I was born bleeding Blue. My Dad didn’t prompt me, far as I can recall. In fact, I remember, when I was 7, our family watching and celebrating the Jets and (he was also a hardcore Yankees fan) Miracle Mets in ‘69. But man, did he live and die with his Giants and that passion was passed on to me at an early age.
Well my Dad, a former season ticket holder from the Bronx, died for real today. He was 83 — would have been 84 in June.
I so wished his last Giants season would have been better. The past couple years I was aware that season could be the last one he would see on this Earth. And it was shitty we lost so many close games and that the very last one we watched together (week 17. ‘Nuff said) ended the way it did.
But man, did we have some memorable times with the Giants. Even before the 2007 run, which really was the best one, there were so many great games. I was fortunate enough to go to a couple games with him, but we really had better times watching them at home, or for a couple of years, including the 2011 run, in a bar with a group I started.
Of course we had great times that didn’t include watching the Giants, including lots of fishing, but our Giants bond will probably be the thing that lingers most. I know many BBIers can relate.
His name was Mel. He did his bit in the Army in the 50s, post Korea Cold War in Germany. Elvis left the day he arrived. He was in a tank crew (3rd Army, I think) and only once did he think a shooting war might break out when the Soviets mobilized. He was a good guy who worked hard,
Liked his scotch and smokes and besides 2 kids, he leaves behind his second wife, my stepmom, with whom he has been in a loving marriage for over 40 years. Oh, she’s a huge Giants fan, too. I shared those seasons with her, too.
Well that’s about it. Thanks for reading this.
Rip
Sorry to hear of Mel's passing.
I lost my Dad in May 2005 and shared so many great Giants (and other) experiences/memories. I think of Dad every day and even more so in weeks like this - he was a draft junkie, as well.
All my best.
Sorry for the loss of your dad, sounds like a good guy and you guys had some great times together.
JIC, FMIC were there too.
Very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family
Sorry to hear of Mel's passing.
Thank you, brother. Yeah, not a crisp game, but we won! B-Jac scores from inside the 10, I think and the passing highlight was a deep sideline pass from 10 to 17, setting up another score. He had fun at the tailgate. Don’t remember if they were yours or not, but I remember we had some killer brats. And you took care of our chairs for us, lol.
JIC, FMIC were there too.
Very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family
Thank you! Yes, it was a great crowd. I forgot - did you guys ever find a good rib joint? :)
LOL! I remember when my dad installed a directional antenna so we could pull in the Connecticut signal (we lived near LI Sound) which gave a much better signal. We were both afraid of heights and working on the roof was an adventurous labor of love, lol.
Thank you, Eric :) I don’t think my dad ever registered, but I know he visited the site. I always sent him links and usually we talked about them. And with all the great posters here, I’ve learned to pick my spots, but I’d like to be more active. Maybe even starting with the draft! My Dad wasn’t sure who he wanted at No. 6, but definitely wants us to go defense and then O-line at 17 or in round 2.
I cant imagine your pain and hope you find your peace with it in time.
I try to pass my love for the sport and the GIANTS to my daughters as best I can, but there's no forcing it. Cool you grew up with it!
Take care of yourself, Mike.
Nice hearing from you again but to echo Eric’s sentiments - sorry it was under these circumstances