WHAT IS YOUR DREAM?

Everyone has at one time or another dreamed the impossible dream. For some, it is winning Powerball. Goodbye struggles, hello easy street. For others, it is Hollywood or as the fancy folks like to call it - Tinsel Town. No more bussing tables for minimum wage and crummy tips, time for an appearance on The OC. Then there are those who would be happy just to have their dream job, whatever it might be. Doctor? Lawyer? Rocket Scientist? Ah, still too much work right? That leads us to the sporting world where everyone wants to "Be Like Mike" or whoever the hot athlete of the moment happens to be. This is a list of tools compiled to help the average person emulate their hero and reach their dream of sports glory. Just remember not to hire Drew Rosenhaus as your agent when you do.

10 - Laser Tennis

"Imagine playing with a beam of light instead of a tennis ball" was the slogan for this ingenious device created by Tiger Electronics. Laser Tennis won the Best Bet Award in 2000 according to toy-testing.org's website. With oldies but goodies Martina Navritolova and John McEnroe still drawing paychecks competing in various events, there is certainly a window of opportunity in the tennis world for untested fresh talent among the over 40 crowd. An investment in batteries is a small price compared to the high cost of a country club membership. Besides, looking ahead this might be the new tennis of the year 2040 and it is better to start practicing now.

 9 - Old Century Baseball

Timing is really all that is needed to be successful in major league baseball today. That and a little hand eye coordination. If you doubt this theory, just ask the apologists of Barry Bonds who claim that his sudden increase in physique bears little impact to his home run burst. "You still have the hit the ball!" they cry. Old Century Baseball, according to their maker Front Porch Classics was winner of the 2002 FamilyFun Toy of the Year award. It might look like a simple pinball-style toy, but the confidence you build up smacking home runs is certain to give you a head start towards at least a career in the peanut league.

 8 - Popeye Basketball 

In case no one has noticed, slamming the ball into the hoop has become increasingly important in today's NBA. With this Mechanical Popeye the Basketball Player tool, the finer points of the dunk can be reviewed over and over. If your 15 foot jump shot needs work, worry not because none of the American born players can hit them anyway. The bad news is the price. Apparently this is an antique and runs anywhere from $1,500 to $4,500. Still, imagine the endorsements for spinach alone when you turn pro at age 17. Minimum height of 6'8" required. Otherwise, go practice your jump shot because you are going to need it.

7 - Air-Tech Air Hockey

If your dreams of playing in the NHL were dashed when the league decided not to fold up tent completely and fire all their existing players following the recent work stoppage, have no fear. With this Air Hockey game brought to you by Air Tech you can be a scorer and a goalie simultaneously. There is even a built in glow in the dark feature. This will come in handy when the NHL goes broke and is unable to pay their electricity bill, forcing games to be played in the dark.

6 - Super Foosball Table

Is it only a matter of time before Foosball is finally recognized as a legitimate professional sporting event? This photo is living proof that Foosball is much more than a singles or doubles game at the local sports bar. The movement should be able to gain enough momentum for inclusion in Beijing 2008. Once Foosball is an Olympic sport, is there any doubt that it will replace the MLS? The American public obviously has no interest in understanding the intricacies of soccer. The rules of Foosball are much easier and television commercial breaks can be built in.

5 - Magnet Fishing

There is some question as to whether or not fishing is a real sport. If it is there is no better way to hone the skills required to be successful in the privacy of your own home than this Fishing Game Puzzle. When you have caught every fish, your brain will be exercised by putting the pieces back together. Bass fishing has gained newfound popularity with Bachelor Byron Velvick hosting the television show Bassmaster on ESPN and this is your chance to get in while the getting is good.

4 - Paper Football

Anyone who has watched place kickers struggle in the NFL this season can start prepping now for their shot at a position on a 2006 roster. Sure, the kicking is done with your middle finger and not your foot but please spare me the details. The accuracy is what is missing. Aiming towards two spread thumbs is a good way to practice. Sooner or later Jon Gruden and Bill Parcells will take notice and invite some lucky soul to training camp. The best part about this toy is the price. Any old piece of parchment can be transformed into a paper football.

3 - Wooden Boxers

The official Spin Boxer website (Student Toy Makers) says it all: "This game uses levers and pulleys to let you test your skill at boxing without getting hurt." Forget the sweaty gyms in shady parts of town. After you have mastered the art of boxing, simply live in the weight room for about five years and off you go. Being over 250 pounds is a big bonus because every current heavyweight champion in the alphabet is a complete bum. Affiliation with Don King will make the user a relative lock for a title fight.

2 - Putt 'n Return with Realistic Hazards

A device that actually helps us learn the art of putting a golf ball, then saves us the 8 foot walk across the room to retrieve the ball? Amazing! Where would all the big time CEOs be without this handy gadget to put in their corner office high atop the city? Any legitimate pro will tell you that 99% of the game is putting. Better yet, as you can see from the picture this is the best way to avoid those nasty water hazards and sand traps which are so prevalent on putting surfaces. Well, never mind. Think of all the greens fees you will save. If this fails to earn you a Tour card, there is always hustling 10 year olds at the local Miniature golf course.

1 - McNASCAR Hot Wheels

A lot of money goes a long way in the world of professional race car driving. Anyone under the age of 16 lacks the driver's license necessary to practice for a long, productive career in racing. That problem is solved with this marvelous collectible from McDonald's. Further proof of this path to success can be found with the undated picture of NASCAR legend Tony Stewart from his days working the cash register at the fast food giant. Who knew Carl Lewis also did time at the Golden Arches?

The moral of this story is to pursue your dreams. Start early, practice often and good luck.

CHIME IN ANY TIME

Feel free to add any other tools that might help, or any experiences you have had with any of the above devices. I also welcome votes of protest that the McNASCAR Hot Wheels are not the most likely route to success in the world of professional sports.