Black History Month: A Case for Serena Williams

Today, Fat Tuesday reminds me that as one season ends another begins. My students in San Francisco, California were unaware that Mardi Gras is much more than a singular day of bead throwing debauchery for gluttons masqueraded in green, gold and purple. No, the Mardi Gras season begins with the Feast of the Epiphany, also known as little Christmas, and concludes the day before Ash Wednesday. This day, Shrove Tuesday, reminds us of the human ritual to feast before the famine. Tomorrow, Lent begins and with that holy season Christians are called to pray, fast and give alms. As I prepared my students to enter into Lent, I couldn't help but realize we were exiting from Black History month—a time that should never go unappreciated in the world of sports and spirituality. 

As written on History.com

Black History Month, or National African American History Month, is an annual celebration of achievements by black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. The event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating black history.

At St. Ignatius College Prep where I teach, students lead morning prayer over the school PA. During Black history month, this ritual integrates prayer with information and story telling. We pray for a more just society. We aim to give voice to those who were voiceless for too long. We give thanks to those African Americans who have extended their gifts and talents for all the world to enjoy and each day, we promote their contributions to music, the arts, literature, science and sports, politics and religion. 

If you walk around our school, you will see posters featuring a photo of a student of color holding a picture of an African American they admire and a personal statement explaining why. Students are the teachers; I learned about Guy Bluford, the first African American astronaut. I was touched to see the late Nina Simone and it should go without saying thrilled to see my favorite female athlete, Serena Williams.

The young woman holding a dynamic photo of Williams is one of my athletes. I can't wait to ask her how Williams inspires her own sport—golf. I want to know what she values in Serena as a competitor... Williams, a champion.... Serena Williams the 2015 Sportsperson of the Year.

In light of Black History month, I sincerely appreciate that Williams calls on the other black female tennis players who paved her way. She wants the world to know that long before Serena and Venus, there was Althea Gibson and Zina Garrison. She has named and thanked them from the winner's circle. She insists that her success cannot be separated from theirs. With her older sister, she has worked to extend tennis to the inner-city and other low income areas, for all children. She has spoken out against the racism she has endured (Indian Wells) and used her voice for the advancement of women, people of color and the game itself. 

I am not convinced that her peer, Tiger Woods who met equal success in another sport traditionally underrepresented by people of color has used his voice in the way she has. I do not believe that his fans would know that long before Tiger Woods, there was Calvin Peete or Lee Elder. Granted many people might not know the women that Serena has named but that is not because she has kept silent.  

Serena Williams is indeed is a worthy hero of this historic month. Not only is she (one of the) winningest female tennis players of all time, completing the Serena slam and bringing home four gold medals for the United States (one in singles and three with Venus in doubles) but Miss Williams is also a whole lot of fun. If you haven't seen it yet, the video is worth watching. That's Serena Williams: champion, one of the greatest of all time ready to surprise two amateurs on a week night with a fun and friendly round. I believe Black History month can celebrate that too. If only I still played tennis...

I hope tonight she is celebrating both Mardi Gras and the role she has played in Black History month. I'll keep my eyes peeled for you Serena in and around the city by the bay. Congratulations on your engagement. As they say in New Orleans, Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Photos Credits
Serena
Althea Gibson

What to do about Tiger?

When asked by golf analyst David Feherty in a recent interview about his ideal foursome, Steph Curry, NBA Champion and the 2016 MVP who carries an index of 1.3 said "My dad, Barack Obama and Tiger Woods." Given Steph's outstanding reputation as a husband, father, son, teammate and competitor some were surprised that he included a fallen hero like Woods. As a sports fan and golf enthusiast, I wasn't. To me, Curry's choice is yet another example of just how elusive Tiger Woods remains and may forever be in American society.

We are good and putting people in a box: good or bad, black or white, wrong or right. But Tiger is tricky. Fans still flock, They cheered and jeered his return to the US Open in 2010; he still makes headlines when he announces whether or not he will play in a major. Indeed, Woods both literally and figuratively cannot be confined. This quandary...this quagmire leaves us with the question: What to do about Tiger? Reading his new book "The 1997 Masters: My Story" has gotten me closer to an answer. How? his own words have help me come to terms with who he is and who he is not.

