editor’s letter
I had an
argument
with
Jake
just a few
nights ago
about
the
fact that I am indeed a sports
fan. Jake disagreed. And since
I have this beautiful platform
where I can prove my point,
I will definitely be taking this
opportunity.
Here’s how it went down:
We were eating dinner,
and he started talking sports,
and I asked a couple of questions. He basically gave me
the brush off, explaining that
it was a long story that would
take too long to explain. Still,
I wanted to know. I was interested.
“I’m a sports fan,” I told
him and my son Shayne, also
Mr. Macho Sports is My Life.
Whatev.
They both rolled their eyes
at my suggestion. Hmmm.
Well, let me set the record
straight. It was I who watched
the NFL playoffs while one of
them slept and the other was
playing golf (interchangeable
– can’t remember who was
doing what at which time). I
have awoken both of them at
one time or another because
of a major comeback and
must-see last few minutes of a
game. I have seen more Hail
Mary passes that turned the
game because either or both
of them gave up on what was
a sure thing and ditched.
I follow the golf team and
lay out Backspin every month.
I call for quotes and follow up.
And I remind both of them
of deadlines when it’s time to
publish.
I look forward to the Zurich Classic, watch the World
Series and the Final Four, and
I yell Who Dat at the top of
my lungs.
And furthermore ...
It was I who stayed up late
washing uniforms and making sure everything was done
so we could leave on time (also
interchangeable – Jake or
Shayne will work here). I took
pictures, participated in fundraisers, made doctor appointments for various sports-related injuries and paid the entry
fees.
I was running from work to
the games and tournaments
(and I dare either of them to
find one person who was there
more). I drove carpool and
sat through practices. I was
up early and the last to go to
sleep. I knew batting averages
and yardages, and I clipped
every article that mentioned
either of them.
I could turn the tables and
say that they are not sports
fans because it’s not all about
the game. So thank you very
much, I am a sports fan, and
I welcome the challenge of
proving that to anyone who
disagrees.
You want a piece of me?
And while I have the platform, thank you to my sweet
mother who followed me
around the softball field and
mother-in-law who took care
of the uniforms before I did.
You, ladies, are sports fans.
And by the way, my motherin-law used to run the March
Madness basketball brackets
at her job. Try to mess with
her – she won a couple of
them.
Amber
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