The Cast and Character Have Changed Completely

When I was a kid, throwing the ball against the front-porch steps, my mind was filled with Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Willie Mays, Maury Wills, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Lew Alcindor, Deacon Jones, Merlin Olsen, Roman Gabriel and the like. Each time I picked up a ball, I wanted so bad to be them. Their character and heart were never in question.

Today, as I drive to work and think about sports, my mind is filled with O.J. Simpson, Rae Carruth, Latrell Sprewell, Ray Lewis, Dennis Rodman, Raul Mondesi, Albert Belle, Allen Iverson, Darryl Strawberry, Charles Barkley, Michael Irvin and the like. Their character and heart are never in question.

No wonder I don’t care anymore.

DENNIS SCHROEDER

Lake Forest