Tuesday, May 19, 1998
Wizard’s presence casts magic spell
COLUMN: Meeting legend gives mere human access to realm of
immortality
Have you ever been in the company of greatness? And when I say
greatness, I don’t mean bumping into some local celebrity in
Westwood or seeing a basketball player lounging by Taco Bell. No,
that’s definitely not what I’m talking about.
When I ask if you’ve been in the company of greatness, I’m not
asking you to recount the time you got Oddibe McDowell’s autograph
at the Giants spring training camp 10 years ago. I don’t want you
to think about that moment when you saw Manute Bol practicing
three-pointers before a Warriors game. Those responses also land a
bit wide of the mark that Mark has set forth.
What I want you to recall, dear reader, is the moment, however
brief, that you knew that you were standing with, talking to, or
shaking hands those who are truly sublime.
I want you to think about what it was about that person that
made meeting them so special, that took it above the simple
autograph session with the Oakland A’s bullpen staff during batting
practice (Dave Leiper and Dave Von Ohlen, to be specific.)
I don’t care if it was shaking hands with Hank Aaron, talking to
Magic Johnson or being acknowledged by Andre Agassi. All that I
want is for you to be sure that memory is fresh, because they don’t
come around that often.
I’m making this request because I want to give you the chance to
relive that experience as I take you through one of mine.
I want you to relish the feeling that came with standing by a
hero, having them shake your hand, share a few words with you,
smile, and then go on about being an icon.
Why? Because it doesn’t happen that often, and it should, no,
must be savored.
You see, I’ve always liked wizards – whether it was reading
about Gandalf in the Hobbit or Merlin in Excalibur. The cool
composure, the supreme confidence, and the utter placidity these
guys exuded is what drew me to them, maybe because I’m a bit
lacking in some of those departments.
Now, while I spent my formative years being fascinated by
wizardry, I never dreamed that one day I might find myself in such
lofty company.
But lo, there I was Sunday night at the Regent Beverly Wilshire,
standing next to just such a man, sharing a few words and a
handshake with the Wizard of Westwood.
Oh, transcendent experience! Oh, to preserve that moment
forever, when John Wooden and I spoke to each other, when his
handshake momentarily lifted me from the realm of mortals and (dare
I say it) placed me in the presence of the immortals.
That’s what John Wooden is – not only to me, but to the UCLA
community, because without the efforts of this man, UCLA would not
the what it is today, plain and simple.
John Wooden is above all of the tired hype surrounding famous
people. He was not made great by his efforts as a coach and a
winner. Things like that don’t a true hero make. It’s his words,
his writings, his complete tranquility, intense devotion to life
and family, and his enduring sincerity that moves him above simple
fame, and makes him one of those people whose mere presence is
inspiring.
Now, I’ve met my fair share of famous people in my life, and all
of those moments are special. I’m sure that you have your own
handful of celebrity encounters.
But I only have a few moments like Sunday night, and I’m just as
sure that you may have but a trifling number as well.
That is why I wanted to help you relive them, because they don’t
happen that often, and it’s sometimes difficult to define why
they’re so special, so perfect.
It’s because I met a wizard that I’ll never forget the 15
seconds of his life that John Wooden dedicated to me.
Mark Shapiro is a Daily Bruin staff writer and columnist.
E-mail responses to [email protected]