Alan NeSmith
Curious is a word I’ve learned a new meaning for since moving to North Georgia. Growing up in South Georgia, I always associated being curious to someone being very interested in something.
For example: That NeSmith boy sure is curious about how to catch more catfish. However, in North Georgia, I often hear, “You know, he’s a curious fellow.” Which I have learned means the fellow is particular or even a tad strange about certain matters.
Hmmm.
Thursday morning, I was talking to my friend Tommy Thurmond. As most of our conversations do, we started off by discussing the greatest college football team in the world who represents the greatest University in the world on the gridiron. And don’t act confused about who I’m referring to.
How ‘bout them Dawgs!
During our discussion of the back-to-back National Champions, we began to talk about traditions we have to help our Dawgs on the field. Or, as the legendary Larry Munson would say “Old Lady Luck” smiling down on our team.
Tommy has a pair of black pants he believes, and I’m with him, has helped keep our Dawgs rolling. And he will wear them, and the Bulldawg Nation wants him to keep wearing them, until the last ounce of “Old Lady Luck” wears off.
I’ll never forget going to the 2007 Blackout Game against Auburn at home. Yes, I wore my lucky red shirt against my new bride’s advice and will. And no less than two dozen people asked me at the tailgate, “Did you not get the memo?” not to mention the stares. However, when our Dawgs defeated the Tigers 45-20 in the “Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry” game no one said a darn thing about my lucky red shirt as we walked out of Sanford Stadium.
Yesterday was Opening Day for America’s favorite pastime. However, I have been watching my two favorite players take the field since February.
And when either one of them enters the batter’s box, I stand up, place my left hand over my right wrist and wait for a hit. But when the count gets to 3-and-2, I’ve learned it helps to lean up against something.
So, here’s to the Georgia Bulldawg’s two National Championships, Tommy’s black pants and the Opening Day of Major League Baseball!
And all the curious ways sports fans have to keep our team on Old Lady Luck’s side.
Alan NeSmith is the chairman of Community Newspapers Inc. Reach him at 706-778-4215 or anesmith@TheNortheastGeorgian.com.