Citizens Bank Park The sale of the Seattle SuperSonics today to a group of Oklahoma City investors reminds me of a significant moment in my college life. My Seattle buddy was confident that his Sonics could beat my team, the Houston Rockets, in the 1997 NBA playoffs. And, thankfully, he was willing to put his money where his mouth was. The Rockets won that series, and as a reward, I had part of my plane fare from DFW to Seattle two years later paid for. Another friend from Texas and I were to meet our friend in the Great Northwest for a look at the brilliant new Safeco Field, home of the Seattle Mariners.
With that experience, we began a quest to travel the country to attend baseball games at the Majors' new gems, which began popping up after the Baltimore Orioles opened their palace -- Oriole Park at Camden Yards -- in 1992. The following summer was Houston, then Denver. Over the years, we've lost and added travel companions, but without that bet, we may never have begun this wonderful tradition.
Two of us who took that first trip will be on separate planes this week to the City of Brotherly Love. And doubtless, we'll all continue making great memories, thanks to an overconfident buddy who allowed an emotional attachment to a team go a little far.