I have been wrong about Woods, for better and for worse. For example, in Black History Month: A Case for Serena Williams, I stated, 

In light of Black History month, I sincerely appreciate that Williams calls on the other black female tennis players who paved her way. She wants the world to know that long before Serena and Venus, there was Althea Gibson and Zina Garrison. She has named and thanked them from the winner's circle. She insists that her success cannot be separated from theirs. With her older sister, she has worked to extend tennis to the inner-city and other low income areas, for all children. She has spoken out against the racism she has endured (Indian Wells) and used her voice for the advancement of women, people of color and the game itself.  

I am not convinced that her peer, Tiger Woods who met equal success in another sport traditionally underrepresented by people of color has used his voice in the way she has. I do not believe that his fans would know that long before Tiger Woods, there was Calvin Peete or Lee Elder. 

In "Paging Tiger" a review of Woods' new book by Michael Bamberger, I learned that "Woods' son is named Charlie, for Charlie Sifford the pioneering black golfer who won thrice on Tour but who never played in the Masters. What a tribute." #MyBad

Even my mom weighed in on Woods when she admitted "I feel sorry for him." I said,"Mom, I think a lot of people do."

It's difficult to see anyone struggle and I hope this isn't too strong—devolve. Today, this athlete who was twice named Sports Illustrated's Sportsperson of the Year is the butt of many jokes. I know I have launched my own, which is unfortunate given the condition of his back. I can only imagine what playing golf since the age of three—a game that invokes a swing that is not natural for the body—has done to it. His torque, sheer power and drive that were perfected because of many more than 10,000 hours cannot leave those muscles at ease. And so, when Tiger was arrested for a DUI on May 29 the ironic reality / sad truth was that his public statement was true: he had not been drinking alcohol. No, Woods had "an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications."

Since the incident, we have learned that, like many Americans, Woods is living with a lot of physical pain, and treating it with opioids, given through the signature of a doctor. Though his agent, Mark Steinberg does not disclose whether or not Woods has an addiction, he shared that "Woods has checked into a clinic to get help dealing with prescription medication for pain and a sleep disorder."

In "Our National Pain," an honest and heart-wrenching editorial by former NBA star Rex Chapman, I learned.  

After multiple injuries and seven surgeries, I developed an addiction to prescription painkillers. My masters were Vicodin, OxyContin and Suboxone, and they led me into a life of isolation and erratic behavior and, in the fall of 2014, to my arrest for retail theft. (I later entered a guilty plea, paid restitution for the items I stole and was sentenced to 750 hours of community service.) I am one of the lucky ones: I had the financial resources and support of family and friends that enabled to me to enter rehab three times. My last stint was in the fall of 2014, and I have now been clean for three years. That is amazing to me. There were many times I didn’t think I could go without opioids for three hours, much less three years.

I do not know the extent of Woods' dependency on painkillers, but Steinberg reported, "he has been in just immense pain for so very long that taking prescribed medication was a must, just to get up and move." I think we can all be sympathetic toward those who are living with chronic pain, it's no way to live. Woods has had four surgeries on his knee and four on his back. There is more to this story....and yet, how do we know how much to tell? and when? And, because you are Tiger Woods, there is no reason to ask why. You have a legacy and you are a legend. To what degree can you control that? And where does that leave the fans? What to do?

For now, I have an answer.

My problem with Tiger Woods has nothing to do with what he did or should have done, rather, my issue is also my wish for anyone who has the talent, opportunity, impact, livelihood and greatness he has. Bamberger spells it out in stating "What Tiger's book lacks is introspection." I cannot help but believe the book is but an extension of the man, the golfer, the son, father and (fallen) hero.

When interviewed by Charlie Rose, Tiger confessed that his only regret in life was that he left Stanford after his sophomore year. I find this hard to believe. In "The 1997 Masters" he says more about the pain he caused his ex-wife with his extramarital affairs and yes...the regret. Perhaps that is a step toward some introspection, but there were other opportunities to say more.

For example, Woods also writes about Arnold Palmer and what this golfing great meant to him. He said, 

"I was sad when he died on Sept. 25, 2016, and I thought of all those times behind the eighteenth green. Arnold meant so much to the game, and I'll never forget our friendship and his counsel to me over the years. Looking back, I know he fired me up the week before the [1997] Masters."

Alarms started ringing. These are sentences that should not be published in a book for sentient adults. The editor should have noted in the margin of the author's manuscript, How, how, how, how? Show, show, show, show! Arnold, who half-invented the tournament that defines the book, is dead. You, Tiger, have logged many hours with him, and now you're giving the man some credit for your most important victory. You cannot go too deep on this.

