A FEW PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS
I have played sports or been a fan for as long as I can remember. At this point, as an octogenarian, I am more a fan than a participant.
Some of my memories include:
- Sending a letter to the Brooklyn Dodgers to request autographs. I received actual autographs (not prints) of Duke Snider, Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella, Gil Hodges, Pee Wee Reese and all of the Dodgers.
- Playing tennis with Tony Trabert. Tony was ranked #1 in the world in the 1950s. I enjoyed playing doubles with him in 1980. He was a great player and gentleman.
- I sent a letter to Sam Snead when I was 14, asking him questions about golf. That letter is shown below. He replied immediately and personally. I had naively asked him who he thought would win the National Open (U.S. Open). Note his reply to that question. He never did win the U.S. Open, the only major event that eluded him. He loved humor and respected his fans.
It seems to me that great athletes in the 50s were more inclined to show appreciation to their fans than is the case today, though there are many exceptions.
This post will be relatively short and will include Dick’s Sporting Goods’ Fan Shop. This is the best way I know of to express loyalty to sports teams or individuals. I will also include a few specials that DSG is now running.
THE FAN SHOP
First of all, I am an associate of Dick’s Sporting Goods, as well as a long time customer. This has always been my favorite source for athletic equipment. As an associate, I may benefit from activity on my link to Dick’s Sporting Goods. This is affiliate marketing.
See my upper menu – BECOME AN AFFILIATE MARKETER -for information on how this works.
See my prior post on Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Sports teams within the following categories are represented in different ways by the Fan Shop at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
- NCAA
- NFL
- NBA
- MLB
- NHL
- USA Olympic team
The “different ways” include the following:
- Shirts
- Jackets
- Hats
- Jerseys
- Pants
- Art
- Tumblers
- Shorts
- Coolers
- Blankets
- Chairs
- Backpacks
Sizes of clothing items include those for men. women, boys, girls and unisex.
CURRENT SPECIALS AT DICK’S SPORTING GOODS
I enjoyed going to Dick’s Sporting Goods stores and looking around for specific items or browsing for what I may need. My family members would not go anywhere else for athletic shoes, nor would I.
But now, I prefer to check out their specials Online to see discounts and clearance items. I can also pass these on to readers. Here are some of the current specials:
- Up to 30% off North Face, Columbia and Patagonia
- 25% off NCAA clothing (polos, quarter zips, fleece and tees)
- Up to $250 off on Blackstone Griddles
- $119.99 on select Cloudrunner running shoes
- $250 off on Peloton treadmill
- Up to 40% off select team equipment and cleats
- Up to 40% off select Nike shoes
- Up to 50% off select NFL gear and clothing
- Up to $200 off select golf clubs – Callaway, TaylorMade and more
- Up to 40% off select outdoor gear – bikes, paddles, camping, hiking
- Up to 45% off select fitness equipment
- BOGO 50% off on select Walter Hagen clothing (with some exclusions)
- $129.99 for 2′ by 4′ regulation cornhole board set
- Up to $100 off select golf electronics
See my Dick’s Sporting Goods link at the side of my website. Click on the red link. This will take you to their site. Then, you will see the question “What are you looking for?” Proceed from there.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Dick’s Sporting Goods is the place where pro athletes and serious amateurs shop. But beginners and fans are welcomed also and will be treated well. Bear in mind that DSG has donated millions of dollars to benefit public athletic programs and young athletes.
Let’s recognize the value of fans to high school, college and professional sports teams. Without the fans, professional teams in particular could not exist. Neither could the amateur teams or individuals.
Let’s also be appreciative of the great athletes who understand and honor their fans!
Please leave me any comments or questions in the “Comments” section below.
Be well and stay active!
Hi there,
Thanks for sharing,I think it’s great to ponder different perspectives and ideas.It’s amazing to hear about your experiences with sports legends like the Brooklyn Dodgers and Sam Snead! The personal connections you made with these athletes must have been truly special. It’s interesting how you’ve noticed a shift in athlete-fan interactions over the years.
Thanks, Dr. Cyprain. Yes, it’s been fun. I forgot to mention that I went into my maternal great-grandparents’ barn and found old newspapers when I was a pre-teen. I saw where Babe Ruth had an off day, 0 for 4. The date was sometime before 1923, since Lou Gehrig was not yet playing first base for the Yankees.