When sports still meant something to me.
I had no idea that ABC has not broadcast Monday Night Football since 2005...
Friday, April 12, 2013, 7:34 AM
I know I'm the odd man out here, but I find sports fans a curious bunch.
Crossing the bridge over Peekskill Station this morning I overheard a gentle giant of a man tell his female companion, "The Mets are in Minneapolis already; it's snowing."
And here I was about to grumble about the grey skies and drizzle-bound for-rain.
At 41 and chilly, crawling up to 45 and I'll-still-be-cold, I could care less about baseball, but this guy's genuine glee over his team raised my spirits a little, much like Milo's latest gesture, muffled laughter, consoled me upon my return home last night.
Everyone started down the stairs as the train began around the bend of Peekskill Bay.
At the last step Jolly Green Giant giddily took advantage of a passing friend's token inquiry, "Tired! We won last night."
Googling the score I discovered that the Mets actually lost to Philly 3-7 on Wednesday.
Upon further inspection, I found out the last night's winners included the Nationals, Orioles, Athletics, Dodgers and Rangers.
In other words, if this guy was referring to baseball after all, his hometown is likely either Washington, Baltimore, Oakland, LA or...Texas?
So much for my half-witted inferences. I suppose Sherlock Holmes I ain't.
Nonetheless and allthemore, I still find sports fans themselves more entertaining than their obsessions.
Some years ago I was sitting at the Blue Smoke restaurant bar waiting to negotiate a contract, when my colleague, our staff attorney, asked me about the football flashing on the screens above. I half-scoffed, half-cringed with shame, replying with squinted eyes, "Mmmm, I'm not a big sports fan. I rather play than watch."
Shocked, he replied, "Well, what do you talk about than? Especially, when you're at the bar, out drinking with the guys?"
I shrugged and politely answered, "Good point," well-knowing that with the right company there is plenty to talk about.
Regardless, some of my best friends and the smartest people I know are sports fans; Chelsea and I have attended intimate Super Bowl parties the last two years hosted by two different good buddies of ours, both who happen to be amazing chefs. So, don't be fooled by my petty review of my fellow man.
I do like sports fans, but I just can't relate to their fantasy games, jersey touting, bar shouting and late-night and bleary-eyed hooray-hurrah the-morning-after revelry.
I will admit, I suppose, if I were forced to make a choice here, sports highlights and bloopers, as well as Monday Night banter between Gifford and his co-horts over 25 years - Meredith, Michaels, Dierdorf, and Madden,* are far more interesting (and innocuous) than what I often overhear women excitedly squawking about.
Last night I got "lucky" because I got to sit next to the only two commuters who knew each other in our car, two working girls who chatted incessantly the whole ride up the Hudson.
They were literally talking nonstop, often commenting over one another. Most of what they excitedly had to share was office gossip, relationship mysteries ("What was he thinking?"), and a lot about shopping, "I know, I was looking at Groupon, there's so much stuff!"
Ugh.
Okay, the boys win. I guess you can count me in after all.
So what do you think about them Yankees?
14 to 1 over Cleveland on Tuesday and a rout on Monday too!
*NEWS—to me—FLASH! Monday Night Football has not been broadcast by ABC since 2005. Really? I seriously had no idea it was on ESPN for the last eight years...
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