Play Ball!

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the best week of the year. The sun is shining. Birds are finally chirping. People have been opening doors me for me, letting me cut in line, giving random smiles as I pass...people are just outright happy.

It can only mean one thing:

Baseball season is here. Hallejuah!

For those of you wanting to pull your hair out if you hear one more basketball remark, don't pull yet - it's time for some baseball!

 (Yes, it's still basketball season, but I've decided to boycott the NCAA Finals since my bracket was complete garbage. For those of you still competing in college ball, click here.) 

Opening Day is happening across the country this week, so check the schedules to find out when your team gets started. For my California girls, let me make it easy for you:

The most amazing team in the world, the San Diego Padres, start their season deep in the Midwest. The Pads take on the St. Louis Cardinals at 4:15 pm ET Thursday, on Cards turf. So leave the 80 degree beach a bit early and catch some baseball. Another rough day for a San Diegoian. (Catch my hint of jealousy?)

Unfortunately, the Dodgers do play in CA, so I'll mention them. The always classy LA team opens the season playing World Series champs, the San Francisco Giants, on Thursday. Giants fans are overly pumped this season (I know from experience, I'm constantly surrounded), so there's sure to be loads of blue vs. orange fists flying at this one. Game time is 8:00 pm ET, at Dodger Stadium.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim will start their season in Kansas City, going head-to-head with the Royals. Game is at 4:10 pm ET on Thursday. Perfect timing for mid-day mimosas! 

The other Bay Area team, the Oakland A's, will kick off their season at home vs. Seattle. If you're a Bay Area fan, catch this game live - it's supposed to be a gorgeous day, even in Oakland!


Time for hot dogs, ball caps and ice cold brews!

photo via SeattlePI


And obviously the babes. Meet David Wright.

photo via NYMag

Dust off your baseball jersey (hopefully not a pink one), get your game face on and enjoy the next seven months of America's favorite past time. Go Padres!

Cosmo Clue:
Spring Training comes to a halt this week, and the regular MLB season starts!

For full schedules and home openers, check this.

Sweet 16: Celebs Who Root

Hopefully you've been keeping up on March Madness and the college boys duking it out. Most of the teams have been eliminated and it's down to the fun part - Sweet 16! 

So far the tournament has been full of ups and downs, crazy finishes and some big upsets. A few teams who were expected to make it far (like Pitt, who I picked to go to the finals!) are finished, leaving some happy underdogs still swimming.

These are the teams still hoping to make the Final Four:

East

Ohio State

Kentucky 

Marquette

North Carolina

West

Duke 

San Diego State

Arizona

Connecticut

Southwest

Kansas 

Richmond

VCU

Florida State

Southeast

BYU

Butler 

Florida 

Wisconsin 

Though it's strange to think of celebs attending college - some actually did. Here are some Sweet 16 alums:

Ashely Judd bleeds Kentucky blue.

photo via Wild Cat World

Funny guys Jason Sudeikis & Paul Rudd are Kansas alum.

photo via BuddyTV

   photo via therealmtoys

Who knows if Nicole Richie & Kourtney Kardashian are bball fans, but they went to Arizona!

photo via Robert Redford

photo via Channel Guide

Maybe the best Asian man EVER - Ken Jeong spent his college days at Duke.

photo via BD Horror

Sports reporter Erin Andrews is a huge Florida fan; she was even on the dance team.

photo via E!

Hopefully your bracket is looking better than mine; less red and more wins. Games start back up today, so skip your manicure and have a babe watching sesh instead. (Don't worry, the games will end before Jersey Shore starts.)

Cosmo Clue:

The NCAA basketball tournament is down to 16 teams; games today and tomorrow.

Check schedule here

Barry Bonds*

One of the best (can't believe I just said that), yet controversial baseball players of our time, is back in the hot seat this week. Barry Bonds took the stand in San Francisco today, where as a former Giant, he was accused of steroid use.

photo via MLB

 In 2003, Bonds went before a jury and swore that he never knowingly took the enhancing drug. Now he is facing federal charges, questioning if he was lying under oath in '03. Some jury members were asked to leave the case, with noted biases towards the big hitter. Both sides have agreed on 12 jurors to ride the case out alongside Bonds & co.

Though Bonds isn't the first, and definitely not the last player to be accused of juicing up, he has some stats that are up for debate. One of those being the record for all-time career home runs, beating out legendary Hank Aaron in 2007. Was Barry clean and worthy of the stat? Were steroids to blame for this record breaker? Jury's still out. 

