From a very early age I embraced the great games of baseball, basketball and football. My first recollection of my interest is of my father explaining the game of football in 1966 as we watched a Washington Redskin rout of the New York Giants 72-41. I did not realize as a six year-old that I had just witnessed the largest scoring game between two teams--a record that remains today. My indoctrination continued shortly thereafter as my father took me to my first live sporting event at Yankee stadium where I witnessed an extra inning baseball game featuring home runs by Frank and Brooks Robinson as well as my father’s hero Mickey Mantle in a 2-1 Baltimore Orioles victory over the Yankees. Speaking of heroes, my father and I were both shocked when my father’s own name was echoed by Bob Sheppard on the Yankee Stadium loudspeaker--for a split second I thought my father was about to bat for the Yankees. It turned out his car was broken into and police were searching for him. In any event, I learned from these experiences that every time you get to the ballpark or sporting venue something special, magical and historical can and often does occur.
As the years moved on I was fortunate to see great players and remember going to Madison Square Garden to see Holtzman lead Frazier, Debusshere, Reed, Barnett, Bradley and Monroe to two championships. I will also be eternally grateful to my Aunt Minette, who, when she was able to gain Giants tickets, would take me to Yankee Stadium to witness Fran Tarkenton lead the mediocre Giants to exciting finishes. Often the Giants were not victorious, and that pillar obstructing our view may not have been appreciated, but the excitement of these games was always memorable. I loved the atmosphere, environment, smells and energy that only a sporting event could provide and loved the idea that I was sharing these event with 50, 60, and 70,000 others.
Time moved on and I found myself part of the legal world and then the art world, but I could never outgrow my passion introduced by my father for the games. I purchased season tickets to the Knicks during the Ewing years and currently am a season ticket holder for the Bronx Bombers. I look back at my experiences from young boy to high school (product of Mount. Vernon High class of 1978-NY State Basketball Champions) to college at University of Wisconsin and even today and can’t believe the great sporting moments I personally witnessed. I have listed my top 10 here:
1 Aaron Boone’s Home Run v. Boston Oct 17, 2003 in game seven
2.Bernard King’s 60 points Christmas night 1984
3. Michaels Jordan’s return to the garden from retirement March 28, 1995 scoring 55 points v. Knicks
4.New York Giants defeat Minnesota Vikings 41-0 Jan 14 2001 to go to the Super Bowl
5.In 1993 playoffs John Starks dunk over the entire Chicago Bulls team
6. on Sept. 12 1981 the Wisconsin badgers football team defeating no. 1 ranked Michigan 21-14
7.On Nov. 15 1970 New York Giants score 21 points in the 4th quarter to beat the Washington Redskins 35-33
8. On March 3, 1979, in Madison Wisconsin, I watched Magic Johnson lose his last college basketball game as Wes Mathews scored from half court at the buzzer
9. On April 29, 1978 with my high school friend Dr. Malcolm Reid we witnessed three home runs by Pete Rose v. Mets
and 10-being at the Montreal Olympics in 1976 and watching the greatest USA Boxing team in history led by Leon and Michael Spinks and Sugar Ray Leonard
I would also list at High honorable mention my experience being the scorekeeper for Mt. Vernon High in 1978-a team lead my Scooter and Rodney McCray (who later won an NCAA championship with Louisville)
I reflect on these wonderful memories and look forward to acquiring future memories.
In 2004, I witnessed a very sad moment as the reviled Red Sox came back from a 3 games to zero deficit and shocked the baseball and sports world. My brother Larry could not stomach the game 7 drubbing and left in the sixth inning. I remained and took the punishment. I looked as the Yankee faithful exited and the Red Sox nation took control. The curse of the Bambino had ended. After debating with myself awhile, I decided finally to frame game 7’s ticket with a short note of “Congratulations Mr. Sullivan on the Red Sox victory-Enjoy it but remember it occurs once every 86 years,” mailing it off to my best friend’s father, a Chicagoan and a lifelong Red Sox fan. Little did I know that the Red Sox would win in 2007. A few days passed before I received a phone call from Mr. Sullivan. He possessed a wonderful art collection featuring Hopper, Mondrian, and Dubuffet, but during our conversation he stated : “Neil don’t tell Jean (his wife) but if it was up to me I would toss the art work and place this treasure in the place of prominence it deserves.” I believe Mr. Sullivan was probably joking, but maybe he was not. Mr. Sullivan passed away a short time later after a rich and productive life, one that was made just a little bit more complete with that Red Sox victory. This experience provided direct evidence that these great sports memories and moments I lived for were truly important no matter how often my grandmother told me otherwise.
After this experience I decided to collect sports displays, or, as I prefer, Sports Conversation pieces, for my own pleasure. During this time of collecting I would get favorable comments from non-sports fans as well as hardcore sport enthusiasts. These works of art were immediately appreciated, studied, and viewed with tremendous passion and interest. I was asked on a number of occasions if I would like to sell these wonderful works, and until recently I refrained. I have reluctantly decided to present my works to the public. Whether one acquires a piece for home or the office, or just appreciates the works at this exhibition, I hope all will enjoy and perhaps even re-live a special moment from the past.
Marlene Steiner has partenered with Neil Scherer because of his passion for sports art. They have been long time friends and the chemistry for joining both their business experiences and love of sports has given birth to GoingGoingGoneSports.com. Marlene has had over a decade of experience in New York City real estate and loves all teams New York. She is a true New Yorker at heart and anytime someone brings up the subject, she glows with excitement talking up a storm about the greatest city in the world. "It's rare to find a place where you absolutely love working in and raising a family. Most people commute. I am where I want to be ... N.Y.C." says Marlene.
Marlene has been a top
producer at Corcoran Group Real Estate and has a portfolio
of experiences in helping her clients buy, sell, invest
or rent properties in Manhattan and the surrounding
metro region. She has been appointment Executive V.P.
and has enjoyed providing her clients with exceptional
service by way of her "Steiner
System" of client management.
Marlene also has an affinity for NY Sports. She loves watching the various sports at both venue and TV.
Marlene Steiner has partenered with Neil Scherer because of his passion for sports art. They have been long time friends and the chemistry for joining both their business experiences and love of sports has given birth to GoingGoingGoneSports.com. Marlene has had over a decade of experience in New York City real estate and loves all teams New York. She is a true New Yorker at heart and anytime someone brings up the subject, she glows with excitement talking up a storm about the greatest city in the world. "It's rare to find a place where you absolutely love working in and raising a family. Most people commute. I am where I want to be ... N.Y.C." says Marlene.