I remember it just as if were yesterday. My beloved, late Mother putting dress clothing upon yours truly and taking me to see Santa for a holiday photo opportunity. I wore a collared white shirt, with a plaid vest, and of course a red bow tie. Santa looking both amused and fatigued, would welcome me upon his lap and I would begin to tell him what I wanted for Christmas. It always ended with a request for surprises and then was whisked away to Burger Chef for a cheeseburger and a shake.
Yes indeed, those were the days, and I miss them dearly. As time went on and I discovered Santa was actually a guy who sold insurance in the small town I was raised in, my thoughts regarding Christmas changed. I became more interested in giving than receiving every year, so with that sentiment in mind, I will attempt to express in writing what many of you so richly deserve.
First and foremost, I give patience to the fans of the Indianapolis Colts. You have been wonderful to the franchise, and quite honestly, should be getting more this holiday season from those you support every game of the year. From the owner, to the general manager, to the the coaching staff, you were let down this season, but your loyalty never faded. Patience is a virtue, and a gift from me.
Speaking of coaches, I offer the gift of good health to Chuck Pagano. I’ve never met a better man and he certainly deserved a fatter contract extension this past off season. While he will continue to work in the NFL as long as he wants to, I just want him to be healthy forever. Many thanks and Seasons Greetings to Pam Humphrey of the Colts as well, as she deserves a medal of honor for having to put up with me every season in the press box. I really appreciate all you do.
I would also offer the gift of patience to all those who love their Indiana Pacers. Frank Vogel is doing a pretty good job with a team that doesn’t have a lot of NBA level talent, and will more than likely find their way into the playoffs. If the maturation process ever kicks in for Paul George you’ll have a really good player on your hands, and hopefully that will happen before I get my A.A.R.P. card.
A special Merry Christmas and thanks to David Benner, and Krissy Myers for all they provide to those covering the games. Also wishing all the best this holiday season to Donnie Walsh and Kevin Mackey, two five star guys who have always answered my questions with a smile. Special thanks to Eddie White, Dana Whitehead, Kaye Totten, and last but certainly not least, Boomer.
At 16th and Georgetown. I offer my sincere gratitude to the entire Media Relations staff, with special thanks to Mite Kitchel of Indy Car. If I’m going to talk Indy Car, my sincere thanks and Santa’s best to Robin Miller for his help, his advice and his continual, superlative efforts to remind us of how this sport evolved. Kudos also to Tom Surber, Derrick Walker, Rick Mears, Chip Ganassi, Townsend Bell, Paul Tracy, Scott Jasek, Scott Goodyear, Eddie Cheever, and all the yellow shirts in the infield.
Special thanks to the greatest driver of all time, Mario Andretti, for the countless hours he has given me, allowing me to pick his incredible brain regarding every aspect of the sport I so truly love. Also, I would like wish a fabulous Christmas to the one and only Bill York, the undisputed godfather of sports media.You’ve opened doors for me, advised me, and been both a friend and a mentor, all the while showing me how to navigate the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. You are bigger than life to me and I can never repay you for all you’ve done. When I grow up I want to be just like you.
On the collegiate front, major props and Happy New Year to Tom Crean, and Beth Sheehan, for being so kind and compassionate to those less fortunate. Terry Hutchens, you know more about Indiana University sports than anyone in this market, and I told Santa to deliver your latest book to the IU Nation. Seasons greetings to greatest player who ever laced them up at Bloomington and for the Pacers, Mr. George McGinnis. I’m really looking forward to attending your induction in to the Basketball Hall of Fame this year. It’s long overdue and I will bring the champagne to celebrate the big day.
Special holiday thoughts to Mrs. Mel Daniels. I know you are aching, and everyone who admired Mel is thinking of you. I sure wish he was around to make fun of my “Sissy Loafers” again.
In closing I want to wish a Merry Christmas to all at the Indianapolis Recorder and those of you who read what I contribute to the only newspaper in Indiana with a social conscience. My deepest appreciation goes out to Shannon Williams, Jessica Key, Ebony Chappell, Victoria Davis, Jeff Sellers, John Hurst, and the legendary Bill Mays, who left this world far too early.
Being a microscopic part of what transpires at the Recorder is not only a labor of love, it’s a distinct privilege, one that has provided me with opportunities and experiences that I could write for weeks about. To those of you who email or text me about what I write, my thanks to you, even the ones who question my sanity and my opinion. Please keep it coming, and don’t ever hold back.
Danny Bridges, who encourages everyone to contribute generously to the Julian Center and Gleaners Food Bank this holiday season, can be reached at (317) 371-8447 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
