LM1121 My apologies to Blue Moon Odum

LM1121 My apologies to Blue Moon Odum

LM, Episode 1121, 1/11/23, (Rewrite Episode 60, 1/12/20), My apologies to Blue Moon Odum

Fifty-three years ago today the KC Chiefs won Super Bowl 4, beating the Minnesota Vikings 23-7.  I was a huge fan as a kid, but unlike most kids, I didn’t care as much about the offense as I did the unyielding Chief’s defense.  Buck Buchanan, Emmitt Thomas, Johnny Robinson, but especially linebacker Bobby Bell.  

Bobby Bell was the greatest athlete I ever saw.  He is not only a great linebacker, member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he was the long snapper on punts and field goals, late in the game on Thanksgiving of 1969, Denver tried an onside kick.  Bobby Bell picked it up and out ran everyone on the field for a touchdown, a play I make Twyla watch every Thanksgiving day.

A few years ago I returned from my run to my Phoenix hotel.  The lobby is full of former professional athletes heading out for a golf tournament and standing there is Bobby Bell.  I turn into a 12 year old girl at a Justin Bieber concert..  “Bobby Bell, I’m Kent Rader.  You are the greatest athlete I ever saw.””

Standing next to him is former A’s pitcher, Blue Moon Odum.  He says, “Hi, Kent, I’m Blue Moon Odum.

I go, “I know who you are, but this is Bobby Bell.  He ran back an onside kick on Thanksgiving day against Denver.”  Bobby Bell laughs and is very gracious to me.   

After two night’s of shows, I fly home to Kansas City.  Twyla meets me at the airport and when we get to baggage claim, standing there is Bobby Bell.  He says, “Hi, Kent.”

Twyla is impressed.  “Wow, Bobby Bell remembered you.”

I go, “Yes, probably like Jody Foster remembers John Hinkley, Jr.”  

They say you should never meet your heroes because they will disappoint you.  That is not true if your hero is Bobby Bell.  And Bobby Bell, if you are listening, next time you see Blue Moon Odum, please extend my apologies. Take care and always remember laughter matters.