The trial is expected to last a few weeks and will decide if Bonds gets time in the big house, house arrest, or something else completely. He wore orange as a Giant for 15 years - will he have to wear it again, jailhouse style?

photo via Sports Video Daily

Cosmo Clue:
Baseball star Barry Bonds is currently on trial for perjury and obstruction of justice charges.


Follow the case here

Ice Queens

Maybe it's the fearless tough-guy persona that draws celebs to hockey players, or the fact that they can bundle up to watch their beau in action. Whatever it is, it seems like more and more famous females are reeling in hockey studs. Here are some girls who support their brawling-on-ice babes - black eyes and all.

Carrie Underwood, married to Mike Fisher of the Nashville Predators
Looks like this serial dating country star has finally found a man for the long haul.

photo via Parade

Hilary Duff, married to Pittsburgh Penguin, Mike Comrie
Her husband may wear shiny blazers and be a shorty, but at least Lizzie McGuire is happy.

photo via NJRips

Alisha Cuthbert, dating Dion Phaneuf of the Toronto Maple Leafs
This is Alisha's second hockey playing bf - the girl loves ice.

photo via SI


Ready for some blasts from your past? From a one-hit-wonder to a Full House big sis, these girls prefer their men to skate.

Willa Ford, married to Detroit Redwing, Mike Modano
Remember Willa? No? Well, let me bring you back to your youth. Click!

photo via FanPix

Candace Cameron Bure is married to Valerie Bure, a retired NHL player

D.J. Tanner grew up and found herself a husband with a girl name. Congrats!

photo via stupidcelebrities

Time to learn to skate ladies, and find yourself a hockey lovah!

Cosmo Clue:

Hollywood honeys dig hockey players.

Find your future hockey hubby here.

Stalk me, please!

Cosmos & Cleats now has it's very own Facebook & Twitter accounts. The site is all grown up!

To follow us on Facebook, click here and "like" the page.

For my tweeters, follow us here.

If you are trying to reach me (Chelsea) directly - questions, comments, suggestions, I appreciate it all - you can email me at chelseambecker@gmail.com. 

Thanks for the support! Let me know if there is anything you want to see. 

Ballpark Bites

One thing all baseball fans can agree on - we know how to eat (and drink!). I've scoured the web to find fan picked favorites when it comes to baseballs tastiest treats. Looks like I'm going to need to take a ballpark road trip real soon; solely to binge. My apologies in advance for sudden hunger pains. 

PNC Park, Pittsburgh Pirates
Primanti Brothers sandwich
Yes, those are french fries inside the sandwich.

photo via Travel&Leisure

Wrigley Field, Chicago Cubs
Victory Knot pretzel
Bread, salt, cheese - Yes, please!

photo via Chicago Tribune


Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles Dodgers
Dodger Dog
The one thing the Dodgers do well - fire up some heavenly links.

photo via Serious Eats

Petco Park, San Diego Padres
Stone Pale Ale
12 oz. of locally brewed heaven!

photo via Lizard's Lair

Not a beer drinker? No problem - sip on this:

Nationals Park, Washington Nationals

Capital Cooler
If you insist on being classy at a game.

photo via Travel&Leisure

and the stadium food voted #1 among most baseball fans...


drum roll please......

AT&T Park, San Francisco Giants

Gordon Biersch garlic fries
Make sure you have your breath mints on hand after these bad boys.

photo via Travel&Leisure

Thank God I live in San Francisco!

Going to a new stadium and unsure of what to scarf down first? Look here.

Cosmo Clue:
When it comes to baseball - calories shmalories; just eat it. Head to San Francisco for a bloated good time.

Madness Mayhem

March is a pretty sweet month. St. Patty's Day gives us an excuse to party and drink too much green beer. A new season makes it okay to buy a completely new wardrobe. And the time change allows for more sunshine & sundresses. But ladies, we're forgetting one amazing treat that we get with March...

MARCH MADNESS!!

photo via NCAA

What is this "madness" I'm so happy about? March Madness is a ginormous NCAA (college basketball) tournament and it's one of the best sports events of the year. People (and probably your boyfriend) talk about it for months before and it's all ESPN has been covering. It's a tournament with 68 schools, all duking it out to be named the #1 college basketball team. 

There's a pretty confusing system to decide which teams participate, but if you're up for a challenge, figure it out here. Basically, the winners from each conference get an automatic spot, and the rest are chosen by a NCAA committee.

