The Tank was honored to meet one of the 50 Greatest NBA Players of All Time, Walt "Clyde" Frazier, last night at a Learning Annex seminar in the City.
Walt told the inspiring story of his life growing up from humble beginnings in Atlanta, Georgia. He rose to great heights because of his strong family background, especially his Mom who inpsired him to stay away from drugs and alcohol. She always told him to "Don't gain the world and lose your soul." Though he never met Willis Reed's or Bill Bradley's parents, he is certain that they were the same kind of good people his parents were.
He inspired the crowd through example and underscored the need for society to look after each other. He was raised by a Village. If he misbehaved in his hometown, any adult (uncle, aunt, neighbor, etc.) had permission to discipline him and his parents wouldn't sue. He always behaved out of respect for his family and his name. Walt underscored the values of discipline and hard work.
Walt also addressed the breakdown in the Village as there are unfortunately more African American males in jail than in college. Kids are having kids. He underscored the need for African Americans to know their history. Some of today's players don't know who Jackie Robinson was while others don't know who Martin Luther King Jr. was.
Walt told us how he came up with his trademark phrases. Since his former radio colleague talked so much, he had little time to get his points across so he came up with trademark phrases like "shake and bake" (The Tank's favorite), "swishing and dishing", and so on. Walt turned this negative into a positive and we cheered him on in person as we do at home.
One of the great things about being a New York sports fan is the energy and enthusiasm we show our sports heroes. During the question and answer session, the Tank was especially inspired by fellow fans like DeeDee who wanted to ride in style in a Rolls Royce like Walt did around town during his playing days. DeeDee's Dad made her save for it and she went to her prom in a Rolls Royce. There was a 10 year old girl and her Dad who asked Walt how to improve her game. Her enthusiasm was infectious. Rodney is a certified Big Brothers, Big Sisters mentor. He asked Walt about positively influencing even more kids and Walt gave him great advice. Even if you reach one kid, it's worth it because you made a difference and that inspired kid often leads others.
Walt is also a national spokesman for Type 2 (Adult) Diabetes. It hit close to home as the Tank's Dad was diagnosed with it 12 years ago. Walt's former teammate Earl "The Pearl" Munroe is also afflicted with it. Walt was also one of the first athletes to eat healthy and has been practicing yoga since 1975.
The Tank wanted write a basketball story but I came away with a much more valuable life lesson. Life is much more than basketball and Walt "Clyde" Frazier is living proof of it. Great players get up for each and every game. If you live your life like Walt, you will be a champion every day of your life. Walt is pictured below pointed to his 1973 Knicks Championship Ring on his left hand and his Hall of Fame Ring is on his right hand.
Posted by a grateful Tank in NY.