I don't think I should take for granted that all people can or even want to go deep. However, I believe introspection may very well be on the most important spiritual disciplines out there. An introspective person has a sense of how their words and actions affect others. They can resolve to do better or be different, care more, judge less.

Fortunately for my students, Ignatian spirituality has a tool to help them develop this ability: The Examen. This prayer, similar to an examination of conscience, invites us to review our day— to literally examine where God was present, where we could have done better and to give thanks.

No one knows how this story ends. In many sports, the life of an athlete is is fleeting....but not in golf. Watch any major tournament and golfers in their late 40s and 50s still threaten. We loved Tiger Woods for what he did on the course. He made shots and  had a spirit that transformed the game. 

I know many people want but another glimpse. Maybe we all need a moment of introspection to figure out why. Is it because of his destiny? that he was a symbol of East meeting West? that he made this game so athletic and exciting or was it because his game really like improvisational jazz? Perhaps you long to hear the discordant notes find their rhythm, their beauty, and wholeness as we did in Augusta in April 1997. The story continues....we will be both right and wrong, yet again.

Photo Credits
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A Student's Prayer for Jose Fernandez

For the past 14 years, the morning routine at the school where I teach has remain unchanged. After the first bell, a sea of students disperse from their friends, flirting and having fun and frantically head to class before the second bell rings. As they take their seats and unpack their book, a voice fills the airwaves with a rote statement: Good Morning St. Ignatius. Please stand for prayer.

In the following moments, students stand, many with their heads bowed in silence as a member of our school community offers a prayer—one that changes from day to day. Quite often, it is preceded by context. For example, if it is Black History month, a student will offer insight into the life of an African American and the prayer will relate to a message that person wrote, preached, lived by or taught. Many prayers are offered on the anniversary of important events, too many of which are tragic. We pray for places and people in the world in need of God's grace, God's mercy, and God's healing. We pray for the victims of natural disasters and all that ensues. We offer prayers for those affected by violence in our inner cities, in our homes and in war-torn areas of the world. And we pray for the needs of our own community. We pray that we may magnify God's glory in our school work and in our play, our competition and our song. And on Wednesday September 28, a junior student named Liam took it upon himself to pray for Jose Fernandez, the Miami Marlins pitcher who died on Sunday, September 25.

In all fourteen years I have taught at St. Ignatius, I don't know that a student has ever prayed for another person, let alone at athlete in this way. 

Quite often, students are still waking up during that first period of the day. During prayer, they stand in unison, they are respectful of the silence, but I wonder how often they truly listen, let alone internalize the words we share. I have to admit, there are times when I am no different. I am already thinking about the agenda for the day, who is in class and who is not, I ask myself What is that student wearing?! etc. But, Liam offered these words. They caught my attention. They called me to listen and pray. They brought tears to my eyes. I had to regroup and share with my own class how moved I was. He said, 

Let us remember... (pause for response)In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

Lord, help us so to love you that we may see your hand working all thingsunto good. Quiet our fears, dispel our doubts, silence our murmurings. Putaway from our minds all sad and gloomy thoughts and inspire us to trustalways in your strength and your love.We ask this through Christ our Lord. 

I would also like to pray for a Latino baseball player, Jose Fernandez. JoséFernández was a very talented pitcher for the Miami Marlins. Starting hisrookie season in 2013, he always brought joy to the dugout and field whenhe played. Sadly, on Sunday, September 25, 2016, Jose Fernandez waskilled in a boating accident near Miami Beach. The Miami Marlins will neverbe the same without him, but he will be remembered as one of the best andmost inspiring players in the baseball world. May he Rest In Peace.St. Ignatius… (pause for response). 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.Amen.

A sincere prayer, one that comes from the heart, is beautiful to hear. Even though it was shared over the PA, the personal message and offering that Liam, a junior wrote, said what hundreds of reports far beyond the sports media of Sports Center, MLB tonight, have offered.

Liam added, 

I just felt that the SI Community should pray for Jose Fernandez and his family. I cannot imagine what pain his team and family are feeling right now. 

The prayer that I said was actually a prayer by Pope Francis. However, the part about Jose Fernandez was written by me. I've always like this prayer by Pope Francis so I chose to do this one. As mentioned above, I also wanted to pray for Jose Fernandez and his family. I'm a big baseball fan and seeing him go that fast is very heartbreaking. He would always bring a smile to the field no matter what day it was or who they were playing.

