Get to know executive assistant Patrick Edwards

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

Patrick: So, I’m going to let you guys ask me anything— about sports, Don!—a chance for you guys and the folks out in Chicagoland to learn more about me. Don, I’m going to hold off on a question for you; give you a chance to come up with something that is sportsrelated. So, Russ, what do you have for me?

Russ: Which sports—say, top 5—are your watchables?

Patrick: My number 1 is absolutely the NBA. Specifically, I am a Bulls and Lakers fan and, yes, it was pre-Kobe! I always get that follow-up question from folks once they realize the Kobe-love I had for the recently-passed brotha. My time went back to my early college days and Eddie Jones and Starter Jackets! Before anyone asks, Yes, I owned a Lakers Starter Jacket. It was black with gold and white trim. Number 2 is a tie between football and tennis. I love my Bears and, of course, I love my Venus Williams. Number 3 is golf. Haven’t played it much, but it’s so friggin’ peaceful to watch on a Sunday afternoon—especially if Tiger’s in the hunt! Number 4: Boxing. Still wrestling with the legality and acceptance of this sport, especially when I look back in history and think about how Black kids were made to box for viewing pleasure and betting purposes—events dubbed “Battle Royale”— and this wasn’t even only during slavery. November 5, I’d give it up to baseball.

Don: Have you ever officially played sports? In high school, college, etc.?

Patrick: Well, throughout middle school and through high school, I did play. From the sixth-grade on, I played basketball and baseball for my school: University of Chicago Laboratory Schools over in Hyde Park. There were a couple of guys I played with throughout those years that I still hang out with from time to time: E, Astone, Jake, Jeff, CB, B, Harry, 'drilla, and still more. For basketball, I was a shooting guard and was, often, forced into the point guard role! For baseball, I pitched and played second mostly. On a separate note, I always did want to go out for the tennis team in high school, but it was always during, I believe, baseball season, and I couldn’t not play baseball. Other than that, nothing official.

John: What’s your favorite sport to play?

Patrick: Easy. Ping Pong. I loves me some Ping Pong. Now, if there aren’t any pingpong tables on-site, then finding a basketball court is mandatory.

Russ: Cubs or Sox?

Patrick: I am a Chicago fan. Not only do I enjoy both the Cubs and the White Sox, I root for the Fire, the Sky, the Blackhawks, Bears, DePaul, Northwestern—everybody! If, however, I were absolutely forced to choose, this is how I’d explain it: I want the Sox and the Cubs to win the exact number of games…and in the final game of the Series, I’ll be rooting for the White Sox to win it on a last at-bat in infinity-inning.

Don: When you came on the team here at SportsWise, did you think we had our stuff together?

Patrick: Yes. I’d read you guys before, so I knew I was down with the real deal—or, as Don is known to say: the “Real Deal, Holyfield!” Mind you, sitting around with y’all and hearing it from your mouths (or, on occasion, fingers), I’m definitely more impressed. I strive to sound—and be—as intelligent as y’all are with this stuff. No joke.

John: Do you truly believe the Bears are Super Bowl bound?

Patrick: I do.

Any comments or suggestions? Email pedwards@streetwise.org