Never a fan of sports I have lived my years happily avoiding stories of quarterbacks and home runs. Dodging field goals and office pools has been a great joy to me. Freeing me to pursue nobler conquests in learning and growth without needing to know of batting averages of point spreads. Then NPR decided presented me with a brilliant speaker who, right or wrong, always drew me in with sports analogies and stories. Tales of men struggling to make the grade became something I was personally involved in. I found myself gripping the steering wheel of my car waiting to hear the end of the latest weekly tale while parked outside my work. Not willing to leave until he completed his magical oratory.
Then, like so many things, this rare joy was taken from me. Not completely mind you, but lessened as NPR relegated this sports commentary to a monthly slot rather than a weekly one. So now I wait to fulfill to my only sports passion once a month. Waiting to hear his eloquent voice espouse wisdom with some random sport along for the ride.
If you are a lover of sports or, like me, care nothing for the battles on the fields, you should listen to this man’s podcasts, read his books, and enjoy his wisdom. Do I agree with everything he says? No, of course not, but one of the greatest joys in life is to listen to opposing viewpoints and let their view strengthen yours or sway your opinion, even slightly. If you have a moment look up Frank Deford and enjoy what he has to offer. Especially if you care not for sports as I do you may be surprised in the emotion he can evoke from you.
-Uncle Walter
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