I know y’all been training!
Anyone have any idea who the reigning MVP is? The answer
will be at the end of this newsletter.
Of course, we don’t do the Turkey Bowl for the glory (says
that guy who’s never won MVP). We participate in the Turkey Bowl either because
we have a deep belief in our ability to run, throw, and catch; or because we
love the competition; or because we have to; or because after 38 years, we can’t
think of anything else to do on Thanksgiving morning.
That would be in a normal year. I know that 2021 is supposed
to be all about returning to normal, but this Turkey Bowl doesn’t feel entirely
normal. For one thing, there will be no Kesins playing this year. For those who
aren’t aware, Judy Kesin has moved to western Massachusetts, so Andrew and Fam
will be celebrating the holiday without a three-plus-hour drive. Yes, his
absence severely hurts the adults’ chances this year. I called Draft Kings to
get odds, and they laughed at me and hung up. However, I’m hopeful that a year
off will help us.
For another thing, this means that the responsibility for
Taylor ham, egg, and cheese sandwiches has been transferred to Doug MacDonald. Kesin
has always been flashy on the field, but I’ve always appreciated the behind-the-scenes
jobs he did for the Big Game: THEC, primary or back-up football, wee dram supply,
and organizing the annual photo. I’m going to miss seeing his huge duffle bag sitting
on the picnic table.
For another another thing, there are just unknowns. As I’m typing
this, I’m soothing my sore arm from my booster shot with a cheeky white wine. Two
years ago, we didn’t think a lot about booster shots or viruses or masks or
anti-vaxxers. We also didn’t think about how blessed we are to be able to get
together every year and play and have fun. I’ve been thinking about the parallel
game that happens at Orchard. I wonder if they played last year? I hope that
they did. I’m also asking that only people who are fully vaccinated play this
year in our game. We all want to be safe and keep our friends and families safe.
In case anyone has forgotten, the game kicks off at 10:30 at
Orchard Park in Maplewood, NJ. My thinking is that we’ll continue the recent
tradition of kids vs. adults, but I have images of lopsided scores dancing
through my head, so I’m reserving the right to mix things up at halftime. I’m
hoping that Lars will be bringing some participants this year, but I also hope
that he’s talked to them about how it’s great to show off one’s talent, but the
true spirit of Thanksgiving lies in not showing up the opponents too badly. The
same applies to Brian O’Neill’s nephews, who get bigger and stronger every year
and who are now playing big-time football.
I’ve written 38 Turkey Bowl newsletters. This is the first
time I’ve asked for mercy.
There will be hugs. There will be sore muscles. There will
be smack talk. There will be smiles. Join us, even if you don’t want to play.
One thing I’ve learned over the past few months, it’s just so great to see
people we love these days.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Request: Bring a ball if you have one. It would be
embarrassing if we didn’t have one.
Answer: The reigning MVP is Owen Shelffo, who had his knee drained
on Monday by the orthopedist. I wasn’t there, but from what I understand it was
kind of like the “Cut-me, Mick,” scene from Rocky.
