Second in a series of remembrances by former Cardinals about iconic Crawford Gym.

If not nearly as magnificent as those dimes he fed Bobby Turner through traffic as a high profile, eerily impassive freshman, it was still “Assist Scooter McCray.”

I was on my way out to chat him up and had misremembered the exact location of his La-Z-Boy store on Hurstbourne Parkway.

“Sorry,” I apologized upon arrival after he guided me in over my cell, “just an old man with a bad memory and aches and pains.”

“Tell me about it,” he responded pointing to his legs, “I have to wear compression socks.”

“It’s the tenth anniversary of the summer they tore down Crawford, just wondering what you remember about practice and those summer nights?”

“There were no ticky tack fouls.

“The games were very competitive. We all just wanted to win. You were really pushed if you wanted to keep playing and not sit out. Really quality players.”

Remember this is a fellow who grew up competing in the City. For the Trio Crusaders in the Bronx. For the famous Riverside Church team. Summers in the Rucker.

“Those crowds in the summer meant a lot. You were really pushed to be better. It was a continuation of my New York experience.” Continue reading Crawford Chronicles: Scooter Edition →