HUNGRY GERALD

In HG’s Bronx youth basketball ruled. Sure, there were plenty of softball games, rough and tough sandlot football battles, bleacher seats at Yankee Stadium (to watch the Yanks) and at the Polo Grounds (to watch the football Giants). But, the game that captured the hearts and minds of Bronx guys was basketball. Every Sunday, HG played three-man ball on the asphalt courts of Public School 86 (on Reservoir Avenue) or the Williamsbridge Oval (near Mosholu Parkway). Winning threesome kept the court. Losers left and another trio took their place. First team to score 16 points won. HG was no star. Just a very competitive and fearless journeyman. After games were over, the hungry young men shared huge, greasy pizzas at Joe’s Pizzeria on Jerome Avenue or numerous hot dogs with sauerkraut and mustard at nearby delicatessens. Saturday night was reserved for college games at Madison Square Garden. St. John’s, N.Y.U., C.C.N.Y., Manhattan, L.I.U. all had powerhouse teams and legions of manic fans. Apres game it was off to the Blue Ribbon, a German restaurant, for huge apple pancakes and beer. Currently, HG is watching the NBA playoffs. The players, in HG’s opinion, are the greatest athletes in the world. They combine size, strength, coordination, speed, grace, endurance and a fiery will to win. In recent days HG has seen ferocious, brilliant games culminating in last second heroics by Derrick Rose, Chris Paul, Paul Pierce and Lebron James. Yes, Europeans call soccer “the beautiful game” and Canadians are nuts about hockey…Fuhgeddabout it!! The game that’s got everything is NBA play-off hoops. And, depleted after vigorous TV watching, HG sits down to sumptuous eats prepared by BSK. Beats the hell out of pizza and hot dogs.

March was NCAA Final Four time and soon the NBA will start in with the playoffs. This is B-Ball heaven for HG which demands some serious marathon TV viewing. And, other than HG’s beloved son and B-Ball maven SJ, the best companion for watching hoops madness is a hearty plate of Posole A La HG. Here’s how you do it: Brown ground pork with a whole diced onion and four cloves of chopped garlic. Saute until the pork is evenly browned and the onions are starting to get transparent. Season with a healthy dusting of Goya Adobo powder and add a drained can of posole (white hominy) plus a can of magical RoTel Diced Tomato & Green Chili. Toss in some canned chipotle peppers (this will add heat and smokiness). A few pinches of dried Mexican oregano is a good idea. Heat some good chicken broth (HG likes Trader Joe’s Free Range Chicken Broth) and add it to the pork mixture. Add enough broth to bring the dish midway between a soup and a stew. If you want more heft, you can add a can of drained Goya Black Beans. Garnish with avocado slices, chopped raw onions or scallions, lime wedges, more chipotles and oregano to taste. HG likes to top his bowl with Fritos or Tom’s Corn Chips.To drink: Shots of tequila chased by Corona or Tecate beer topped with lime. Hoops Heaven.

James Naismith - Father of Basketball