41. WHY PALMER??

Imagine if you will that's it's 1965 and you are in Zumbrota, MN. You will soon see that Tom and Adeline Peterson are huge fans of high school basketball in the area. Even if their beloved Zumbrota Tigers lose somehwere along the way in their quest to make the state tournament you will still see Tom and Adeline attending all of the district and region tournament games. Their 11 year old son Paul is also becoming interested in basketball and he is now attending all the games with his parents.

This year's hot team is from nearby Faribault and Paul and several of his buddies from elementary school are becoming big fans of the Faribault Falcons. In fact when these young boys play basketball on the playground during lunch hour they imagine that they are the Faribault players. Paul Peterson has taken a liking to #32, Paul Dragston. Paul always claims that he is Paul Dragston whenever he is playing basketball with his crew. When Faribault wins the region tournament in nearby Rochester and qualifies for the state tournament the young Zumbrota boys are now very excited! This is their team!

The boys state basketball tournament is a big deal and the Peterson family has now gathered around the TV and they are anxiously awaiting the start of the Faribault game at hallowed Williams Arena. Jules Perlt, the famous PA announcer at Williams Arena, is announcing the starting line ups for Faribault and in his very distinctive voice they hear...."starting at forward for Faribault is number 32 Palmer Dragston". As you can see, Paul Peterson is very surprised when he shouts at the TV..."Palmer?...where did that name come from"? What makes it really strange is that this player is never referred to as Palmer ever again by the TV announcers or the PA announcer for the rest of the tournament.

Now it's the following morning and we see Paul coming into school. Almost immediately his basketball buddies begin calling him Palmer. They obviously noticed the Palmer Dragston introduction on TV last night. For whatever reason Paul's friends will not let up and they continue to call him Palmer for the next several months. They seem to think it’s a funny name and they are doing it to needle Paul. As you will see it didn't take long for teachers, coaches, parents, and townspeople to also pick up on this nickname. He was now Palmer to everyone in Zumbrota.

Paul a.k.a Palmer now heads off to Concordia College in Moorhead. One of this high school buddies also goes to Concordia and he immediately spreads the nickname of Palmer to everyone at Concordia. Soon you will see that all the athletes along with all the coaches at Concordia are calling him Palmer.

Let's fast forward to the early 1980's and Paul moves to the Twin Cities. Several of Paul's high school and college friends are also now living here and they of course are spreading the nickname Palmer to anyone who knows Paul. It becomes quite apparent that the nickname of Palmer will stick with him throughout his entire adult life.

Just to add some fun to the story let's jump ahead to the year 2002. We now see Palmer at a Gopher basketball game in Williams Arena. At halftime he runs into some friends he knows from playing basketball. As they are talking you will see another man join the group. It appears that Palmer doesn't know him so this stranger introduces himself..."Hi, I’m Jim Ohnstad, I was a college roommate of your friend Tom". Please notice Palmer’s reaction when he says...."Jim Ohnstad?, you were on that 1965 Faribault state tournament basketball team. I worshiped your team!" 

Palmer then quickly tells the whole story of how he got his nickname from Jim's teammate Paul Dragston. Of course Palmer wants to know why Jim’s teammate was called Palmer Dragston instead of Paul only one time. Jim laughs and says the PA announcer at Williams Arena was a good friend of Paul Dragston's Dad. Guess what his Dad's name was? Yes, you are correct it was Palmer! OH MY!

So here we are today, 53 years later and the nickname of Palmer is going stronger then ever....and it's still spreading! Most people don't know if it's his first name or his last name....He's just Palmer! (see Prince, Madaonna, Cher, etc) However, it is amazing to think that Paul received a life long nickname from a one time mistake made by a PA announcer at Williams Arena in 1965! WOW! It shows you that you never know when an insignificant moment in time will affect your entire life!

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"Palmer's Playground" - Mission Statement

Palmer wants to provide a humorous look at his life to all his friends and followers.

Notes:
- Palmer is a stand up comic wannabe and this is his "material".
- A poor man's mix of Rodney Dangerfield and Jerry Seinfeld.
- The information on this blog should not be taken seriously.
- Warning: Palmer's sense of humor is not shared by the masses.
- Disclaimer: Mission may not have been accomplished.
- Help Menu: If you are reading this blog you are beyond help.
- Comments should be sent to paulpeterson7@comcast.net

40. Frozen 4 - Tampa, FL

The University of Minnesota Golden Gopher hockey team did me a huge favor when they advanced to the Frozen Four in Tampa, FL. This trip to the Frozen Four by my Gophers meant I was going to have another opportunity to work for the charter company that would be providing a travel package to the Tampa. (see Prattle #39 for background information on this charter company and my job responsibilities).

