Shout out to Dads!
With the arrival of Father’s Day this weekend, I thought a shout out to all dads was appropriate. After all, the majority of us got our sports jones from our dads. They were there to throw endless baseballs, watch games, take us fishing, and tons of other sports related activities. I’m sure we all have some memorable sports stories with our pops. I’ll share a top 5 of sorts here:
5) Bills vs Dolphins: Rich Stadium. Somehow, I avoided the Bills,Jets and Giants and became a Dolphin fan – maybe I was swayed by the 1972 undefeated season? All I know is that day was freezing, typical Buffalo lake effect snow and the Canucks above us were heckling my dad for bringing a “traitor” to the stadium. Oh yeah and my dad had a flask in his pocket – didn’t understand the importance of it then. Ha Ha!
4) 1980: Carrier Dome – Joe Morris running around the field, hearing the comparisons on how this wasn’t anything like Archbold when he could run on the field with the players. The start of tons of Cuse games as a kid.
3) Yankee Stadium – 1976, Orioles vs Yanks, first visit to the hallowed grounds. I just remember how awesome the field looked to the naked eye versus watching on WPIX 11! My dad even caught a foul ball – even though it was intended for me! Of course he always said it was right at him!
2) Pearl Washington’s half court heave vs BC. That game was special for its finish and the fact that my dad never saw the shot go in! Everyone was on their feet hugging anyone within site. Also one of the first games I recall that I could curse like a sailor and the old man had no clue.
1) SU’s NC vs Kansas. Of course this has to head the list. We’d watched the Texas game together at Myrtle Beach the Saturday before. Tense finish, the old man and I talked on the phone several times in the 2nd half. He thought we were about to blow it, I said the team had destiny on its side. Even though we were miles away now we were together in spirit and rooting for the Cuse. There was both elation and relief when the game ended.
Of course there are tons of other moments and more to come. So again here’s to all those dads out there. Thanks!
