Thought here is: Would that any of us could be so honored on the way out.
How fitting that Tom McEwen’s farewell send-off was one for the ages–before a standing room only crowd that ranged from Manny the barber (Huerta) to Eddie the billionaire (DeBartolo). Here a Frank Morsani and Barry Cohen. There a Jon Gruden and Bryan Glazer. Mayor Bob Buckhorn: check. Former Mayor and political icon Dick Greco: check. Members of the media who weren’t there to cover it: check.
Imagine, a central casting, Irish-brogued MC, aka Monsignor Laurence Higgins, for immortal perspective and humor. Hall of Fame athletes–guys named Spurrier and Selmon–as eulogists.
Net effect: Lots of vintage war stories and many more smiles and laughs than tears. Even allowing for a moving, bagpiped version of “Amazing Grace.” A true celebration of a life well lived. From working behind the scenes to catapult Tampa and Tampa Bay into the big time to enduring suffering with uncommon grace and wit.
And one final agenda item.
We’ve all been following that ongoing stadium saga involving the city of St. Petersburg, the Tampa Bay Rays and the need for an enlightened, regional self-interest scenario. It was recently noted that investment funds affiliated with a Denver individual responsible for putting together the Colorado Rockies baseball stadium deal have purchased land in the Channel District. Then last week Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan raised stadium-centered speculation about community redevelopment areas and tax increment financing.
This area is reaching a point where the Rays, on record as saying they will not stay the (2027 lease) course on staying in outmoded, geographically-challenged Tropicana Field, will force the issue. St. Pete is obviously not inclined to take one for the (regional) team. It may come down to Tampa or Charlotte or San Antonio or Las Vegas or even more metro New York. Chances are the water will continue to be a “big divide,” as Stu Sternberg has pointedly noted.
So, Tom McEwen, call home.
P.S. Sorry to bother you while you’re working that celestial room, but those folks already know all about you.