Here’s my post, if it could run during the upcoming Finals, that would be pretty awesome.
Michael
After family, friends, and career, I would venture to guess that two of the most important things in my life are wine and the Lakers. I’m not sure if this sound pathetic, but it is true.
I first became a fan of the Lakers in 1971-72, during that incredible 69-13 season, which included that historic 33-game winning streak. Watching Jerry, Wilt, Gail and the rest of the team during that championship season got me hooked.
Now I am not a fair-weather fan. Some people think that the Lakers have always been good. And, overall, they have been a very successful organization. But, they have had their trying times in between the great teams of Wilt and Jerry, Kareem and Magic, Shaq and Kobe, and now Kobe and Pau. I remember some pretty poor teams — teams that didn’t make the playoffs, or if they did, were eliminated early.
But through it all, I followed the Lakers, often listening to Chick’s “word’s-eye view” on the radio, as these were the days before home games being shown on cable. Actually, these were the days before cable.
In the mid-80s, I discovered wine. A lot of trials and tribulations there too, as I struggled to learn as much as I could about this incredible — what, beverage? Yes, but much more, at least to me. Finally, I was just able to enjoy what I liked and not worry too much about the details.
I was going to try to tie these two things together, my Lakers and my wine, talk about how when a great team plays together it resembles the components of a great wine coming together, but that would be kind of a stretch, don’t you think? But, what they do have in common is the enjoyment I get from them, and I think that’s what matters.
Which is why you’ll often find my wife and me at our favorite table at All Corked Up, watching the game and drinking [and sharing] our wine, especially this time of year.
Michael P.
Great post, Michael P.! I used to be a Dodger fan only, and that was the extent of my sports interest. In the last few years, though, I have discovered a love for the craziness and the fast pace of basketball – the Lakers of course, but also the Spurs, the great Tim Duncan, and Spurs Coach Greg Popovich. There's our wine link! He has a superb wine collection and has educated his team to enjoy wine as well! Wouldn't dream of missing a Laker game without a glass of red! The only bad thing about the finals is that they are on only every couple or three days…
Thanks for reading Leah. I have a new appreciation for the Lakers -seen now through your eyes and Michael's!
Thanks for the comment, Leah.
I'm not a fan of the Spurs, just because of their rivalry with the Lakers. But, I'm not a Spur-hater. They are a classy organization and Pop is a great coach. And, yes, he is one of us winos.
Wonder if Phil is into wine.