Hometown Heros

[barrysloate]

I've had two primary residences in my life and each has boasted a famous athlete.

I grew up in Cedarhurst, NY, a town in the southwestern corner of Long Island. During my sophomore year at Lawrence High School, our very successful football team was anchored by Lyle Alzado. Lyle was an absolute terror and the best player in the county. I was terrified of him, and whenever I saw him in the hallway I would walk the other way. He once threatened to beat me up (he thought my hair was too long) but fortunately forgot about it by the next day. We all thought he would end up in prison or worse. Luckily, he was able to channel his anger and volatility into a fine NFL career.

For the past forty years I've lived in the Cobble Hill/Brooklyn Heights area. Our most famous athlete was Jim Creighton. Creighton lived and died at his parents' home at 307 Henry Street, about four blocks away. During his years with the Brooklyn Excelsiors, he walked a few blocks to their clubhouse at 133 Clinton Street (I live on Clinton St. too, several blocks south). There is currently a plaque on the front of the building that mentions him and the great Excelsior team. When he died there was a funeral procession through the neighborhood, it was a pretty big event.

Two athletes who had little in common except they both died too young.

South River NJ Hometown to Joe Thiesmann , Drew Pearson and Alex Wojciechowicz

[margoaepi]

Oceanside, New York. Where both Dennis Leonard and John Frascatore played high school ball. Both before my time. We also claim former QB Jay Fiedler.

[barrysloate]

Originally Posted by margoaepi

Oceanside, New York. Where both Dennis Leonard and John Frascatore played high school ball. Both before my time. We also claim former QB Jay Fiedler.

Josh- wasn't Boomer Esaison from your neck of the woods?

[7nohitter]

Framingham, MA: Pie Traynor!

[margoaepi]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

Josh- wasn't Boomer Esaison from your neck of the woods?

Looks like he is from Islip, which is Suffolk County. In other words, a long way out there.

[barrysloate]

Originally Posted by margoaepi

Looks like he is from Islip, which is Suffolk County. In other words, a long way out there.

I'm pretty sure Boomer played in Nassau County. My old gym teacher Sal Ciampi was his high school coach.

I just googled it and you are right. My bad memory.

[Cardboard Junkie]

Hi Barry! It amazes me that you have had only two primary residences in your life. Whew! I must have had 2 or 3 dozen! Dave.

[z28jd]

Originally Posted by rgpete

South River NJ Hometown to Joe Thiesmann , Drew Pearson and Alex Wojciechowicz

You got a pre-WWII player from there, Pete Sivess. He played for 1936-38 Phillies. A quick search didn't find any baseball cards, but he is a fairly easy autograph to obtain and there are some cool old pics around

Now that you mention that, my Grandfather new him and a group went to Pittsburg to watch him. I remember my Grandfather telling the story going on the train and horseshoe curve. I grew up in So River

[z28jd]

Originally Posted by rgpete

Now that you mention that, my Grandfather new him and a group went to Pittsburg to watch him. I remember my Grandfather telling the story going on the train and horseshoe curve. I grew up in So River

well you gotta get this then! http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pete-Sivess-...item43c1b4ace4

[Cardboard Junkie]

The Rock, B. J. Penn, and Oprah, are my neighbors! Dave.

Originally Posted by z28jd

well you gotta get this then! http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pete-Sivess-...item43c1b4ace4

Thanks for the info