Ode to the SportsWise Crew

by Patrick Edwards

SportsWise, SportsWise, why do it be? To educate, to entertain, to open you to see

Those three—well, us four—do what we do Because we want to influence, to elevate YOU

Loving sports is the lit; but it’s more than that It’s the camaraderie: John, Russ, Don & Pat

We, the SportsWise crew, do what we do Because we want to influence—to elevate YOU

As we settle into the New Year—cold weather and all— the SportsWise team gets a week off, but I can’t completely let 'em go.

When I came on board in 2018, Russell Adams worked in our then-office at Wilson & Broadway as the man who kept our digs well-groomed. Our office, entrenched in a tough building, in a tough location full of tough folks, was very old and not well-maintained. For Russ to keep us aesthetically and hygienically good was a HUGE “pro” in his favor. Russ, also, lent his guidance to many who came to lay his or her love on StreetWise’s humble abode. The guidance may have begun with “Please clean up a lil’bit after yourself,” but would end with: “I understand your family issues and living woes; so what’re you doing about it?”

In regard to SportsWise, most impressive with Russ is his enthusiasm for sports. Over the years, we’ve attended multiple games together and enjoyed a cheer, a laugh, a beer—good times.

Upon meeting John Hagan for the first time, the first thing I noticed was that he reminded me of an old-school actor—like a John Wayne or someone. But when he opened his mouth, all I heard was “sports announcer.” When I first sat with the team, I was impressed by his intellect, especially in regard to sports and sports statistics. John was able to travel back in his mind and bring forth something from, say, 1978, and state it with confidence, which had me unpressured to validate, because I knew he knew. John ain’t perfect, but he’s pretty damn good with sports.

John’s recent emergence as an in-house wealth of assistance— in the café, in the storage room (clothes/hygiene materials)—is something I can’t “up” him enough about. When I’m stretched—or when I don’t want to be stretched—John is there to help make the magic happen. Between me and you, I hate to see him actually leave to sell the magazine!

If you know Donald Morris, you know he’s a character. Don’s someone who has valuable nuggets of knowledge. He’s gruff with it at times; yet, if you allow his words to marinate, you’ll be able to “hear” him. Don’s love and enthusiasm for Marvel comics—and related—is as large as his enthusiasm for all women’s basketball. I was able to secure a string of WNBA Chicago Sky tickets last year, including the playoffs, and the motivation for it was Donald. I knew others wanted to attend (enough really); yet, it was Donald’s appreciation I stretched for. Unfortunately, Donald wasn’t able to make all of the games and the games he didn’t attend, the Sky lost. “Don, this year, bring the sniffle-rags and Theraflu!”

The other day, at an all-vendors meeting, Don kicked it off like the veteran and leader that he is. Don has a tough exterior with a ton to say and, if you’re lucky, you’ll be lucked with a solid word from the man. I melt a lil’ when I see or hear the grizzled veteran give a good word—or 68—to a younger, new vendor. I fill with admiration as the grandfather-figure emerges, as the patriarch stands, and as the leader shows his true self to this fresh-faced vendor.

Any comments or suggestions? Email pedwards@streetwise.org

Vendors Russell Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat about the world of sports with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.