The teams who will be scrambling for the top spot were announced yesterday and here is the schedule & brackets. It's a single elimination tournament - one you lose, you're dunzo. After the first few rounds, the tournament will get down to a "Sweet 16" and things get really intense. The first games are this Tuesday so don't forget to set your DVR. Finals start on April 2nd, so do your best to keep up 'til then!

Even if you aren't in love with basketball, March Madness is seriously exciting and can bring you back to your glorious college days. Feeling competitive? Pick your teams and take on the boys in a betting bracket at the office.

I'll be rooting for a home town team, SDSU! Let's go Aztecs!!

photo via Bay News 9

Cosmo Clue:

March Madness is a huge basketball tournament and decides the top college team. 


Want more Madness? Look here.

Surfs Up Bra'

The one thing I love more than a baseball player sporting a ball cap and a cute grin: a surfer. From the ultra laid back lifestyle, to the toned, bronzed bodies - they just do it for me. 

(click here, for a totally tubular song)

photo via 5ones

The 2011 ASP Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast (a gnarly surf competition) finished up Down Under and the always stunning surfing sensation, Kelly Slater, took 1st. If you don't know who this babe is, meet my lifelong crush. I'm still waiting for him to realize we're soul mates, but until then, congrats to my boy! 

photo via Surfer

Here are some highlights from Slater's career

Makes me want to take a tropical vaca, preferably with a stud that looks like him, STAT! A girl can dream, right?

Cosmo Clue:

Kelly Slater claims the #1 spot at Quiksilver's Pro Gold Coast and is trying for his 11th World Champion Title.

No Heat

March is HUGE for basketball. March Madness (I'll get to that in a later post if you are lost with it) is coming up, the NBA is starting to intensify - teams are gaining or losing confidence with their playoffs hopes, and fans really start to get rilled up.

The Miami Heat is an NBA team with a lot of potential but are stuck in a serious rut. They are home to major ballers like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade & Chris Bosh, but these tall dudes aren't pulling out W's. The Heat lost their 5th straight game last night to the Portland Trail Blazers, and the team is seriously confused. 

Heat's James & Wade frustrated after a loss earlier in the week

photo via PDXpipeline

The crazy thing about Miami is earlier this season these boys had a 12 game winning streak and were killing it. They remain high up in their conference standings, but they'll need to figure things out ASAP if they want to keep it that way. 

Next up for the Heat - the two-time defending champs, the Los Angeles Lakers. They will be playing in Miami tomorrow, giving the Heat home field advantage, which can't hurt. The Lakers are coming in looking to put the Heat's losing streak to a number six and Miami will be giving it their all to take down Kobe and his gang. Whose colors will you be sporting?

Game is on Thursday (ideal night for Happy Hour!) at 7:00 pm ET* - don't miss it.

The Heat's Dwyane Wade & Lakers star, Kobe Bryant

photo via Zimbio

P.S. I'm going to start adding a main point at the end of each post - summarizing the post in a nutshell. It's called the "Cosmo Clue" - props to my baby bro for this cute little slogan. Use it as a way to out shine your jock-of-a-brother, to seriously impress your old man, or to pick up babes at a bar. (I better be invited to any weddings that happen as a result of this possible convo starter.)

Cosmo Clue:

The Miami Heat has lost 5 games in a row, after having a 12 game winning streak earlier this season.

*Eastern Time - check your time zone, ladies!

Also, if you haven't already, please follow "Cosmos & Cleats" on Facebook, here.

Baseball Fever

I'm like a little kid counting down the days 'til Christmas lately. Crossing off day after day on my calendar, heavily anticipating baseball season. I'm spending my days dreaming of rowdy crowds, the feeling of a homerun, booing the other team, cold beer(s) & hot dogs. Anyone with me?

photo via Denver

While I've been getting nibbles at baseball through Spring Training games on the tube, it's still not enough. But thank god, MLB Network is so kindly putting together an in depth look into each baseball team! It's called 30 Clubs in 30 Days and it's a lifesaver. No worries if you're cheap (like me), and don't get MLB Network with your cable package - it's On Demand! (Go to Sports & Fitness, then MLB Network, then choose your team). If you're too cheap to even have a cable box in your house, I can't help you. There are only a few teams focused on so far, but check the listings if your team isn't up yet. Lucky for me, my Padres are already on - and let me tell you SD fans - it got me pumped!

photo via Sulekha

Here is the full schedule of shows to come. 

So delete some episodes of The Bachelor on your DVR and make room for this series. Hope it can tide you over until Opening Day. Let's hope that the days go by fast until then!

