Every year, when our boys were young, we would always take a mini vacation. One year we went to San Diego. On the day we picked to go to Sea World, we were waiting in a long line to buy tickets and since it was a cool day, we were all wearing our leather Packers jackets when a stranger walked up to us and said, “These boys are good Packers fans, they can have our extra tickets free.” Any similar experiences?
I’m sorry…you were wearing leather Packers jackets in San Diego? Was it the playoffs?
Cliff from Alexandria, VA
Gents, what’s a question you wish someone would ask, but hasn’t?
How has Nico Hulkenberg, in a Sauber tractor, managed to finish in the points over the last three Formula 1 races?
In regards to best Fourth of July celebrations, I joined the Army in 1976 and was in Fort Jackson, in South Carolina, during the Fourth. Fireworks, parade, and military band all celebrating our country’s 200th birthday. No Fourth celebration has come close since.
I can’t imagine how much fun that must have been. Thank you for your service.
I lived in Arizona for 13 years and now Florida for 20. I would love to be Dennis from Las Vegas someday! Even if it’s only for three months when I retire in 2031!
I intend to split my year between a cabin in Northern Wisconsin and someplace warm.
Graydon from Menomonie, WI
Hockey’s nonstop pace requires players to make split-second decisions for minutes at a time. Unlike football where plays last under 10-second plays with resets, hockey demands constant reaction and communication without huddles. One missed assignment can quickly spiral into a larger breakdown, making the mental demands just as intense, if not more, in a faster, continuous environment.
All excellent points. I covered the United States Hockey League when current Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper was on the bench for the Green Bay Gamblers. I didn’t know much about hockey at first but turns out it’s a magnificent sport that marries physicality, grit and toughness with focus, coordination and intelligence. It takes a very skilled coach to drill those attributes into players.
All of this talk about catching baseballs reminds me of a story my dad told me. He grew up on the south side of Chicago during the depression and WWII. They couldn’t afford tickets to the White Sox games, but he and his friends were allowed into Comiskey Park (the original and only Palace of Baseball) during batting practice. They would chase the balls down then throw them back onto the field. After practice some of the players would chat for a minute, then dad and his friends were ushered out.
I used to do the same thing at Brewers spring training in Maryvale. For whatever reason, they stopped allowing fans to do that. Maybe too many people were pocketing balls, but I haven’t been back since. That was 14 years ago now.
Wes, with your dad owning the share, that clearly makes you an “heir” like Gracie Hunt or Jerry Jones Jr. Happy Fourth!
So, I have that going for me…which is nice.
Do non-athletes also suffer slumps? Say, a frequent contributor to II who hasn’t had a question make it to the big-time lately? Any hints on how to snap out of it? (Asking for a friend, of course.)
I fear the game has passed you by, my friend…but we’ll bring you back on a one-day, prove-it deal. Now or never.
Who is your favorite Founding Father, or other Revolutionary War figure?
John Adams, a man of impeccable character whose leadership and presidency have stood the test of time.
What’s your favorite tradition regarding the Fourth of July holiday?
I’ve never really had one, but my son is throwing out the first pitch at the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers game tonight. So, maybe I finally found one…OK folks. Outsider Inbox starts Monday, with the regular Insider Inbox format returning on Tuesday, July 15. Have a great Fourth of July weekend!