Thanks fellas!

Trip Fun Facts
1. 150 Gopher hockey fans went on the trip
2. Chartered a plane from Sun Country Airlines
3. Departed Minneapolis on Wednesday, April 4th at 6:00 pm
4. Stayed at a hotel in downtown Tampa...walking distance to hockey arena
5. Soda Social (pep rally) on Thursday afternoon
6. Gophers vs.Boston College - Thursday night
7. Clearwater Beach - Friday - all day
8. Tampa Bay Downs Horse Racing Track - Saturday afternoon
9. Frozen Four championship game - Saturday night
10. Arrived back in Minneapolis at 2:00 am Sunday morning, April 8th
I can't go anywhere without writing up a quick recap of the trip's highlights. With that thought in mind here is another one of my rambling prattles.......

Here we go.....buckle up!

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Introduction

Our group of Gopher hockey fans arrived in Tampa on Wednesday night in the middle of a huge thunderstorm.....rained hard all night but it was very nice the next morning and it remained that way for the rest of our stay.

The weather was beautiful....the people were great....my fun bag was filled



The Tampa Bay Times Forum.....site of the Frozen Four...this is why we came here

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Thursday - April 5th

There is an entertainment district called Channelside Bay Plaza located only a few blocks from the Forum and this is where the big pre-game parties took place on Thursday afternoon. This area can best be described as a cul-de-sac lined with bars and restaurants. Each team that was participating in the Frozen Four had a designated bar at Channelside Bay Plaza that served as their official fan headquarters. In the middle of this cul-de-sac type area was a large plaza where fans from all four teams were able to meet and mingle. It was quite a scene to behold....everybody was decked out in attire that represented their school....music....bands....cheerleaders.....adult beverages....food.....anticipation....excitement....beautiful weather....it was as good as it gets.

Gopher Fan Headquarters...the place was buzzing at noon on Thursday

The plaza area outside the bars was the place to meet and mingle

One of the things I always like to do when I'm attending these type of events is to try and find any luminaries who may be milling around in the crowd. Even though I didn't find as many of these type of people as I thought I would, I did spot a few individuals who were somewhat well known in Minnesota. My list is obviously pretty weak but at least I avoided the shut out.

1. Lou Nanne - played hockey for the Gophers, the USA Olympic team and the Minnesota North Stars (NHL); coach and general manager of the Minnesota North Stars; considered to be the expert on all things hockey in Minnesota.

2. Pam Borton - head coach of the Gopher women's basketball team

3. Judd Zulgad and Joe Anderson (Mr. Phunn) - "Judd and Phunn" radio show on ESPN 1500



I just love talking "puck" with Lou Nanne



Hey Pam, any openings on your staff....I was a BB coach once you know

Judd and Phunn did their daily 9 to noon radio show from Tampa

It was now time for the official "Sota Social" to begin.....or pep rally / pep fest if you prefer...

Every pep rally needs cheerleaders.....

.....and every cheerleader needs their picture taken with me

Judd and Phunn ask Lou Nanne to give his expert opinion on the upcoming game

It was now time to get out "amongst 'em".....this big crowd needs to be "worked".....and that is what I do best (well, at least I think I do).

Do I know you?....cause you look a lot like my next girlfriend....(bad start, huh)

Time to get out on the plaza and start "working" the fans from the other teams

Got off to a great start.....you don't meet women from Union College everyday

Fraternizing with the opponent is a "no no"... sorry, couldn't pass up the BC gals  

I think it's your lucky day....I can talk hockey all day long

I was sorry to see the party end but it was time to head to the big game....let's play hockey!......Gophers vs Boston College.......Ferris State had defeated Union in the first semi-final game.



I love my seats....Row 6...top of the faceoff circle....don't you just love Goldy?



My Gophers run into a buzz saw....BC has them down early

Not a good night for my Gophers....Gophers lose big.... 6-1

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Friday - April 6th

The very disappointed Gopher fans had to rally on Friday morning because we still had two more days to spend in Tampa. (the trip package was based on a Saturday night departure no matter how the Gophers did in the semi-final game on Thursday night).

On Friday the charter company had a bus lined up to take people to Clearwater beach. There were about 60 people who signed up to go and it was my job to help make sure that everybody mde it back to the hotel at the end of the day....the pressure was on...job is on the line..