And those words are affirmed in the October 3 article in Sports Illustrated entitled "A Beautiful Light." 

The purpose of this blog isn't to report what made Fernandez so beloved by baseball fans far beyond Miami. Nor is it to convince anyone of his talent and the loss of what his 24 year old loss means to the game. But both are noteworthy. Tom Verducci writes, 

The wickedness of his breaking ball was exceeded only by the wattage of his smile. His personalisty, not just his arm, made Jose Fernandez of the Miami Marlins one of baseball brightest stars in ascension. At 24, Fernandez not only played baseball well, but he also did so with elan. His 29-2 record ranks as the best home mark of any pitcher in baseball history. No pitcher in the game owned a more brilliant future than Fernandez.

No the purpose behind this blog is because I want to know if my students feel the way that I do. Today's journal prompt was "Is it a challenging time to be a hero in our country?" It sure feels like it. And yet, I suppose it's never easy to be a hero...I have a feeling that peril, hardship and strife are a significant part of what makes ordinary people stand out as extraordinary. But so does goodness, living life the right way—living it for others and much more.

This past week has given our country a moment to pause to reflect on two wonderful lives. Two men, both professional athletes. One had a full and long life and the other's ended too soon. Thinking about who they are and how they were with people, the way they chose to live and who they touched along the way has made me ever grateful for heroes like them...and the opportunity to pray in gratitude for what they have left. Grateful to know that the young people I share my days with feel the same way.... 

Photo Credits
In Memory

Two Greats
Tears

This Lent Consider These Two Words: Be Kind

School begins at 9:00 a.m. Yes, 9:00 a.m. It's amazing. It's beautiful. It's so humane...and as a result, we are human. The bell chimes and one of the deans gets on the P.A and says "Good Morning." Teachers and students stop and stand. Those in the hallways pause and listen up. We begin our day with prayer. A student leader will give context for the prayer—Lent, Black History Month, Social Justice Summit Week—and then offer our communal prayer. It concludes with the words "Saint Ignatius, pray for us." I don't know how your day starts, but this isn't a bad way to begin.

Good, bad or otherwise, announcements about the schedule, observations the deans have made about student behavior, reminders about dress code and call downs follow prayer. Nine out of ten times, this messaging concludes with the reminder for SI students to "be kind to one another." I fear these words fall on deaf ears. I wonder if students are tempted to roll their eyes. I often wonder, Do they even hear that reminder? Fortunately, I have found one way they won't.

In this two minute video Father Jim Martin, offers an invitation for us to do something this Lent. While many people give up sweets or social media, Martin—a Jesuit priest—suggests that we do something during this holy season. His recommendation? Two words: Be Kind. 

I appreciate his message because it is both practical and specific. Any one of us could employ at least one if not all three ways we can "be kind." His examples prevent those words "be kind to one another" from ringing hollow. These suggestions can serve as a test run for practicing kindness this Lent. 

I asked my students, What are other ways to be kind / show kindness? Come up with three more. This was not hard.

In my newsletter, Sports & Spirituality Synopsis, I urged coaches to consider talking to their athletes about kindness. 

Do not be afraid to talk to your athletes about Lent. It is a spiritual season characterized by practices of personal discipline, self sacrifice and mindfulness—precisely what we ask of one another all season long. 

While many are familiar with “giving something up” for Lent, Father Jim Martin, SJ has invited us to consider do something positive: be kind. While his message may not be revolutionary, it is very practical. He gives three ways to practice kindness. 

If you have a weekly update that you send to athletes and their families, include this video and this prayer. Ask your team and yourself, Which of the three tips resonate with you?

Teams and teammates can be cut throat and overly competitive. I have had to work through back-biting, bitterness, resentment and jealousy. These personal problems can manifest and fester unless we treat them with kindness, respect and compassion. Reminding your team to "be kind" is a message everyone benefits from hearing.

Those two words: "be kind" are so simple and so important. Kindness makes the world a better place. Kindness is care—cariño—and warmth. It asks us to think of others, lend a helping hand and extend hospitality and welcome. One of my favorite bumper stickers reads "Mean people suck." Students are always confused when I admit this. "I like it because it's true. It's a good reminder. The world is hard enough...we don't need mean people." 

Super Bowl LV: Hodgepodge. Snack on this!