Keeping up with Kim

Kimmy K is known for more than her luxurious locks and bootylicious backside. She also has a sex tape, nude magazine covers and a bunch of athletes under her belt. From football stars to her latest baller babe - the girl knows how to date. Take a look at a few of her ex's, flings and newest beau.

Reggie Bush

If you took my quiz in this post, you should be familiar with this name. But not only is he Kim ex-almost-hubby, but he's also a running back for the New Orleans Saints. He was a standout player at USC and received the Heisman Trophy (but due to USC scandals, forfeited the award). According to this on again-off again couple, the distance and busy careers got in the way of love.

photo via dailystab

Miles Austin

Miles might be one of the most beautiful things on planet earth and he was all Kim's for a short time. He's a wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys and grew up in New Jersey. Miles wasn't down with the paparazzi & Kim's hectic lifestyle - the fling only lasted a couple months.

photo via Sugar Slam

Kris Humphries

Now the diva has some new, delicious arm candy and his name is Kris Humphries. Kinda weird that her boyfriend has the same name as her Mom, but his looks make up for it. Humphries is a baller for the New Jersey Nets, and is younger than Kim. Hopefully the cougar can hang on to this young gun, because he is a cutie. 

photo via Necole Bitchie

The reality princess obviously has a type: gorgeous, athletic, dark(ish), and all of these boys are 26 (four years younger than the 30 year old Kardashian).

Props to the stunning siren - the girl has got game.



Want more Kardashian? Catch Kim & Kourtney take New York, tonight on E! @ 10

Lockout Lowdown

It's basketball season, approaching baseball season - and all you've been hearing about is football, right?! If your boyfriends have been freaking out about something football related and you have no clue what - look no further. Here is a little breakdown, in girl terms, of what's going on:

Basically the NFL (owners) and the NFLPA (NFL Players Association - players) are in a labor dispute over legal matters (money, number of games, rookie salaries, blah, blah, blah). They are trying to come up with a new "Collective Bargaining Agreement" a.k.a a contract to make everyone happy. There is talk of a "lockout", in which case, basically the owners would put the sport on hold. There would be no on-field football action. Not a good thing for us football lovers. 

Nothing has been resolved yet, and the two groups have agreed to continue negations for another week. 

So until next week (at least), nothing has changed. You can tell your boyfriend to shut up about it and enjoy the weekend. If you're really interested and want the whole scoop, click here. I'll keep you posted on the everlasting situation once there's more to share. 

*It's basically a lot of guys with a lot of money, fighting over a lot of money.

Enough with legal matters though. I'll leave you with a few of the most amazing faces the NFL has to offer. Not seeing these babes come football season would seriously traumatize me.

ENJOY!

Mark Sanchez, New York Jets

photo via New York Post

Tom Brady, New England Patriots

photo via WhyFame

Brady Quinn, Denver Broncos

photo via 1043

Jason Taylor, free agent

photo via Phin Phanatic

Trent Edwards, Jacksonville Jaguars

photo via Browse Biography

legal bullshit < these faces

Pimpin' ain't easy

Have you ever wanted to approach a babe sporting a jersey at Happy Hour? Or at a game, sitting next to a hottie, with nothing to say? It can be intimidating jumping into a sports convo when you feel like you know nada. 

To get you prepped on throwing out that first line, I wanted to provide some tips. I asked some guy friends to fill me in on something a girl has done, or could do, to grab their attention. Here are some of their sporty stories and some lines that would blow their mind.  Get your notepad ready!

Please excuse some of the grammar in the stories - some of these stories are word for word emails/texts from the boys (and we all know which sex has a bigger brain). Also, don't take offense to some of the guys' answers - at least they're honest, right?

From a Chargers fan-

"One time I was at Target and I was waiting in line at the checkout, wearing my Rivers jersey (that's the Chargers quarterback). Behind me was a pretty cute girl - an 8, maybe and 8.5. I was standing in line for a bit and finally she said "Happy Holidays!" So I turned to her and said "Happy Holidays? It's June, sweetheart". She then told me.. "I know, but the first day of training camp starts tomorrow". She then went on to say "I'm gonna miss Drew (Brees - former Chargers quarterback and now QB for the Saints) but Rivers was a stud at North Carolina State, so I'm not too worried about him." Her hotness had jumped to a 12 after she said that. A girl that does her homework and knows about players in their college days, and knows important dates like the draft and training camp are soo sexy! She didn't over do it, nor did she try to challenge me to a sports trivia dual (which she would have lost anyway) or anything. She said just enough."

