There must be something in the water over at IUPUI during basketball games or something. Last night I did P.A. for a men's basketball game; same as I've done for four seasons here (and about four or five seasons prior to that at IU South Bend). After the game I notice a fellow walking toward me from the opposite side of the court. He was a tallish, African American fellow; maybe in his late 30s or early 40s. I could tell by his gait that he was approaching me at the scorers table, where I sit and work during the games.
"How are you doing?" he said, politely.
"Good, you?" I replied in a curious tone. Typically, when a person approaches me after the game like this, it's to request I announce something (missing car keys, etc.)
"Do you work for the University, or do you work on your own?" he asked.
"Uhh, no, I don't work for the University. I used to," I replied, somewhat perplexed.
"I was just wondering," he continued. "Because I'm the owner of a new ABA franchise we're starting up here and I wondered if you do announcing anywhere else but here."
"Sure, yeah, I do other announcing other than here," I responded.
"Do you have a card?" he asked. "I'd like to call you, because I really like your style."
huhwhat?
Did he just say he likes my announcing "style?"
I gave him a card with my cell phone number on it. He introduced himself as Rob Blackwell. After a quick bit of googling, I learned he is, in fact, the named owner of the Indianapolis Alley Cats, a new franchise in the ABA.
Aside from the astonishment to the news that the ABA is starting up again (after a very recent and public failing), I was equally stunned to be approached.
Truth be told, I think I do a decent job as a PA announcer. I make mistakes from time to time, but overall I think I am better than average. I admit that I'm somewhat snobbish when I hear shitty announcers; but this is not to make anybody think I'm some sort of pro.
Nevertheless, I've received more positive feedback from complete strangers for my announcing than ever before. Opposing team fans, college girls at a cheerleading gig, and now the owner of a team in a fledgling league.
I'll take the guy's call, should he decide to phone me. I'm a big enough whore (and smart enough whore) to at least listen to what he's got to offer. But I'm also highly realistic. The ABA has failed twice already; once in the 70s and once a couple years ago.
But I sort of have visions of working Indiana Pacers games. I have goals of working NCAA National Basketball Championship tournament games (including the Final Four). So I'll take the call. Hey, a little extra work can only help.
But the truth is this: I still have a long way to go to be as good as some of those guys in NBA arenas.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
strange opportunities abound.
Posted by
K-Mac
at
11:40 PM
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