By the way, i think the blogger goTO inspired me to write this. His link is in my last post before this. His is much funnier, and more broad ranging to boot. His blog is called Northern Perspective, I think.
Winners, posessors of tremendous will, superb athletes...
Champions and dominators of their fields.
1. Michael Jordan. I saw him dominate the game at his size like few ever could. I rooted against him for his last five rings, but I have all the respect in the world for his competive spirit and nerves of iron on the court. Magic and Larry come close, but there is no other Airness than #23; the air is rare up there.
2. Muhammed Ali. In his prime Tyson nor anyone else would have stood a chance. Props to Jack Johnson and others for paving the way for the black athletes and boxers in general.
3. Roberto Clemente. This guy was the real deal, on and off the field. He had all five tools, and no one will ever know what his career stats might have been had he finished his playing days naturally.
4. Tiger Woods. I am not a big golf fan, really, but I think for mechanical superiority and mental acumen, this guy is the mind and body that I would take as the point man in a battle. Sheer competitive nature is exciting to behold, kind of like a great white shark going for its prey. In the form of a human with a club and a swoosh on his brow. Is that primordial?
5. My dad. I haven't even touched on the manly sports of football, soccer, and others, but I wanted a short list and I don't have bunch of time.
My father, born in 1937, is very human and suffers his imperfections. And obviously I am biased, but as far as a provider who sacrificed his body as a private contractor electrician and now as a generous grandfather and four year Air Force vet, Peace Corps volunteer, and active retired husband and community member, this a guy that will get the job done.
When there is a power problem, (which all of us can empathize with), he is the guy that figures things out and makes it right.
Not so athletic, but a constant fan of sports like football, basketball, boxing and the other various competitive events on screen and the occasional live sports competition, my dad is one of my dream teamers. He wouldn't be a member of many people's, obviously, but I can't think of a winner on a team without considering my pop. Driven. Constant. Professional.
I have lived in a few different sports areas and I am faithful to these places and their passions, give or take. I was born and raised in Bloomington, Indiana (1970-1989). Bob Knight was a central figure. I then lived in Chile for two years, where soccer became more of a presence on my global map. After returning to the Hoosier state one year, 1992, I became more aware of college football for a five year stint in Provo, Utah (1993-1997). BYU Cougar football! I made another return to Indiana from 1997 to 1999, and then spent the last six years in southern California, minus the last six months of 2005, in southern Chile again. And I got back yesterday, UPDATE:Now in Loudoun Cty, Northern VA! I am in the South! I love sports enough to think that they matter...Some how.
