Basket Ball

Hello Friends,

No doubt many of you will be watching the March Madness tournament with keen interest this weekend, especially as it relates to the health of your bracket. It's my understanding that many Americans stand to win (or lose) vast sums of money over the upcoming fortnight. Though I myself am not a gambling man, I do understand the rush one gets by having a little skin in the game and I'd never begrudge a man for that.

I've Played Basket Ball

Have I ever told you I played in the very first basketball game? No? That seems hard to believe... Anyway, back in (18)91 I found myself wintering in Springfield, Massachusetts for a reason that presently escapes me. During those long winter days I'd escape the cold by spending much of my time in the local YMCA boxing and generally carrying on with the local fellows.

Destiny Calling

Well one day this older gentlemen by the name of James hangs two peach boxes on opposite ends of the gymnasium and tells us all he's invented this game he called "Basket Ball." I can tell you there were more than a few raised eyebrows as he tried to explain this strange new game. The rules were different then, there was no dribbling, there were 18 players on the court at a time, and we played with a soccer ball, but I managed to pick up the finer points pretty fast. I think I finished the game with something like 45 points, 15 rebounds, 12 assists, and 9 blocks. Little did I know I'd just missed out on the world's first quadruple double.

Ahead of My Time

In the end we all had a fine time and decided this "Basket Ball" had a real future. I did suggest a few minor tweaks that have now become popularized, such as the dunk and the three pointer but the world just wasn't ready. Well, enough of my ramblings. I hope you enjoy the games this weekend and make sure you stay fueled with plenty of delicious lean protein.

All My Best,