I have never asked any athlete for an autograph in my life, even though I've had plenty of opportunities. But, I almost broke that record Saturday night.
I was at the Bucks game and Bjorn Borg was sitting in the row behind me, about six seats over. Borg was watching the game with a couple of friends and his son, Robin, who is a tennis player at UW-Whitewater.
After the game, the Borgs were escorted to a room adjacent to the Bucks locker room, where they met Michael Redd, who is one of Robin's favorite athletes.
"I played tennis in high school," Redd said. "Bjorn Borg was the man. I used to watch him all the time as a kid. He was incredible."
I waited until the break between the third and fourth quarters and
walked down the row, which was almost empty, until I stood in front of Borg.
"I don't mean to bother you," I said, "but you are the greatest tennis player I've ever seen."
I smiled and turned to go, but he leaned forward and held out his hand.
"Thanks very much," he said. "That's very nice."
And he shook my hand and smiled at me. Like he meant it.
Once I got home, I thought about other athletes I've met and who ranked on the same level as Borg: Oscar Robertson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Robin Yount, Ray Nitschke, Bart Starr. Paul Hornung.
No autographs, but lots of memories. And now there's a new one.
With a history in Milwaukee stretching back decades, Dave tries to bring a unique perspective to his writing, whether it's sports, politics, theater or any other issue.
He's seen Milwaukee grow, suffer pangs of growth, strive for success and has been involved in many efforts to both shape and re-shape the city. He's a happy man, now that he's quit playing golf, and enjoys music, his children and grandchildren and the myriad of sports in this state. He loves great food and hates bullies and people who think they are smarter than everyone else.
This whole Internet thing continues to baffle him, but he's willing to play the game as long as OnMilwaukee.com keeps lending him a helping hand. He is constantly amazed that just a few dedicated people can provide so much news and information to a hungry public.
Despite some opinions to the contrary, Dave likes most stuff. But he is a skeptic who constantly wonders about the world around him. So many questions, so few answers.
