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The 8 most underrated things in L.A. sports

Three MLS title appearances in four years, with two of the greatest players in soccer history on the team. Yet most people in L.A. are probably unaware of the team's existence.

Three MLS title appearances in four years, with two of the greatest players in soccer history on the team. Yet most people in L.A. are probably unaware of the team’s existence.  (Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press)

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Sports Now editor Houston Mitchell gives his picks for the most underrated items in local sports.

No. 7: Frank McCourt

Yes, he did a lot of things wrong. But the Dodgers made the N.L. Championship Series two consecutive years under his watch, something they hadn’t done since 1977-78, so treating him as the second coming of Lizzie Borden is a little harsh.  (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

No. 5: The NHL

There is no better dollar value among the major sports than a Kings or Ducks game. Hockey is great live. Go to one game and you will be hooked.  (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)

No. 2: Eric Bledsoe

A big, but overlooked, part of the Clippers surge the last two seasons has been Bledsoe, who may be the best pure athlete in L.A. Look for his block of a Dwyane Wade shot on YouTube and you will see why he is on this list.   (Michael Nelson / EPA)

No. 1: Vin Scully

How can Vin Scully be on the underrated list? Because not everyone seems to realize he is the best announcer in the history of mankind. Until everyone realizes that, he will be forever underrated.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

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