Chicago Sports Moments

There are rarified moments in life that seem surreal, especially as they are happening. They defy that which was previous known and expected and open up a whole new avenue of perspective. Like being knocked down by a perfect wave rolling into land, you experience it as a removed witness from your own bursting sensations. You pause, as if to acknowledge that this is an instant classic, because you feel something inside of you change. Something that will always be with you. And it's something different for everybody.

You could say a first kiss could have some of these qualities, but much of that is confused by expectancy and the inherent awkwardness of a 15 year old. Perhaps it's something closer to what some call a "religious experience" although I am largely suspect as to what exact ingredients comprise that sometimes hard-to-swallow philosophical stew. From personal experience, I've found Nature to provide some of the most fulfilling moments of personal reflection and peace. Standing on the summit of the Haleakala crater in Hawaii at 5am with my folks, ten thousand feet up there, above the clouds, watching the sunrise and the moon set simultaneously. Or canoeing away from Admiralty Island in Alaska on silver and black water in the middle of the night, the moon stunningly brilliant above.

In some ways I think we thrive on these private revelations. We construct our own meanings for them and understand them differently, but what remains is a common ground, a defining part of an elemental character. We struggle with the same need to understand, so really our ability see the other man's side amounts to seeing his or her humanity between the lines. The galvanizing impact of a series of events that leads to moments of collective clarity.

Ok, enough of that.

Chicago Sports Fan Moment Number 1



Chicago Bulls Player Introductions

I remember the Chicago Stadium in the early 90's. It was the loudest, wildest, most exhilarating place in the world as far as a 11 year old boy could tell you. A vastly important relic that hosted events that effected a civilization of much more than just basketball fans. It was where Michael Jordan played basketball. Period.

I recall it smelling like a gym locker room in there. It had graffiti crawling up the sides of it and everything looked dirty except the glossy golden court. The United Center is a finely maintained facility and (given the right company) a raucous good time, but it doesn’t quite measure up to The Stadium for me. They both, however, share that moment of deafening Zen. Turn up the volume and enjoy the goosebumps...

Sports Fan Moment Number 2

Hearing the Bears fight song while you shuffle
out of Soldier Field after a big win

Never fails. Walking out of there like a pack of orange and blue popsicles, all layered up, reliving big plays, laughing and prognosticating. Then you hear the horns start somewhere in the distance, a couple of old guys huddled around their van, belting it out of their trumpets like they've been doing for 30 years. Chanting crowds move past them toward Michigan Avenue, puffs of warm breath everywhere. But the drunks usually linger, singing, dancing, carrying on. The most fun you can have outside on a 5 degree afternoon in Chicago.

Bear Down, Chicago Bears.
Make every play clear the way to victory!
Bear Down, Chicago Bears.
Put up a fight with a might so fearlessly!

We'll never forget the way you thrilled the nation,
With your T formation.

Bear Down, Chicago Bears.
And let them know why you're wearing the crown.

You're the pride and joy,
of all Illinois.

Chicago Bears, Bear Down!

Chicago Sports Fan Moment Number 3

This is Addison, Doors Open on the Left at Addison

There is nothing like rolling up to your first game of the season, shoulder to shoulder in a crowded traincar, twenty minutes before the first pitch. Nothing.