Passing under the archway of chips for sale and on display at Safeway, I realized pandemic or not Super Bowl Sunday is upon us. Second to the Thanksgiving holiday, Americans eat more on this near national holiday than any other day of the year. I paid heed to the purchase power of those in front of me as I waited in line: cut veggies, dogs and buns, more chips, lots of dip. A royal hodgepodge of healthy and not so healthy, processed, colorful and caloric and figured why not create my own. Here are a few thoughts for you to snack on before—err...after Super Bowl LV. Enjoy

In lieu of "The Why"I don't myself as a skeptical or jaded person. However, the sophomore in me remains strong. And what I mean by that is when an idea or a tag line has run its course, it needs to be retired. If it's not, it becomes cliche. Even the definition of cliche seems to now be cliche. In other words, it loses its meaning.  Said cliche can come out of retirement in due time, but let it lay low for a while. There's enough creativity in the human race that we can and should find new ways to express the same truth.

In coaching, the hot term in recent years has been "The Why." I have given talks on this very topic. Asking an athlete why he or she plays and competes is an important question. Asking a coach why they do what they do is a telling question. "The Why" invites reflection. It is on-going consideration and invitation. But can we press pause for a minute?

So here's a suggestion. Religion of Sports runs a series, "Tom vs. Time." In the preview, Brady speaks to the power of conviction. Essentially he is inquiring about "The Why?" He believes an athlete ought to ask him or herself a composite list of questions. He says, "What are we doing this for? Who are we doing this for? Why are we doing this? You gotta have answer to those questions. And, they have to be with a lot of conviction. When you lose your conviction, you might as well be doing something else." 

In short, let's move beyond "The Why" and consider "Where is your conviction?"

The Kid
I love a good nickname. However, when you have a name as cool sounding as "Mahomes," I'm not sure you need one. But the KC QB has a few. For example, my Dad calls him "Boy Wonder" and he is more commonly known as "The Kid." I found both to be quite fitting. At just 25 years of age, Patrick Mahomes led his team to his second straight Super Bowl. 

You need not enter a sports bar to engage sports fans in a debate about the G.O.A.T. It's on-going, it's everywhere. You probably can't go a day without hearing some sport claiming their greatest of all time—their G.O.A.T. And one person is associated with that nickname in football more than any other: Tom Brady.

With the selling point of this year's Super Bowl contest being a Brady v. Mahomes showdown, the GOAT v. the Kid raged on. After hearing nearly a week of this sports talk, a light went on. I realized something that must be obvious to most people but me: Patrick Mahomes is the Baby G.O.A.T. and in the English language we refer to them as "kids." It was if the clouds had lifted...the scales dropped from my eyes. I love connecting the dots. I should have known why he is called the kid. I love it. 

Dots lead to more dots. I learned from Redwood Hill Farms that "It wasn’t until the 1800’s that the word kid was extended to children." I hope it's still PC to call young humans kids. Let me know if not.

Who You Did Not See Play on Super Bowl Sunday
One of the great joys of teaching Ethics and Sports and Spirituality is the opportunity to "introduce" inspirational people with my students. On Friday before the Super Bowl I was able to share the story of Laurent Duverney-Tardif, by way of his profile as a Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year.

The Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman, who spent the first four years of his NFL career balancing football with medical school, opted out of the 2020 football season. He passed up the chance to defend his team's Super Bowl title by joining the frontlines of the healthcare system in its fight against COVID-19 in Canada. 

I asked my students to respond to the video with their impressions and insights. I am always amazed at what strikes them...and I'm grateful that at least one student "kept it real" by asking how much he can squat. Well played. I want to know too.

Kudos to ESPN Daily for re-airing their profile on this remarkable doctor, athlete and humanitarian!

In Closing
The Super Bowl is now a week behind us. In episode 12 of my podcast: FaithFondue, Haley and I discussed the number of February holidays. A number of Americans want the Monday after the Super Bowl to be a national holiday. There are however a hodgepodge of others to enjoy this month—a month during which we celebrate Black history, our Presidents,  groundhogs, our most popular sport, love and feasting before the fast. Enjoy it all.

Should the day after the Super Bowl be a holiday? Haley and I discuss this question on our podcast @FaithFondue. You can listen here!

Photo Credits
Two teams
The Kid Goat
LDT

Opening Day: A Worthy Tradition, An Important Day, A True Misnomer

I looked at my spirited co-worker, dressed in his orange button down shirt, black pants and San Francisco Giants tie on Monday, April 3 and smiled. Brian wanted his students to remember a day baseball fans relish. He wanted everyone to know it's Opening Day. Only it wasn't...or it was....kind of...not really...? 

