Sportsman of the Year
The player who best represented their team, the AABL, and the game on and off the court
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Pete McMahan
Commonwealth
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In a year of many ups and downs on and off the court, the most memorable
event of the season for me, personally, was the passing of Pete McMahan. I
only had a few brief conversations with him at the gym and at the bars, but I
never really knew what the guy was all about until the planning for the 2007
Season began.
Commonwealth-- the defending champs-- was in danger of not participating
in the season because of a shortage of willing players. Pete was telling me it
wasn't looking good for his team and they might not play. He was
disappointed because, after all the leagues and tourneys he played in, the
AABL was his favorite. Some of his family and friends would think it was a
little crazy that a white kid was playing in an Asian league, but he loved it
regardless.
However, Pete was determined to get his team in the league. After some
work rallying the few teammates that were willing and able to play,
Commonwealth was officially back in the league for the 2007 Season.
The days leading up to the start of the season, we would talk on the phone
about rosters and team fees and he would always mention how excited he
was about the upcoming season. The last conversation I had with Pete, he
thanked me continually for helping get his team back in the league. I
remember he said, "Thanks, Ferd. You're the man, Ferd. I love you, man. Not
in a gay way... but you know..." I said, "I love you, too, man. And I know what
you mean..."
I was eager to see Commonwealth and the big, non-jumping white guy with a
sweet J defend their crown. But Commonwealth ended up not defending the
crown, and the big guy's J never made it to the gym.
During Week 1, Pete was hospitalized for an extended period of time and
shortly thereafter passed away. I was told that even though he wasn't doing
well in the hospital, he asked if "his team" won. He would always say "his
team".
Pete's love of the game showed in passing. His memorial service was at a
recreation center. On a basketball court. With many AABL players and
friends in attendance and even more non-AABLers packing the gym, many
great words were said about Pete. And afterwards they played some pick-up
ball. And the non-ballers gathered and ate and shared more stories about the
Pistol.
After meeting old friends of Pete and re-connecting with some old friends of
mine who knew Pete also, it amazed me to see how one bright, shining
person could influence, connect, and inspire so many lives. Pete truly loved
the game and it loved him back.
Congrats to Pete McMahan-- Sportsman of the Year.
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