Orange and Blue Forever

“Start Spreading the News. I’m leaving today. I want to be a part of it, New York, New York.”

Good morning Wake and Bakers. Disclosure Day, the movie by Spielberg, opened in theaters this past Friday. That movie and all the dissonance will wait for next week’s Wake and Bake. The Knicks own the front page today.

There are moments in a lifetime that will be remembered forever. Each one of us stores those memories in the corners of our mind. They will be there to bring comfort and joy when the time is right. Sport fans can spend an entire lifetime never drinking from the championship cup. It has been 53 years since New Yorkers have celebrated a New York Knicks championship. Names like Frazier, Reed and Bradley are uniforms hanging from the rafters but most of the current fans do not know who they are. They are celebrating Brunson, Anunoby and Towns. One day Brunson, the MVP, will have his uniform along side the legendary champions.

We all were little boys and girls. Those of us who played the games, in our American culture, fell in love with our sports heroes. We all wanted to be Tom Seaver or Walt Frazier or Joe Namath. The joy of winning is something unexplainable to those who do not compete. My friend, Authentic Rick, and I coached youth hockey. We always started the season with a simple phrase. “Winning is more fun than losing kids”. It really is that simple. We can win games but do we win the championship game. Winning a championship game does not come around that often. We can enjoy life but winning in life will test your character. That is the real test of a champion.

Last night was one of those special moments. The reaction of New Yorkers ranged from the sublime to the abhorrent. No one should have their taxi cab, their way of putting food on the table, stomped on or burned. No one should be abused because they are wearing the colors of an opponent. These actions, although regrettable, were a small fraction of what went down last night.

Look at the joy on the faces of those who are experiencing this for the first time. Thousands of citizens packed Seventh Avenue rapping and singing Empire State of Mind. In the old days we sang My Way or New York New York. Sinatra and Jay Z are forever linked with the Knicks. Yankee fans probably claim that too. Imagine the joy of the old timers, like myself, who have waited this long and probably will never get to see it again. For a moment, stand in the shoes of Patrick Ewing. He gave New York 15 years of blood and hard work and was never rewarded with a championship. Until last night. Watching the joy on his face was transcendental.

This glorious hangover will last for a week. There is a parade on Thursday and I have never been to a parade. Perhaps it is time for the Wake and Bake bus to do a Manhattan bakery tour before the parade. Please forward recommendations. Today is a day to sit back and smile, smile, smile. Find a comfortable chair. Look out at the world, and know for this one moment, everything seems right. This Knick team was tough, resilient and likable. They are selfless and conducted themselves with class during this playoff run. No complaining and whining. Just hard nosed basketball. They displayed qualities we all want for ourselves and our fellow citizens. They earned the title of world champion. The memory of this run will last forever.

“Knick fans, this is not a dream, your long long wait is over.” Mike Breen.

Peace to Everyone