On Sunday, April 2, I listened with delight as the Giants (Hall of Fame) announcer Jon Miller came back on the air once again. I found myself expending an undue amount of mental and emotional anguish as my team had the lead and then blew it—twice. The gap between the end of the 2016 and the beginning of 2017 suddenly felt very small. I could hardly believe that the new season was underway. 

And yet, I felt conflicted as other media outlets described Monday—not Sunday— as Opening Day.  Hadn't I just heard the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd the day before? CBS Sports said

Major League Baseball got underway for 2017 on Sunday with a trio of games, but Monday is still technically known as “Opening Day,” as the other 24 teams all played their first game of the season.

I am not sure how or why Monday is, or was "technically" known as Opening Day when the games played one day prior, count toward the regular season total. They were not marketed or promoted as "pre-season games." For all intensive purposes, they were the first game of the 2017 MLB season. Ergo, they were played on Opening Day—right?!. And what I find even more curious, is that the Giants and the Diamondbacks had Monday—again, technically known as Opening Day—off. What gives?

Today we have many iterations of Opening Day. We have the first games of the regular season, we have the official Opening Day, Opening Night and for those teams who begin the season on the road, we have the Home Opener. I suppose there's a Home Opener day game and one for a night game too. Sounds a bit like a circus...which might be an appropriate analogy, given that the Greatest Show on Earth convened for one final show in Washington DC earlier this month. 

This is a wonderful feeling. Owning the WS title ALL YEAR

Though dubbed "America's past time" there are many forces at work to suggest baseball may not always be. For example, the majority of fans who watch baseball regularly are men over the age of 55.  The game has made efforts to keep fans engaged; it has responded and evolved, with increased sensitivity to how long games often take. 

Hall of fame catcher, Yankee legend and true sage, Berra  Yogi Berra quipped "If people don't want to come out to the ballpark, nobody's going to stop them." But the truth of the matter is—they do come out, and they should! Today's fans are blessed with yards and athletes worth seeing. Teams that were once cursed are winning championships and Game 7s in the World Series have never been so epic. I sincerely believe that fans return to the ballpark, April through yes, late October because of the story that they tell about their experience. Baseball carries a narrative like no other sport. Indeed, that narrative has enabled fans to learn about baseball's rich history; it has endeared them to this game's wonderful traditions. Baseball, a truly American game offers a meaningful chapter, a poetic verse to this young country's own testimony.

History is passed down and through story telling, tradition, symbols and rituals. When we compromise an event like Opening Day, a day that is rife with traditions like the President throwing out the first pitch, bunting inside and outside the Yard, a special ceremony on the field, the raising of a World Series banner (thank you 2010, 2012, 2014 Giants!), we lose part of our history....part of our story...and part of ourselves. 

President Taft was the first US President to throw the high heat, before a Washington Senators game.

William O'Malley states "The first step toward wisdom is to call a thing by its right name. Then you'll handle it as it deserves.” This "thing" is a day, and there should be no confusion about it. It should take place like it used to in Cincinnati, OH. Why? Because the Reds—the Red Stockings—were the first team in professional baseball. It would be wise, dear MLB to let this ritual stand....not in Australia, not on an air-craft carrier, not on a Sunday, but on that first Monday in April. And when you do, please just say two words, "Play Ball!"

Photo Credits
W. H. Taft
Opening Day Logo

Billie Jean King and Her Legacy: "Not Done Yet"

Just three weeks into my freshman year at the University of Notre Dame, I walked with my roommates to hear the Governor of Arkansas speak at the Stepan Center on campus. I knew that he was the Democratic nominee for President but I didn't know much if anything about him. I was aware that his campaign was picking up speed but I assumed George H. W. Bush would be re-elected to a second term. I shook his hand, I listened to his remarks and went back to Farley Hall. I was more excited about the first home football game against the University of Michigan taking place the next day, than I was in meeting this politician. Two months later William Jefferson Clinton was elected the 42nd President of the United States. 

