We were No. 21

February 28th, 2007 | Posted by PostmanE

Sports Business Journal, something you should definitely read if you care about sports, or business, or journals, I guess just released their list of the 20 Most Influential People in Online Sports.

There’s a few people here you might not know, or recognize. For example, No. 1 is Bob Bowman, President and CEO of MLB Advanced Media. Not sure what’s up there, but I’m sure he’s important! Also, in case you were wondering who runs ESPN.com and the like, his name is John Kosner. Presumably, he signs Scoop Jackson’s checks, so, you know, it might be hard for him to sleep at night sometimes. Cut the guy a break.

He also makes checks out to the Sports Guy, who shows up at No. 11, just under Neal Scarbrough who, as the head guy over at AOL Sports, has a place near and dear in our hearts. (More on this tomorrow.) Simmons’ description:

Simmons is arguably the first online columnist to merge sports and performing arts in a way that is now routinely mimicked and widely quoted. He simply is one of the few “must read” writers in the online sports space who drives traffic, and is one of the few stars in the dot-com world with an active, passionate audience. Last year, he made some passing references to being at the beginning of the end of his celebrated run at ESPN.com. But as 2007 has developed, Simmons remains a top draw for the site and his commentary is as satirically biting and voluminous as ever.

Sounds about right to me. Oh, and look who’s next! This is getting too fun:

Ever the innovator, Cuban uses his personal BlogMaverick.com as a way to bring attention to his Dallas Mavericks and his causes. Like NHL team owner and fellow online trailblazer Ted Leonsis, Cuban is a leading voice for much of the sports business on using the Web aggressively and as a distinct communication and marketing tool. People continue to listen to Cuban, because the outspoken owner has been a master of leveraging online ventures since he sold Broadcast.com to Yahoo! in 1999 for $5 billion and now his HDNet is emerging as a leading provider of high-definition content.

The blogging, the innovation … it feels … FANTASTIC!

Two more worthy mentions, one good, one bad: No. 19 is Peter King, who roundly rejects Satan and all his forms, and at No. 20, it’s everyone’s sports blog idol, Will from Deadspin. Sorry Will, but you’re still behind Peter King.

Like I said, we were No. 21.