It was a gorgeous day at Clearwater beach...lots of things to see and do



I was with a group who went on a boat trip aboard a million dollar catamaran

You serve beer on this boat?....I guess I will need to keep an eye on our guests

It's "bizzaro world"..... women now want me to pose with them... gotta love it!

Once the boat ride was over it was time to check out some of the bars and restaurants on Clearwater beach.

Yes, my strategy does really work...meet my new friend Sandy

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Saturday - April 7th
On Saturday the charter company lined up a bus to take people out to Tampa Bay Downs, the local horse racing track. I was again in charge of making sure that all of the guests made it back to the hotel safe and sound. There were only 19 people who went to the track so my job was pretty easy for this outing.

Big crowd....beautiful day....ready to lose some money

 "6th race....$10....trifecta... #4, #3, #2....Box.".. how's that for some lingo?

Won some money but had no good photo ops.....where were all the women?

On Saturday night most of the 150 people who came on the trip elected to attend the Frozen Four championship game. The plan was that once the game was over around 9:30 pm the buses would be waiting outside the arena and we would head straight to the airport. This whole process of getting people back to Minneapolis is where I earned my keep on this trip...lots of logistics to manage.

Do we have everyone?...if I lose someone I'll never work a trip again



Tired bunch of fans....but I have to be as engaging as ever...it's my job



My suggestion would be to just go to sleep....of course I can't say that to them



Landed at 2:00 am......time for a quick nap before Easter sunrise service 


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BONUS - MINI PRATTLE

Once I returned home I needed to stop and take the time to really appreciate the great run of fun that I had just completed. The quick recap listed below would confirm that my strategy for handling retirement has worked out quick well.

February
- Second Week - Orlando, FL - golf community - golf, golf, golf

March
- First Week - Siesta Key - Sarasota, FL - beach, sun, fun, spring training baseball games
- Third Week - Scottsdale, AZ - Sun, fun, golf, hiking, biking, NCCA BB, baseball games
- Fourth Week - New York City - NIT Basketball tournament* (Gophers) - Broadway plays, site seeing

April
- First Week - Tampa, FL - Frozen Four Hockey Tournament (Gophers) - beach, party, race track
- Second Week - Starter/Ranger at Rush Creek Golf Course - Maple Grove - free golf all summer

Finally....I'm a starter at a nice golf course....my life is now complete

39. NIT - New York City

Now that I'm finally out of the sales meat grinder my plan is to actively search for interesting things to do that are both meaningful and fun. The evaluation criteria that I will use during this search process will be based on how much I enjoy doing something rather than how much I get paid for doing it. This means that I'll primarily be looking to volunteer, travel and work with organizations that are involved with athletics.

How can you say no to the Salvation Amy?.... (volunteer bell ringer)

The first significant opportunity that came my way had everything I was looking for....fun, travel, people and athletics. The owner of a charter company here in the Twin Cities offered me a job to be a host on the trips that his company provides for fans of the University of Minnesota Golden Gopher athletic teams. This charter company has been putting together these trip packages to Gopher road games since 1993.

When do we leave?....when do we get back?...how much does it cost?

I got to know the owner of this charter company at the bar where my group meets before Gopher basketball games. When the owner heard that I had retired he said he wanted to hire me to work for him next fall on trips to Gopher road football games. I of course jumped all over this opportunity...this was  right up my alley.

I'm already excited....I'll be going into this "Sea of Red" next fall....Nebraska

My job responsibilities with this charter company would be to help people get on the plane, see that everyone gets on the right bus at the airport, help people get checked in and out of the hotel, answer questions and generally schmooze the guests during the trip. The compensation for my services was going to be a free trip to the games (air, hotel and meals) along with an excellent ticket to each game.

Here is your boarding pass...Paul Peterson has already printed it for you



Hey, come on...... work with me here....you people have to SIT DOWN!



Listen up....roll call.time....Anderson, Bailey, Carlson.....

Then suddenly things changed......in the middle of March the Gopher basketball team surprised everyone and went on an unexpected run in the NIT tournament. After a very disappointing regular season the Gophers won four NIT games in row and and therefore earned the right to go to New York City and play in the NIT's final four. (yes, I know the NIT means nothing....but hey, a chance to play in Madison Square Garden?....you gotta love it if you are a Gopher player).