I'm not really sure why I went. I suppose it felt like something I thought a college student should do....or so I had heard. In reality, I went because I could. I went because there was some momentum to go. I'm so grateful I rode that wave and did was Father Hesburgh long proclaimed as the secret to a good life: "just show up." College life is full of these types of opportunities. Students can hear speakers from around the globe in the auditorium, theater or lecture hall next door. Musicians, artists, politicians, Nobel laureates and as evidenced on Tuesday March 19, professional athletes who use their platforms to change the world are ready and willing to share their story, beliefs and hopes for young people. Such is the case with Billie Jean King, who spoke as part of the Silk Series speaker at the University of San Francisco.

Billie Jean King, who is arguably — as John McEnroe once said — the single biggest influence in the history of women’s sports, appeared at War Memorial Gym with he gold-medal-winning basketball player Jennifer Azzi. The discussion between them touched on issues of equity and influence, King’s childhood and her path to activism (Killion). I attended this talk with six of my female colleagues—a fellowship of coaches. We sat together, met for discussion after the event. Each one of us took notes, many cried tears of joy. Everyone left humbled and inspired. We are still smiling and still talking about this legend and this icon. Truly, she is one of America's best. And fortunately for us, when asked about her legacy she said "I'm not done yet." 

For the purposes of this blog, I would like to share what I learned and captured from my notes and the shared discussion. [The format I am using is a tool we teachers employ to frame an article, a lecture, etc. Identify what is new, surprising and disturbing]. Here we go.

New: 

• As many people know, March is Women's History Month. I had no idea this year 's theme is "Celebrating Visionary Women." Hard to imagine someone more visionary that BJK. She broke with the tennis establishment in 1970, founding what eventually became the Women's Tennis Association. She served as the first President of this union (WTA). Because of their efforts, female players no longer earn $14 a day. In fact, in 1973, the US Open became the first major tournament to offer equal prize money for men and women.
• I think it's important to learn about the mindset of a champion. BJK grew up in a home that never asked about the outcome of a game or match. Her parents, Bill and Betty wanted to know "how did it go?" instead of "did you win?" I hope parents in the audience wrote that down. Furthermore, she believes that "champions adapt." No wonder she was ranked number one in the world off and on over the course of ten years. She said "pressure is a privilege." Indeed. In an individual sport like tennis, more pressure—>more matches—>;more championships. I will try to remember that motto when I am under pressure. 

Surprising: 

• The third word out of King's mouth was "ball." She did not speak about her success as a tennis player. The emcee reminded the audience that she won 39 Grand Slam titles (29 singles and 10 doubles) but BJK did not address which one meant the most....what tournament was her favorite....who was her greatest opponent. I cannot tell you that I learned about the strengths and weaknesses of her game, but I know how much she loves athletics. She played softball and didn't even pick up a racket until she was 12 years old. Her brother pitched for 10 years in Major League Baseball and today she is part owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The audience learned more about her enthusiasm and love of sport than her accomplishments. Her enthusiasm makes her relatable; her humility? Admirable!
• The song "Philadelphia Freedom" was written by her good friend Sir Elton John, ABOUT HER. This was probably my favorite story of the evening, because she shared it so nonchalantly. I've only seen a few people do that well (Springsteen in "Born to Run). You can read the full story here, but let me offer a snippet here. King said,

In the summer of 1974 we were driving to one of his concerts and he looked over at me in the back of the car (I can remember, he was on my right) and he said, “I want to write a song for you.” Of course, I didn’t think I heard him right. I turned scarlet red, I’m sure, and went, “Oh please. What??” And he goes, “No, I want to write a song, what are we gonna call it?” And I said [exasperatedly], “I don’t know!” Then he went, “How about ‘Philadelphia Freedom’?” Because I played for the [World TeamTennis] Philadelphia Freedoms and he used to come to watch our matches. 

As a music fan, I delight in knowing the origin story of a great song. I can't wait to hear "Philadelphia Freedom" at an unexpected time, in an unexpected place and pass along that story...

• King is the first female athlete to earn the Presidential Medal of Freedom. President Obama conferred this honor to her in 2009. See the "Disturbing" section for more information.

Disturbing:

• Of the 32 athletes who have received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, but two are women. I am happy, and not surprised to read that Pat Summit received this prestigious honor three years after BJK.
  
  A colleague asked if the Medal is conferred upon people posthumously. The answer is "yes." He suggested that it go to Althea Gibson, the first black woman to win Wimbledon. Although athletes must wear the color white at the All England Lawn and Croquet Club, the champions need not be. Tennis is truly an international sport and King has advocated for promotion and growth of the game world-wide.

