Wore My 44 So Long

Been thinking about 44 a lot of late.
Everyone seems to be saying this 44th president is history. I concur.
I credit Bush for me even knowing what number we're on, with him and his son's 41-43 banter. I sure didn't know what number Clinton was. I know he has a curved dick.
So as the week's festivities reminded me of 44, my ponderance turned to what every sports fan does - who wore 44?
Hank Aaron and Pistol Pete. Any others were lower tier who I'd have to double check to make sure.
Pistol Pete and Barry O'Bomber with the smokes and everything is curious, but I think it's Hammerin' Hank who offers an interesting sports context for our new prez.
Humble and soft spoken describe both and steady determination would probably also synopsize their styles.
I also truly believe that the two have similar racial awarenesses that prescribe critic silencing production combined with unwavering pride.
At Obama's relative young age it will be interesting to see if he replicates Henry Aaron's undeniable longevity.
I think what hits me the most though is that unforgettable picture of the two Disco-era white boys who ran the bases with Aaron when he hit 715. A timeless slice of Americana and more importantly a poignant statement about how greatness renders most of us colorblind.
It was in the end a meaningless stunt, but it will always be imprinted in our brains and in a way paved the road for Obama's unlikely ascension.

The next MJ

If you don't regularly ponder who the next Michael Jordan will be, it probably means you are so young that your computer settings will filter the shit that is this blog.
Jordan's transcendence is proved when he inspires a slug like me to even attempt a blog.
Can you watch NBA highlights without trying to spot the next great?
Today's highlights included the four princes since His Airness' abdication.
Kobe may go by a Madonna-like solo moniker, but he's done. No MJ. Never. Easy one.
That brings us to D. Wade. He's got the overall skill set, but is he the next once-in-a-generation great like Oscar Robertson, Dr. J and Jordan? Yes and no. He's the big O. Flashy greatness within the NBA sphere, but probably not a culture shifting icon a la Erving and Jordan.
Kevin Durant is awesome and probably the most promising current NBA player. He is a player who can bring a team championships in the sport where one player makes the most difference. His deftness however is his weakness in a weird way. His moves are subtle, in a way we haven't seen since Larry Bird. His highlight clip was a pass!?!? But like Bird he's on a second deitifical tier because of his spotlight deference. He could get better and better, but stuck in OKC, he'll likely never be the next Michael Jordan, if only because of the mind-numbing nothingness that all of Oklahoma represents.
Derek Rose made the list only today. His windmilly-amongst-the-trees-3-the-old-fashioned-way layup was killer, and his solid start has Bulls fans giddy, but alas he's the wrong size to be the next Mike.
So who is it? Is he in college still, languishing in the minors under the anti-trust thumb of the NBA's 1 yr. probation? No. If there was a 17 year old phenom of notable caliber he'd be wisest to go to the powderpuff leagues of Europe and start cashing in.
I'm sure the Bush family style sleaze (Reggie or Prescott - take your pick) has scoured the high school ranks, so he (or she for that matter) hasn't emerged there.
It's quite possible the next MJ has been discovered in fifth grade by that cultural drift net that is YouTube.
Check out Jashaun Agosto. Is he the next Michael Jordan? You decide, ye American Idol audience.