Thankful for sports’ place at the table

It’s that time. Time to give thanks to the Bay Area sports scene.

So we’re thankful that Madison Bumgarner didn’t take Buster Posey dirt biking with him.

Thankful for the amusement when Klay Thompson was stopped on a New York street by a broadcaster who didn’t know who he was, and he waxed philosophically on building scaffolding.

Thankful for the Black Hole and the energy that is still there, even if its days are numbered.

Thankful that Tara VanDerveer is not scared to play a kick-ass schedule.

Thankful that the 49ers have a general manager who does not find it demeaning to answer questions.

Thankful that I don’t have to try to sell the new A’s ballpark “traffic plan” to East Bay residents.

Thankful that the 2018 World Cup is going to be awesome even without the Americans, Italians, Dutch and Irish.

Thankful that we have thoughtful local players and coaches who aren’t afraid to speak out for what they believe, even if it might be unpopular and create backlash.

Thankful that Patrick Marleau is having a nice end to his career in Toronto.

Thankful that I’m not the only one who cringes when the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot arrives in the mail.

Thankful that I’ve had private conversations with Joe Morgan, so I know he isn’t just grandstanding.

Thankful that so many stellar women’s soccer players have Bay Area ties.

Thankful, selfishly, that Bob Melvin is not heading to the Yankees.

Thankful that the Big Game was at least competitive.

Thankful, in retrospect, for all that entertainment the Giants gave us from 2010 to 2014.

Thanks, again retro, that — unlike my kids — I saw the Raiders and 49ers play excellent football for a really long time.

Thankful that Kyle Shanahan has the job security to put his plan in place, because I think it will be a good one.

Thankful that — even if he doesn’t talk about it to the media — Marshawn Lynch does great stuff in the community.

Thankful to see Steve Kerr on the bench at every Warriors game this season.

Thankful that we have a smart, discerning sports community, one that loves its teams but also sees where sports fits into the bigger picture.