The evening concluded with four questions from current students—which I was glad to see. She answered each one thoughtfully, honestly, and with humility and laughter. There wasn't an ounce of cynicism in her sharing. She referenced faith four times in the evening and reminded the President of USF that she's Protestant, not Catholic. "But I have a great pastor," she said.

There is a great quote attributed to Francis of Assisi—the Patron Saint of the City where I live and the University of San Francisco, I couldn't help but think of Billie Jean King. He said, “First do what is necessary, then do what is possible, and before long you will find yourself doing the impossible.” She has....and she did. Perhaps the best is yet to come. Thank you BJK!

Photo Credits
With Elton John
Visionary Women
All others are from the SF Chron

A Pressing Question for Sports Fans: Nothing Spiritual About this....

I have attended two major sporting events in the past month. Lucky me! Both games have also sparked a realization. Perhaps it should not have taken me this long to come to terms with how I feel, given how long I've been a sports fan (i.e. my whole life). Regardless, allow me to put this insight into the form of a question. Here it is. To what degree does the quality of a game affect your enjoyment of the experience? A lot? Not at all? A little? Is there a "right answer?"

On Saturday, September 4, I went to Oracle Park for the second time this season to watch the league leading San Francisco Giants take on our talented nemesis—the Los Angeles Dodgers. With its 6:05 p.m. start, it was the hottest ticket in town. 

I could not have asked for better seats or a better companion at the game. Mike is a die hard, life long fan of the orange and black. In fact, he's my favorite type of person to watch a game with. Why? He knows the players, sees details that I do not and calculates standings/potential outcomes with ease (love those text messages!). Mike asks me questions. He knows Giants' history, baseball history and more. Mike is funny and we have a close friend in common who is a massive Dodger fans. We delight in beating the Dodgers because we should--that's what Giants fans do. But using it against our friend is potentially sick and twisted, but still ok. (See rivalry 101 for more information). 

Our game was the second game of the three game series. The Giants won game one, but never never got it going and lost 6-1. The winning pitcher Jose Urias was good, but he wasn't MadBum World Series 2014-like. The loaded Dodger line-up put the hurt on early, as Trea Turner started the game with a one-run home run. 

While the Giants did score one run in the first inning, they never got in a rhythm and we are still upset about the balk. 

While I was sincerely grateful for our time together, something felt off...or missing. When coworkers and friends asked me how my weekend was, knowing I had gone to the game. I should have been more ebullient but that's not how I felt. Does anyone else share my sentiment?

But two weeks later, I was in South Bend, IN for the Alumni Association's Fall Affinity Groups Meeting and stayed for the home opener of the of the 2021 Notre Dame football season. The Fightin' Irish hosted the University of Toledo Torpedos and won 32-29.

I went with a beloved friend, my former roommate. Erin and I have attended a game together, barring Covid, for the past six years. As Notre Dame alumni and fans know, returning to campus for a game is about so much more than what occurs on the gridiron. The pep rally, time at the Grotto, meeting with other friends, tailgating, mass and golf make game weekend and incredible weekend.

Erin is also a great sports fan. Her football IQ is strong and we always find a way to connect to the people around us. She loves to play call and even though I got mad at her for projecting a loss (it was WAY to close), I love her passion and commitment to ND football.

The seventh ranked Irish squeaked out a win on the final drive of the game. We locked arms for the alma mater, took a photo together and were thrilled to leave with another victory (the Irish are 6-0 in the games we have seen together). We also left exhausted, dehydrated and wondering how the rest of the season is going to be with a team that played so flat footed. The defense was no where to be found. I wasn't even sure who SHOULD get the game ball.

I returned home from an incredible trip to campus and yet, I couldn't pretend like the game wasn't something that it wasn't. It was confusing, nerve wracking and even with the win, it was underwhelming. 

Thus, I am left with the question I asked at the beginning of this post: To what degree does the quality of a game affect your enjoyment of the experience? A lot? Not at all? A little? Is there a "right answer?" One reason I ask is because I cannot find an analogy for this issue in the spiritual life. But the more important reason is because I believe sports are a gift. To participate and witness athletic contests and feats should enhance our lives, not compromise them. And yet being a fan of sport isn't without cost. If I didn't care—and care deeply about my teams, I could walk away unaffected. Though still grateful for the experience, I reminded myself that we say victory is sweet, but some much sweeter than others. 

And if there's a word in German or in Yiddish that captures this feeling: grateful to have been part of something but less than thrilled about the experience itself, please let me know.