April 22^nd is Earth Day!  The day founded by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, is now celebrated in many countries every year.  The goal to inspire awareness and appreciation for the planet’s environment was first established in 1970.  More than 30 years ago, massive coast-to-coast rallies were organized to protest against the deterioration of the environment. 

It remains the only event celebrated simultaneously around the world by people of all backgrounds, diverse faiths and religions.  Over a half of billion have been accounted for to take a stand and you can to.

Show your appreciation for Mother Earth by committing to be “green” for the remaining of the week.  Sounds easy, right?  Well here are some even easier ideas:

1. Never leave the room without switching off the lights
2. Carpool with neighboring co-workers
3. Limit toxic chemicals you’re exposed to by cutting down on the number of cleaning products you use
4. Eat in season fruits and vegetables   
5. Shop eco-friendly products and clothing made from organic fabrics for your favorite sport teams

Have any other ideas on how to celebrate the Earth’s restoration? Let us know!

Former St. Louis Rams wide receiver Torry Holt agreed to a three-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday that could be worth as much as $20 million. The Jaguars have been desperate to find a go to receiver ever since Jimmy Smith left the team. Holt gives the Jaguars a veteran presence and brings with him good speed and great hands.

I think Torry ‘Big Game’ Holt is a great addition to this team. The Jaguars recently waived former first round draft pick Matt Jones, cut Jerry Porter and opted not to resign Reggie Williams. That left their wide receiving corps diminished. A lot of experts pegged the Jaguars with a wide receiver in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft… maybe Michael Crabtree or Jeremy Maclin. Now with the addition of Holt, the Jaguars have more options with their 8th overall pick.

Even though Holt is 32 years old, he is still a top 3 WR in the AFC South behind only Andre Johnson and Reggie Wayne. Holt gives Garrard an option down the field he can trust. Holt can go over the middle or stretch the sideline.

I’ve been told Holt will be wearing the #81 jersey for the Jaguars, and Mike Walker (who previously wore #81) is now switching to #11. Once the Holt jerseys are available for sale at Football Fanatics, I’ll be sure to let everyone know. Follow us on Twitter to updates: @FFanatics.

In conjunction with the start of the 2009 Major League Baseball season, we are bringing you a new video contest! Entry is simple… Upload your version of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” and you could win a $500 gift certificate. Submissions must be received by June 19, 2009. Fan votes will determine the winner so we encourage you to be creative! You can sing, play the piano or strum the guitar as long as it’s to the tune of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”. Continue reading for more details.

How it Works
* First, create and record your version of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” Check out Video Criteria below for submission guidelines
* Complete the contest submission form at FanaticsSweeps.com and include the URL to your video for review
* An internal group will conduct first round judging to select the top 15 videos
* These videos will be posted online at FanaticsSweeps.com for public voting
* The video with the most votes will win
* For more details including eligibility, terms and conditions, please read the Official Rules

Your Reward
* Grand Prize
o $500 gift certificate to FastballFanatics.com
o Worldwide recognition for your creative video featured on the Fastball Fanatics homepage
* Five Runners-up
o $100 gift certificate to FastballFanatics.com

Video Criteria
* Must include in some form the song “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” (See our video above for ideas.)
* Your YouTube video title or description should contain the keywords “Fastball Fanatics Video Contest”
* Your YouTube video description should contain a link to http://www.FanaticsSweeps.com
* All videos must be submitted by June 19, 2009
* You can submit more than one video, but only one can qualify for the second round
* Videos can not contain any profanity or obscene conduct
* During first round, all submissions will be judged on
1. Concept / Originality
2. Completeness of presentation
3. Viewership – YouTube views and ratings
* During second round, the top 15 videos will be posted online at FanaticsSweeps.com for public voting. Voting is worldwide and open to everyone.

Broadcasting legend John Madden retired yesterday from his long broadcasting career. Madden is a Pro Football Hall of Fame coach and contributed to the game with decades of broadcasting service in the booth for every major television network. Madden is most famous for broadcasting Monday Night Football with Al Michaels and Pat Summerall.

Of course, Madden isn’t only know for what he’s done on the football field or in the booth… millions on teenagers and young adults know him only as a guy who make video games. The EA Madden football game franchise is one of the highest selling franchises of all-time (if not the highest). No matter what console you play on (Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, Super Nintento, Sega, etc…) you know the game Madden, and likely have played it. I’m sure Madden’s name will still be used for the video game in the future. One cool thing about his video game is the curse that comes with the cover. Nearly ever player ever featured on the Madden cover has followed it by getting injured or having a bad year. I wonder if the curse will end now that Madden has retired?

I’m not sure we’ll ever find another John Madden for the broadcast booth. He may not have always “had it together” during a football broadcast, but he definitely provided some great entertainment. So I end this post with a tribute video to John Madden.

The Connecticut Huskies women’s basketball team completed the perfect season. The 39-0 Huskies are national champions. What an amazing feat, this is one of the most memorable women’s basketball teams since the the year the women’s and men’s huskies both won the National Championship.

Proudly show that your Connecticut Huskies made it to #1 in St. Louis with official locker room merchandise! We have the styles worn by the players and coaches after the National Championship Game!

We have over 20 Connecticut Huskies 2009 NCAA Women’s Basketball National Champions items. Don’t forget we offer $4.99 3-day shipping on any size order. Check out some of the items we have for sale.

The Boston University Terriers are NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Champions. Unless you’re a die-hard hockey fan, you probably didn’t know that the Championship Game between Boston University and Miami of Ohio was held over the weekend. The Terriers won their fifth national title (and first since 1995) with a 4–3 overtime victory. Colby Cohen, sophomore defenseman for Boston University, scored the championship-winning goal in overtime and was named the Frozen Four’s Most Outstanding Player.

Football Fanatics is always there to provide fans championship gear, no matter what your sport is. Check out the great selection of Boston University Hockey Championship gear we have.

Don’t forget, we offer 3-day shipping for only $4.99 on any size order!

The New York Yankees will officially open their new stadium later this week with their first homestand of the season against the Cleveland Indians. The new ballpark was constructed across the street, northwest of the 1923 Yankee Stadium. A lot of fans were sad to see the original “House that Ruth Built”, but I’m sure once they step foot in the new $1.5 billion stadium they will change their minds.

So what does $1.5 billion get you compared to the old Yankee Stadium?
- A cup holder in all seats in the general seating bowl.
- 2 more inches of leg room.
- More restrooms
- Five times as many elevators
- A 59′ x 101′ HighDef jumbtron
- 37 more luxury suites

Even though the Yankees haven’t opened the stadium up in the regular season, they did play a few Spring Training games there to give the fans a taste of their new home. Check out the pictures.