Yes, you could say that the Gophers really did "rise" to the occasion

The unexpected trip to the NIT final four by my Gophers turned out to be a very good thing for me as well. This was because the charter company was now going to offer Gopher fans a trip package to the NIT and they needed me to be one of their hosts on the trip....YAHOO!!!.....I was going to the BIG APPLE!!....what a great gig!


I love the NIT!!!.....I love my Gophers!!!



NEW YORK TRIP FUN FACTS
1. 90 people went on the trip
2. 4 commercial flights were used
3. Departed Tuesday morning, March 27th at 5:30 am
4. Stayed at the Milford Hotel - 2 blocks from Times Square
5. Sota Socials (pre-game Gopher pep rallies)
6. Broadway Plays
7. Site Seeing
8. Central Park
9. Returned Friday afternoon, March 30th at 2:00 pm

I was in charge of 24 people on my flight....didn't lose anybody

I can't wait to hit the streets of New York....oh that's right I'm here to work

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Here is a quick rambling look at the highlights of my stay in New York City (in no particular order)

Lunch at Pete's on Day 1.....the oldest bar in New York City

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The University of Minnesota sponsored a Sota Social on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon before each Gopher basketball game.....our group took over a bar called the Irish Times which was located  right across the street from Madison Square Garden....band...cheerleaders....fans from Minnesota....alumni fans who live in the New York area....Gopher AD....speeches....cheers....music....very festive atmosphere.

This is the place to be for Gopher fans....Sota Social Time

I was like a secret service agent....had to check the place out before the party

I just love pep fests

My boss at the charter company wanted me to "work the room" and make sure that all of the guests were having fun. This is one of my strengths so I hit the ground running. Some of the first people I engaged with at the Sota Social were parents of the players. I had a great conversation with the mothers of Austin Hollins and Andre Hollins. For some reason I have always been able to bond and make quality connections with mothers and married women....single women on the other hand?...not so good.

Bonding with the mothers of Andre Hollins and Austin Hollins

I'm not sure that my boss meant this when he said to "work the crowd"....it also may explain why I have trouble connecting with single women.......(see below)

Do you believe in love at first site?....or should I walk by again?

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Time to enter Madison Square Garden.....the mecca of basketball...I'm giddy

Gophers beat Washington in an OT thriller.... play Stanford for the championship

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Let's celebrate the victory......Times Square looks like the place to go

Small world....Annie the bartender grew up near my hometown...mutual friends

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On Wednesday I was free to roam the city....

First stop...Today Show....Yes, I'm a rube who hangs around the outdoor studio

Matt Lauer and crew do their thing....no air time for me however

Maria Larosa from the Weather Channel was filling in for Al Roker

I'll take Maria over Al everyday....got some air time during her report

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I've always been a big Beatles fan throughout my life. Paul McCartney was my # 1 guy but John Lennon was always a close second. Seeing I was in New York City I decided to pay my respects to the late John Lennon by going to the site where he was senselessly killed on December 8, 1980.



"The Dakota".....it all happened here



John Lennon got out of his limo here.......

.....and Mark David Chapman shot and killed John Lennon right here

Rest in peace

May the lyrics that John Lennon wrote live on......

"Nothing is real and nothing to get hung about, Strawberry Fields forever"

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I entered the lottery to get tickets to The David Letterman show on Thursday.....and believe it or not I was picked.....unfortunately I couldn't go because I needed to be at the Sota Social that was scheduled for Thursday afternoon (the show is taped at 3:30 in the afternoon)....story of my life....I seldom win anything....but when I do I can't cash in on it.

Sorry Dave, I can't make it to your show

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I just had to go up to the top of the Empire State building.....



Where is Meg Ryan?



Is there anyone up here who speaks English?....was I in another country?

What can I say?.....nice view huh?....my knees are weak

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It was time to hit Broadway.....



I went to Jersey Boys...it was fantastic...I want to be an actor!!!

It may be hard to believe but there is a Broadway play about Larry Bird and Magic Johnson

I absolutely love Larry Bird so I just had to go to this play....really enjoyed it.

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The Gophers took on Stanford in the NIT championship game on Thursday, March 29, 2012. Unfortunately for the Gophers and their fans the game did not go well. The Gophers were completely dominated by Stanford and lost by the score of 71 -50....so sad.



I did have great seats though....row 3 right behind Tubby

Even though the Gophers lost the championship game everyone on the trip, including me, had a fantastic time in New York City. I can't wait to work on the next Gopher road trip. I think I may have found my calling on this trip.