I can spit out the complete rosters for the Atlanta Braves and the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1995 to the present, at random.

I like to think of it as something of a gift (others may differ).

But, I’m sure I am not the only who has this “special ability” when it comes to sport teams.

To those who can’t or simply don’t care, the first question they may have is simply – who cares?

Sports fans do, and for whatever reasons, it is important to them.

Sports can mean so much to so many people.

They can be a way for some to get away from it all, and they can also be bragging rights for others.

Either way, the love for sports comes from somewhere.

Whether it was with family, or friends, every fan remembers their first real sport experience.

I can remember going to Braves games when I was no taller than Yoda at Fulton County Stadium with my dad and brother cheering on the likes of David Justice and Fred McGriff and booing anyone who dared walked out of the opposing team’s dugout.

If you are like me, which may or may not be a good thing, you are very passionate about the sports teams you follow.

When the Steelers are playing, I am glued to the T.V. (many people have tried to distract me, and I am happy to report, they failed – even when Kordell Stewart and Mike Tomczak were under center.)

No sports fan can really describe why they feel this way – maybe it the aura of watching grown men and women do things that seem almost superhuman night after night.

Or maybe it’s the unpredictability of it all.

Like the ever growing feud between Conan O’Brien and NBC, there always is a compelling story that reels us in, no matter what the sport is.

Every day something new is happening – new matchups to break down, new players to watch, new hopes and dreams to be had.

Sports comprise the perfect combination of drama and celebration all rolled into one.

It’s like watching Kramer slide in through Jerry’s door on “Seinfeld,” you know it is going to happen, but you’re not sure when.

When he does, it’s just awesome.

For almost two years now, I have been fortunate enough to write about sports for a living.

I mean, literally, does it get any better than that?

If you’re anything other than a musician touring the country, or an actor, my answer for you would be ‘no.’

No offense of course to those who are not rocking America or shining on the silver screen, it’s just my personal opinion.

On a nightly basis, I never quite fully know what to expect out on the field or court – and that’s what keeps me coming back for more.

What started out as an appreciation during my childhood for sports has blossomed into a love affair, and I couldn’t be happier.

Greg Rossino is the sports editor for The Messenger, and he can be reached at greg.rossino@Troymessenger.com or on Twitter at Messenger_Greg.