I have very fond memories of seeing the Harlem Globetrotters in Columbia, MO - at the Hearnes Center - when I was a boy in elementary school. I imagine many adults my age have similar nostalgic memories. My favorite player on the team at that time was Curly Neal. I remember being mesmerized by his ball-handling skills; I also remember pretending to be him in the months that followed as I dribbled the basketball in endless circles at the neighborhood court.Tonight Miles and I saw the current Globetrotters team at the All-State Arena in Chicago. We had been anticipating the game against the infamous "Washington Generals" for a couple of weeks, and Miles was really excited about going.
The experience was really enjoyable, and a great father/son outing. It was so much fun to see Miles having a blast, and see his eyes light up with sheer awe at the tricks, ball controll, dunks, and general antics being played out in front of him. It was non-stop smiles for two hours.
Our friend Mike Lutz was able to get us wonderful comp seats, in the sixth row, near center court. (I owe Mike big-time.)
I surprised Miles by splurging and buying an over-priced (actually ... not that over-priced) basketball, suspecting there might be a chance for him to get autographs after the game. And indeed there was.
This picture was taken just before the player took off his wrist-band and handed it to Miles, another treasure that became a part of his newly created bedroom 'shrine' to the Globetrotters. (When I was tucking Miles into bed tonight he said, "Dad, I'll never forget getting the basketball tonight. Thank you." Melt.)
And when we we court-side for autographs at the end of the game, one of the first people who came up to Miles to sign his ball was none other than Curly Neal, who makes occasional stops with the current team on their tour. After he signed Miles' ball he saw me standing there with the camera and then actually leaned toward Miles, put his arm around him and said, "Let's get a picture Dad!" I knew there had always been a reason he was my favorite ...
