If you were around last Wednesday you witnessed a giant coming out party. The situation-Michael Jordan’s last NBA game. The setting-Philadelphia. If you saw the game maybe now you’ll understand why Philadelphia has the best, most passionate fans in the country.
Like fellow Philadelphians, I have four inflamed chambers in my heart. They are dedicated to the Eagles, Phillies, 76ers and Flyers. We live, eat and breath our sports teams and are constantly hated on by the media for it. Yeah, we threw snowballs at Santa Claus, but only because he was drunk and disrespecting the Santa Claus costume. So we booed Michael Irvin when he was carted off the Vet turf on a stretcher. But we knew he was just being the jayed-up loser that he is. He’s fine now isn’t he? We liked throwing batteries at J.D. Drew, but with good reason-he demanded an $11 million contract right out of college. Is throwing batteries worse than White Sox fans who run on the field and attack innocent first -base umpires and coaches?
My non-Philadelphia friends hate on Philly, but they have mad respect at the same time. Case in point -two years ago, it was the New York “football” Giants vs. the Philly Eagles, on December 30th. Last game of the regular season, winner received the NFC East Title. Being the good friend that I am, I invited two of my Georgetown roommates, die-hard Giants fans, to attend the game at thunderous Veterans Stadium. They had paid me the same respect earlier that season by taking me to the Monday night Eagles-Giants game at Giants Stadium. On that Monday night I strolled into Giants stadium, took off my jacket, and proudly displayed my Eagles green and white. This time, my friends had their Giants red and blue on under their jackets, which they refused to take off. They walked into the raucous Vet and their star-struck eyes said it all.
As the Washington Wizards team bus drove into Philadelphia they couldn’t help but notice the giant billboards saying “Thanks Mike.”As pre-game warmups got under way they couldn’t help but notice the nonstop cheering for No. 23. And as tip-off was approaching they couldn’t stop Eric Snow from grabbing the microphone and paying his respects. “What’s up Mike? We want to let you know how special you are to the Philly fans. We want to send you off with a nice gift.” That gift came in the form of a shiny green golf cart driven by Dr. J and Moses Malone. The cart came with the patented jumpman logo on the hood and No. 23 on the license plate.
As player introductions began they didn’t expect the 76ers to fly in former Bulls announcer Ray Clay to introduce MJ in the way that will forever echo in the memories of our youth. “From North Carolina, a 6-6 guard, No. 23, MI-CHAEL JORRRDAN!”
When the Philly fans recovered from the chills and goosebumps, they reacted with a three-minute standing ovation for MJ. During intermission breaks, stadium monitors showed highlights of Jordan’s hall-of-fame career. Everytime No. 23 sank a silky smooth jump shot the crowd erupted in joy. With eight minutes left in the fourth quarter and the game in the bag for the Sixers, the Philly crowd starts the chant: “We want Mike, we want Mike!”
I’m sure the media was beside itself when Philly fans didn’t use this golden opportunity to boo someone or something. But the non-Philadelphia media never takes the time to appreciate Philly fans. They’re always focused on the negatives and rarely pay attention to the unending passion displayed by the die-hard fans. Philly gave MJ a going away party that only Chicago could have competed with. It’s time to stop drinking the haterade and own up to the fact that Philly fans take the term “fan” to another level.
“That was very, very respectful. And I had a good time.”- Michael Jordan