From an extreme sports fan-

"It's not necessarily what a girl can say to impress me, it's what she can do. I love when girls are active and at least try sports with me. I once had a girl go skydiving with me, even though she was super scared of heights. That was awesome!"

From a UFC/Raider fan-

"It's so cool when a girl can watch a fight (a UFC fight) and not be all freaked out and pretend like she's going to cry. I like when girls are tough. But not tougher than me."

From a Giants fan-

"If a girl came up to me at a bar and could name the roster of the Giants 1989 World Series team.. I would probably marry her on the spot."

From an all around sports fanatic-

"What always gets my attention, but it takes actual work/involvement, is when a girl says something relating to her fantasy football team while watching the game. Easy icebreaker into a convo."

*Can't remember what a fantasy team is? Click here*

From a Padres fan-

"The best thing a girl can do is not over due it, but know her shit. I don't like when a girl can yell louder than me at a game, but I do like it when she can name the next batter up. Also, being a San Diego fan, I like a girl who is true to her roots, even if the team sucks. Oh and a girl who can eat a hotdog and kick back a few beers instead of ordering a salad at a game is super attractive."

From a Sharks/Niners/A's fan-

"Just don't wear pink jerseys. I'll seriously kick you out of my car."

From a Kings fan-

"If a girl could shoot the shit with me about players stats and actually be able to talk shit back to me - instant boner."

From a Giants/Niners fan-

"When the Giants were in the playoffs last year, it was so annoying to see all my female friends so into the Giants, when a month earlier they were A's fans. They even bought Giants hats, I mean come on! Teams don't want your support unless you're a full time fan. No bandwagon fans! Pick a team and stick with them. That's hot."

From a Padres/Chargers fan-

"No one really has a strick set of guidelines. If a girl actually knows what she is talking about, its a turn on, and if she just acts like it, its a turn off."

From a Dodgers/Chargers fan-

"I don't care if a girl knows a thing about football or not, but it is so hot when girls wear jerseys."

From a Lakers/Chargers/Padres fan-

"I think it's cool when a girl tries to know sports, even if she doesn't really get it. At least try to understand the game and pretend like you enjoy going to games. I have to wait 2 hours for you to get ready everyday, so you can at least spend a couple hours at a game. Shit."

From a Giants/Niners fan-

"Bring me beers and food while I watch a game, and I'll buy you a ring in no time."

From an all around fan-

"If a girl went up to me that would probably be enough. No lines necessary. Guys love an attractive, confident girl." 

So there you go ladies, sports crazy or not, just walking up to a guy can be enough to get their attention. I know it's easier said than done, so if you need an extra boost - catch Sports Center while getting ready for work, join a fantasy league, keep reading this blog (obviously!), and you'll know enough in no time. And good luck keeping the boys off you once you're an all-knowing sports goddess. 

photo via Campus Socialite

HAPPY HUNTING!

Twinkle Toes

The Dancing with the Stars lineup was announced last night, and once again, a beefy football star will be  channeling his inner Beyonce. This season, Pittsburgh Steelers nice-guy wide receiver, Hines Ward will be showing America how to break it down - or not. After reading some blogs, I've seen almost an outrage from Steeler and football fans everywhere. Since Hines, 34, is not yet retired, people are worried about his health while boogieing down and through intense training. Others think this might be a sign that his football career will soon be at an end. Dancing around in sparkly, chest baring shirts might not do so well when it comes to his ego on the field, but the fact that he's doing the show proves he's got some cajones! We'll see what happens, but I'm pumped to see the former Super Bowl champ take on the Waltz.

photo via Opposing Views

Hines isn't the first, and probably not the last, football playa to take the stage. Take a look at all the boys that have strutted their stuff:

Jerry Rice, Season 2 - retired Hale of Fame wide receiver

Emmitt Smith*, Season 3 - retired Hale of Fame running back

Jason Taylor, Season 6 - defensive player

Warren Sapp, Season 7 - retired defensive tackle

Lawrence Taylor, Season 8 - retired Hall of Fame linebacker

Michael Irvin, Season 9 - retired Hall of Fame wide receiver

Chad Ochocinco, Season 10 - wide receiver/cocky SOB/reality "star"

Kurt Warner, Season 11 - retired quarterback

Here is Emmitt Smith reppin' for the football studs, winning the 3rd season:

*Winner of the season

For a look at the entire Season 12 Dancing with the Stars cast, click here. Show starts March 21st on ABC. If you're a fan of awkward moments, skimpy clothes and some semi-stars, don't miss it!