In the aftermath of this year’s incredible-finish Indy 500 race, we were reminded of all things Dan Wheldon, the winner. There was his burgeoning family, his congenial manner, his winning smile, his British expat accent–and his love of living in Pinellas County. Not in a high rise or a gated community. But on Snell Isle near downtown St. Petersburg. Next to neighbors.
He and wife Susie are part of the pedestrian Snell scene pushing baby strollers. He likes hanging out at Starbucks and Einstein Bros. Bagels. He’s marketing manna for St. Pete.
But let’s not overlook the ultra successful manager of the Tampa Bay Rays, Joe Maddon. He could live a lot of places. He’s on this side of Tampa Bay.
Initially he rented a townhome on South Oregon Avenue abutting Hyde Park Village. Now he owns a home in Palma Ceia Park. And, yes, that was probably him bicycling along Bayshore Boulevard the other day. It’s a favorite haunt, as well as the 717 South restaurant on South Howard and the Tiny Tap tavern on Morrison Avenue in South Tampa.
Back in the day, athletes used to routinely live in neighborhoods. In fact, back in my row house neighborhood in Philadelphia, we actually had the Phillies’ starting shortstop, Granny Hamner, live two blocks away on the 2900 block of Magee Street.
These days athletes, especially the major sports celebrities, can’t very well live in the hood. Everyone seemingly wants a piece of their time and some reflected glory.
Most of them understandably can’t abide that scene unless they custom build a mansion that can minimize mingling–a la Derek Jeter on Davis Islands.
But Dan Wheldon and Joe Maddon are not most sports celebs. They’re involved in community and charitable pursuits–not just racing cars and managing players. They gravitate to people outside their professional circles. They send out good-neighbor vibes that are reciprocated and respected.
They are winners–even when they fall short of another Indy triumph or a World Series victory.