Aug. 31, 2004
While I'm known for my work in basketball, I am an absolute sports fanatic. Sports has always been something I've enjoyed. Growing up as a kid in New Jersey, I couldn't wait to read Dick Young's column in the sports section of the New York Daily News.

I love listening to debates on talk shows, like the current discussion about baseball MVPs for this season. I love hearing about the NL race, with such great performances by Scott Rolen, Albert Pujols, Jim Edmonds and Adrian Beltre. I'm sorry, but I don't think there's a big argument.

	Bonds

To me it's Lock City, baby, and my choice is Barry Bonds. Yes, Beltre has great numbers and has been a big plus. Rolen has done it with his Gold Glove and bat, putting up impressive RBI totals. Pujols has been incredible, posting phenomenal numbers in each of his four seasons.

But think about some of the numbers Bonds has put up this season. He is rapidly approaching 200 walks on the season. That's an incredible amount of opportunities being denied from swinging the lumber! That's impressive for his on-base percentage and helps his team.

Clearly Bonds doesn't get many pitches to hit. He has just over 300 official at-bats, and he's still right there battling Ichiro Suzuki for the best batting average in baseball! Ichiro is trying to break George Sisler's single-season hits mark (257), and there's no doubt the Mariner star is a professional hitter. Bonds is carrying the offensive show for the Giants as they battle for a playoff berth.

Bonds is approaching 40 home runs with just over 300 at-bats ... amazing!

SPECIAL TIME AT THE U.S. OPEN
I recently attended a special event at the U.S. Open, the Arthur Ashe kids day. It was great to spend time with so many youngsters -- it was so much fun! These beautiful kids were chasing their dreams, and I was so proud to see the stadium at Flushing Meadow jammed.

I was fortunate to have the people from Hess and Pepsi sponsor my appearance on Court 11. They set up an obstacle course and games for kids to play, plus we gave away about 100 tennis rackets to kids in need.

In speaking to a lot of the fans, the big question was, "Who will win this year's U.S. Open?"

Here are my picks. On the women's side, Lindsay Davenport has been hot, winning her past four tournament appearances. She will be tough mentally, and she has added incentive as some have suggested this could be her last trip to the U.S. Open. I give her the nod to prevail.

There are a number of candidates to win on the men's side. Roger Federer is going for his third Grand Slam tournament title of the year. Lleyton Hewitt has been hot, and Andre Agassi is always dangerous.

But my pick is Andy Roddick, who won it last year. His blazing serve will be the biggest factor. Roddick understands the atmosphere of New York City and can play to the crowd. Federer may struggle in the big city based on his past record. Red, white and blue will reign with Davenport and Roddick taking home the trophies, baby!

MORE TO LIFE THAN SPORTS
Hey, I'm about other things besides sports, baby! I have other interests. Last Saturday, I saw the play "The Wicked" on Broadway. I really enjoyed it!

Last Sunday, I had the opportunity to see "The Boy from Oz", the play based on the life of the late Peter Allen. Hugh Jackman was dynamite. I had a chance to share some words with him backstage after the show, and he's a big sports fan. He was absolutely sensational, and my review is A+! He was the total package: dance, charisma, on-stage presence, voice, personality...

I told him he was the Michael Jordan of Broadway!

Dick Vitale coached the Pistons and the University of Detroit before broadcasting ESPN's first college basketball game in December 1979. Send a question for Vitale for possible use on ESPNEWS.