloves, and a long-sleeved fire suit. These, along with the mid-summer weather rises internal car temperature to hit the 120°F. In these scenarios, drivers can lose focus and experience dizziness. Consequently, riders need to train hard to endure these harsh circumstances. Pit crews also train very hard. These athletes have 15 seconds and no retries to accomplish their task: jacking up the largely heavy car to change its tires and refilling its fuel tank.

Patience, discipline, and adaptability are the main skills surrounding this fast-paced sport. Stock-car racing embraces crewmembers and organizations working together as an engine to lead both the vehicle and its driver on top conditions. Poor communication and a miniscule mistake during the job can lead to accidents like Newman's.

NASCAR Safety Standards Regarding Coronavirus Pandemic

While NASCAR prepares to resume its season with the coronavirus pandemic still in motion, safety measures are being taken with this in mind. NASCAR prepared a protocol following the advice of health professionals. Carolina’s public health officials gave their blessing and added a few recommendations. The safety protocol during Daytona and Talladega races aims to safeguard the competitors and the surrounding community’s health. These recommendations include:

• Zero fans attendance plan. NASCAR is still considering if fans will be allowed into July's competition. Social distancing measures are being taken into account.
  
  
• Cancellation of the 2020 submission meetings. It might include the cancellation of the traditional Champaign opening at the end of the matches.
  
  
• Lowering staff member’s size according to NASCAR bulletin specifications.
  
  
• Use of the most local venues possible, allowing organizations to travel through roads. This to avoid air mobilization and the need for accommodations.
  
  
• Drivers and crewmembers are confined to their motorhomes, disseminated all over the facility. Self-isolation is mandatory until the competition starts.
  
  
• The use of face masks is required, including for drivers on the way to their vehicles.
  
  
• Teams were asked to self-monitor their staff using random temperature checking through the event.

NASCAR is working hard to be the first major U.S. sport to resume competitions. Therefore, a mistake could become a landmark for its history and put lives into high-risks. After all, the NCS is the racing highest level of competition. About 700 hundred people are expected to meet at the Daytona track. That number will only include the 40-car crews, leaving outside the picture officials, inspectors, and the broadcast team.

If things run smoothly, other sports eager to come back might consider resuming matches. NASCAR executive vice president, Steve O'Donnell stated: "We realize upfront it's a huge responsibility for us as a sport… We're certainly going to learn as we go, the process we put in place gives the industry the confidence that we can be first." Moreover, Mark Miles, Indianapolis Motor Speedway CEO, told the press "We can do it. We are prepared for fans… Just based on the size of our facility we can do it… We've got time to get this right."

Additionally, rules are strictly enforced and those with personal staffs who do not follow those, including the general COVID19 recommendations such as facemasks use and social distancing will be removed from the facilities and presented with a $50,000 fine. NASCAR is making an extraordinary effort on its return. Real-life racing comes with real-life incidents and circumstances. Safety precautions aim to guarantee the event develops hassles-free.

Nathan Spears is a managing editor at BlaqueDiamond
<https://blaquediamond.com/>. He became a car enthusiast at the age of
four, when his father taught him the difference between Chevy and Ford. In
2012 Nathan put his knowledge in practice and started reporting on cars,
races and the auto industry on different social media platforms. Currently,
he’s a happy owner of a 1967 Alfa Romeo and a Lancer GSR and a person who
still has lots of topics to cover.

Celebrities are just like regular people when it comes to sports. They love to watch and attend sporting occasions, whether it be football, hockey, soccer, basketball, tennis, golf or any other sport. As long as there is a ball to be hit, a sharp corner to negotiate or a punch to be thrown, the buzz of sports is the same for everyone.

Celebrities have even become part of sporting occasions. Their attendance in the crowd gathers airtime, and some also perform at the stadium – just look at the Super Bowl and its string of megastar performers. But who are the most prominent celebrity sports fans?

1.   Floyd Mayweather

He may be better known for his eagle eye and fast defence in the ring, but Mayweather also likes to kick back and watch sports as well. He attends boxing games but is known to be a big fan of the NBA. While Mayweather has been busy staking thousands on sports betting - reportedly winning over $6million on an NBA game back in 2013, he's also not shy of the casinos themselves. Having won nearly £800,000 on a slot machine in 2017, his latest conquest seems to be to tackle Japan by building a new casino in 2020/21.

2.   Denzel Washington

America's acting hall of fame has a seat for Denzel Washington. But the movie star is not just about taking his place among the film gods. He likes to take a seat at Lakers and Yankees games too and is known to be in the crowd always wearing his all-black cap. But Washington could play the game as well. During his university days at Fordham University, he was a point guard for coach Carlesimo. Yes, the same coach who made it to the NBA.

3.   Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart has gone from working as a shoe salesman to being one of the world's best comedians with some flagship acting jobs along the way. When Hart is not writing comedy gold, he is a massive sports fan. He participates in the NBA's All-Star weekend and even plays himself in the celebrity match, which he has won the MVP award on three occasions. By being in and around the players, he has acquired some new NBA buddies.

4.   Jerry Seinfeld

But Hart is not the only comedy royalty to love sports. Jerry Seinfeld, the creator of his namesake comedy hit show, is a renowned Mets fan. When he is not watching sports, he can be found talking about them on the WFAN sports radio station in New York. This may be why his famous show includes many references to Mets and one or two appearances from players.

5.   Drake

Actor rapper and singer, Drake has a controversial history with the sporting world. It began when he was denied access to the locker room of Miami Heat after they won the championship in 2013. In the same year, he announced himself as an official ambassador for the Raptors. Since then, the cameras have been on him during sporting occasions due to his courtside behaviours and celebrations. Some think it could be part of a publicity stunt, but he undoubtedly loves his sports.