Those of you who faithfully read my opinions know that I really do not subscribe to the whole Santa Claus thing, and find the bearded deliveryman to be shall we say, less than dependable.
Despite my reservations, I will once again ask him for some of the sports related items I want this holiday season and allow him up until Dec. 31 to shall we say, “Deliver the goods.”
First off, how about a clean bill of health for Colts head coach Chuck Pagano who has shown the toughness of a $2 steak throughout his quest to beat leukemia. He appears to be on the path to remission so perhaps you can make sure he is totally well, and soon.
While you are at it, do not overlook the brave children at Riley Hospital who are assisted by NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon every year through his wonderful foundation. Please put something in his stocking for all he does for the kids as he certainly deserves it.
Swing by Bankers Life Fieldhouse and drop off something for Pacers power forward David West, as he continues to help those less fortunate in the community in a quiet and dignified manner. His generosity at Thanksgiving this year was superb. While there, stroll over to the Fever locker room and leave something that expresses our thanks to Tamika Catchings and company for capturing the WNBA title this year. The ladies were simply awesome.
Feel free to take a pit stop and rest your reindeer at Victory Field, and while you are there leave something nice for the Indianapolis Indians, who once again this year provided the joy of baseball to our community at affordable prices. You can then mosey a bit west and visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and leave a couple of presents to those who thrill us each May with the greatest race in the world. Perhaps an extra gift is in order for the great NASCAR and MotoGP events they give us each year as well.
While you are in the racing mode, please do not forget to swing by Nazareth, Pa., and take care of Mario Andretti for all the advice he gave me this past year about open wheel racing. He has been so generous with his time and deserves it.
Next, set your sleigh down at the Colts complex and offer some Christmas joy to Jim Irsay for having the intestinal fortitude to clean house in his organization and embark on a new era of football in Indianapolis. While you are there, tell that guy named Luck that this is his team now and to hang tough as he moves forward to further greatness. Recognize him with something special for all the children he has reached out to in his short tenure. Leave him a note that says we like him.
Please do not forget Kevin Wilson down in Bloomington as he continues to put Indiana football on the right track, one that will lead to success and continued academic achievement. Sure, while you are there, leave a gift too for Tom Crean, who has led quite a turnaround with the basketball program.
Give Matt Painter a bit of joy at Purdue and drop off a welcome gift to new football coach Darrell Hazell while you are at it. Lets not forget the numerous talented and dedicated high school athletes in the Indianapolis area, especially the Arlington Lady Knights Basketball team which showed us recently what style, grace, and dignity are all about. Their accomplishments go much further than the playing court, as they continue to distinguish themselves academically and in the community.
We are so proud of these young ladies, and may they continue to be role models for us all.
I encourage you Santa to not overlook all the great media relations folks who put up with me on a regular basis. David Benner and his staff at the Indiana Pacers, Pam Humprey of the Indianapolis Colts and Doug Boles and Bill York at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, just to name a few. Their patience is invaluable, and they no doubt deserve something really nice for tolerating me.
The same can be said for those who work so hard every day at the Indianapolis Recorder, as they have done so much for me. They have been like a second family and I appreciate the way they have taken this old hack in and supported him. I apologize for being such a pain in the neck.
St. Nick, we have lost some legendary sports figures this year so please deliver some comfort to their families, especially to those related to coach Rick Majerus, who playfully dubbed me “Jimmy Olsen Jr.” and called me that every time I ever saw him after that. Coach, what I would give to see you chowing down on a plate of pasta one more time. You left us all way too soon and I will always cherish our conversations. You touched so many people and the void you left is vast.
That about covers it Santa, and while my list is lengthy, all of the recipients are most worthy.
Try to be on time this year and do not forget to leave new keyboards for all those who email me regularly and tell me I am old school, wrong, and simply out of touch. They are indeed the best.
Danny Bridges, who only wants comfort and healing for those in Newtown, Conn., can be reached at (317) 578-1780 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
