Now I haven’t peeped the Academy Award winning film No Country For Old Men, but when I saw my fellow 14th ST. Y lunch time run homeboys running their own 2-on-2, I thought to myself that movie title is way off base. In the photo above you’ll find (L-R) L.E.S. playground legend Joe Skie (featured in our current Spring issue #14), “Smooth” Johnny, Bill Levis and his brother Bobby. Cumulative age on the court would be greater than the Declaration of Independence’s anniversary. John is 70+ although you’d never tell as he always wants to pick up the best offensive player when we run fulls. Dude’s even got a six pack. Word! I look up to the ideal of staying healthy and on the court, and aspire to be just like them in 20 years. I know there are other elderly ballplayers all across the U.S., too. So props to you for claiming Bounce magazine’s mission statement to the fullest and making it a reality:
“You can play high school and college ball for four years. You might even be able to go pro for another 10 years after that. But the playground is yours for life.”
Do you know of any 60+ active players in your ‘hood? Tell us their story!
March 18th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Jeremy Ripley says:
Billy L. dropping a behind-the-back-no-look dime to his brother…Nice!
Don’t know of anyone who’s THAT old that sill is playing, but hopefully, and yes, I know this is a long way ahead, I can be out there doing my thing!
March 18th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
Justin Sadhray says:
In that pic thats what u call “Still Love for the Game”.So much passion that pain is pointless.Thats awesome,ive also seen on TV old ladies runnin down the court n scoring in actual games.The Elders are never Old,their just Old School.
By the way Slice, just wondering if ur ever coming down here to Van or Victoria B.C.,or even Seattle to perform or play ball?
March 19th, 2008 at 2:50 am
Seldom Seen says:
Great way to pay tribute to these “true” balla’s. Joe Skie is very well known and someone who has been raining J’s as far back as I can remember from my days as a young buck. If left open we all know Bill will drain the 3 and his brother Bob is a fierce competitor. Then there’s the medical marvel and living eptiome of age having no barriers John aka “Stroking”. This OG is as tenacious and fiery on the court as anyone you will ever play against and you best not talk smack or get him riled up. Talk about in your face defense and don’t sleep because he will beat you off the dribble. All great guys who have a passion and love for the game which I respect to to the fullest. I hope to see them doing there thing for many, many more years to come.
March 19th, 2008 at 8:36 am
BIG MO says:
My man Stroking got that boxing type of defense, a medical marvel to still be playing at his age. The greatest line i ever heard him tell me was “if anyone can get by me, then they should be playing in the NBA”. The best 70 yr old player I ever played against.
March 19th, 2008 at 10:30 am
jack ryan says:
Got give it up to Johnny. I wish i was built like him and i lift weights 5 days a week. Johnny once told me that he was at studio 54 dancing for hours and going crazy. A guy came up to him and said brother what are you on and can i get some of that? Johnny is hi on life has never had a drink or a drug. Good for you Johnny. I want to be like you when i grow up.
March 19th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Mone says:
no doubt! shout out to Neil aka The Snake and Marty…other 14th st Y veterans. i think we all aspire to be like ya’ll one day.
March 20th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Bakar says:
This sounds like a good idea for an article. Maybe you guys can cobble up something for next issue?
March 24th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
Carlito Roc says:
Who let Henry Chalfant on the court?
TCK Krew.
You know how we do.