2007 | From lovable locals to notable quitters

It's easy to take these 7 for granted

J.J. Putz , Mariners closer

Bobby Engram , Seahawks receiver

Jon Brockman , UW basketball player

Felix Hernandez , Mariners pitcher

Matt Hasselbeck , Seahawks quarterback

Class 3A high-school state basketball tournaments

Safeco Field

Boooooo ...

Richie Sexson . And it's one, two, three strikes you're out ...

Shaun Alexander . Man, those Seahawks fans have short memories.

Jeff Weaver . World Series magic was long gone by time he arrived.

Bill Bavasi . Wouldn't be the holiday season if M's fans weren't griping about GM.

Mariner Moose . M's mascot almost flattened Coco Crisp with his ATV.

Seahawks long snappers . Apparently the toughest job in Seattle sports.

Clay Bennett . Well, at least he still has friends in Oklahoma.

Welcome to Seattle

Patrick Kerney , Seahawks defensive end. Free-agent signee leads NFL with 14.5 sacks.

Sam Presti , Sonics GM. Hello Kevin Durant, goodbye Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis.

Miguel Batista , Mariners pitcher. Veteran won career-high 16 games in first year with Seattle.

P.J. Carlesimo , Sonics coach. Team was built for future, he just hopes to be part of it.

Tia Jackson , UW women's basketball coach. Had to re-recruit June Daugherty's signees.

Jeff Green , the "other" Sonics rookie. Came as part of the Ray Allen deal.

Carlos Silva , Mariners pitcher. Free agent has 48 million reasons to succeed.

7 coaches/managers who called it quits (or had it called for them)

Mike Hargrove , Mariners

Anne Donovan , Storm

Cliff McCrath , Seattle Pacific men's soccer

June Daugherty , UW women's basketball

Bob Hill , Sonics

Bill Resler , Roosevelt High School girls basketball

Bill Doba , WSU football

And adios to you 7, too

Mack Strong: Seahawks fullback was forced to retire after neck injury.

Rashard Lewis: Seems like only yesterday he was crying at NBA draft.

Christal Morrison: Not enough room to list honors for UW volleyball star.

Spencer Hawes: Thanks for the memories (all 31 games).

Rick Sund: Former Sonics GM was sent to "consultant" land.

Todd Turner: Some fans wanted Willingham to go; instead, it was Huskies' AD.

Cameo Hicks: Earned almost as many awards at UW for academics as basketball.

7 things a Seattle sports fan should do in 2008

• See a basketball game at your neighborhood high school. Buy some popcorn, enjoy the band, root for the home team.

• Take in a day of horse racing at Emerald Downs. Make a $2 bet just for the fun of it, even if you wouldn't know The Daily Racing Form from The Theory of Plate Tectonics.

• Watch — and listen to — the hydros on Lake Washington next summer.

• Catch a UW volleyball match and marvel at the players' athleticism and the fans' passion.

• Go see the Sonics and Storm, while you still can.

• Check out a UW crew race at the Montlake Cut.

• Get off the couch: Buy that gym membership, go for a bike ride, a hike, try kayaking, or maybe a short triathlon. This is as good a year as any, right?

Compiled by Bill Reader