Teams That Could Have Their Own Winning Time

 Season 1 of HBO's newest show "Winning Time" just finished it's first season. The series follows the behind the scenes goings on, politics, and business moves that were made to craft the "showtime" era L.A. Lakers of the 1980's. It has already been renewed for a 2nd season which should dig deeper into the team and the 80's lifestyle.

In my opinion HBO has a potential hit of a franchise on their hand with Winning Time. Think about it! People love sports, big personalities, business, and drama which every professional sports league has. So it got me thinking about which other pro teams would be good subjects for additional Winning Time seasons.

'96 New York Yankees

Love them or hate them, The Yankees are probably theee most popular team in professional sports. After years of mediocrity, they returned to dominance in 1996 winning their first Division title since 1981, and first World Series since 1978.

George Steinbrenner is one owner who probably matched Jerry Buss's flair, maybe even exceeding it. He was very competitive and an sore loser. Some even say he ruled in fear, irrational at times and surly. Some of his smartest moves as a owner however, came into play in '96 and would be an interesting subject.

Joe Torre being hired before the season and the New York Media shitting on him because of his previous manager record. A young rookie by the name of Derek Jeter being called up and starting his path to being a franchise player. Along with other highly talented young cornerstones like Bernie Williams and Andy Pettitte. Shrewd moves like bringing  vets in such as Dwight Gooden and Daryl Strawberry both who had addictions that derailed their careers. Tino Martinez, David Cone and Luis Sojo before and throughout the season.

Of course their postseason run, including the famous Jeffery Mahier incident (As a Orioles fan, still a little salty about that). Torre's brother being hospitalized during their playoff run and them winning the World Series sparking a dynasty heading into the new millennium.

On the surface sounds like a good ol' feel good story but I'm sure there was a lot of shit going down behind the scenes.

'80's Edmonton Oilers

With Wayne Gretzky on any team, they are sure to be perennial winners. The Edmonton Oiler's of the 1980's were thee personification of a dynasty. Winning five Stanley Cup Championship's in the 1980's.

With the greatest hockey player ever on their team, and surrounded by players like Mark Messier, Paul Coffey, Grant Fuhr, Jari Karri and Glenn Anderson. The Oilers had all the pieces in place to win championships for a very long time.

The success didn't come without issues, including Mark Messier and Dave Hunter legal troubles. As well as the behind the scenes decisions that led to the bombshell trade of Wayne Gretzky to the L.A. Kings in 1988. For pretty much the entire decade the Edmonton Oilers were on the mountaintop of the NHL, that story should be told. 

'90's Dallas Cowboys

America's Team! You say that and everyone knows your talking about the Dallas Cowboys. In the early and mid-90's there was no more loved and successful team in America. Everyone loved the iconic blue star. Much like the Lakers they also believed in showmanship alongside winning.

They had a colorful cast of characters fit for TV. With an outspoken and controlling team owner in Jerry Jones. That in itself would be a major plot point, his buying of the team in '89 choosing to become the General Manager, and the choices he made good or bad to get the Cowboy's to where they are today.

A shrewd head coach known more for his impeccable hair on the sidelines in Jimmy Johnson. Who led the Cowboy's to two super bowls before leaving because he couldnt get along with Jerry. Followed by Barry Switzer. On the field strong personalities like Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, Emmitt Smith, Darren Woodson, Larry Allen, Charles Haley and "Prime Time" Deion Sanders.

The Cowboys of the 90's didn't have many off the field troubles during the teams championship 3 titles in 4 years run. After that time period was a different story, but it would be interesting to see how all those personalities were managed, paid well and kept happy to be so successful.

Any of these three teams would be perfect topics to cover. Let's hope HBO sees potential in the franchise and moves forward with these teams or other teams.