Dad, Me, and Muhammad Ali: A Father-And-Son Story

By Felix Manuel Rodriguez

Dad, Me, and Muhammad Ali scored a KNOCKOUT! Good, wholesome, easy read!
Angelo Dundee, Muhammad Ali's legendary trainer

Great story; very engaging and one that families will certainly enjoy!
Roland C. Warren, President, National Fatherhood Initiative

Nine-year-old Jo-Jos father loves everything about Muhammad Ali. His sports room, filled to the brim with Ali memorabilia, is his pride and joy. But when an impromptu game of catch with his sister causes Jo-Jo to accidentally damage his dads favorite Muhammad Ali autographed picture, he knows he must do something to make everything right. But what?

Jo-Jo suddenly begins believing in miracles again when he manages to score tickets to an Ali event in Harlem. As Jo-Jo and his dad board a train bound for New York City, his father shares entertaining stories about Muhammad Ali. Now more than ever, Jo-Jo cannot wait to meet the greatest boxer of all timethe Champ. As Jo-Jo and his father join the more than two hundred fans that line up outside the bookstore, Jo-Jo has no idea he is about to receive the surprise of a lifetime.

Dad, Me, and Muhammad Ali is the heartwarming story of a loyal son, his loving father, and a magical afternoon that changes both of their lives forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Apr 18, 2011
• ISBN: 9781936236541

Felix Manuel Rodriguez

Felix Manuel Rodriguez is the former acting president of a nonprofit human service organization, a police commissioner, state child welfare employee and a professional boxing inspector. He currently resides in Connecticut, where he is active in his community and enjoys his most important role in life as a father of two.

Book preview

Contents

Acknowledgments

Special Thanks

A Boxer’s Prayer

Author Unknown

Excerpt

Chapter 1

My Dad’s Hero

Chapter 2

It Wasn’t My Fault

Chapter 3

My Heart Sank

Chapter 4

Because of Your Determination

Chapter 5

Changed the World

Chapter 6

The Stolen Bike

Chapter 7

A Golden Ticket?

Chapter 8

Ali! Ali! Ali!

Chapter 9

I Have to Ask

Chapter 10

Dad, Me, and Muhammad Ali

A Special Message to the Champ

Praise for Dad, Me, and Muhammad Ali

Bibliography

Muhammad Ali’s Professional Boxing Record

About the Author

Can You Become an Aliologist?

CERTIFICATE OF ALIOLOGY

Acknowledgments

First and foremost to my beloved God; through Jesus all things are possible. Thanks to my beautiful family, Jennifer, Joezā, and Jalissa for all of your love and support. Para Mami, te quiero mucho. The entire Rodriguez and Medina family; my hero, Muhammad Ali, for his inspiration; Lonnie Ali, for being Muhammad’s angel; Kim Vidt; my corner man, Rick Kaletsky; my unofficial editor, Ron Gagliardi; the Hamden SCWBI writers’ group; Patricia Reily Giff and my Dinosaur Paw writing workshop friends. I would also like to thank Noé Peralez and Francis Philibert for bringing my text to life with their captivating illustrations. To freelance editors Faith Black, Deborah Cannarella, and Jill Dearman for the editorial assistance.

Thanks to all of my friends for your patience and invaluable support. I wish to thank the community of Waterbury, CT, especially Walsh Elementary School, Wilby High School, Waterbury Police Department, and my colleagues at the CT Department of Children and Families, whose courage, faith, and hope in the midst of adversity have been a constant inspiration to me in my personal and professional life. Together, we can truly make a difference.

A special thanks to Marva Allen, co-owner of Hue-man Bookstore in Harlem, New York.

Without your kindness, this book would have never existed. Peace and Love.

Special Thanks

This book would not have been possible without the generous support of the following friends and family members: Dr. Agnes Quinones, Albert Rodriguez and Family, Amado Vargas, Andy Adames, Angel and Johanna Robles, Angel Santana, Angie and Carmelo Medina, Anthoney Rodriguez, Bill Rivera, Dr. Brett Rayford, Brian and Donna Mattiello, Brian J. Mongelluzzo, Phil Mongelluzzo, MD, Carlos Hernandez, Chris D’Orso, David Burgos, Edwin Rodriguez and Family, Elaine Dreher, Felito Febles, Fernanda Goncalves, Fernando Muñiz, Frank and Barbara Martin, Fred Vargas, Gerry and Hilda Reyes, Gilberto Santiago, Gustavo Guevara, Izzy Santiago, Janet Gonzalez, Javier Alvarado, Jerry Padula, Jimmy Padilla, Joel Rosario, Johnny Coach Callas, Luis Rodriguez, Marc and Cherie Agresti, Marcus Stallworth, Maria Pastorelli, Maribel Vazquez, Marina Pomales, Maritza Acosta, Michael Moore, Michael Purcaro, Nancy and Junior Gonzalez, Nelson and Joelyn Leon, Paul and Thomas Martelli, Qur-an Webb, Rafael Melendez, Remi Acosta, Richard Ortiz, The Kaletsky Family, Robert and Shannel Davis, Sam Rush, Tavis O. Tindall, Timothy Keefe, Tony Rodriguez, Victor Diaz, Will Rivera, Yari Durán, and those who wish to remain anonymous. Thank you! I am forever grateful to you all for believing in me and my dreams.

A Boxer’s Prayer

Author Unknown

Excerpt

I ask you not for victory, Lord, for somehow that seems wrong,

But only for protection, and the courage to be strong.

Strength not conquer, but just that I’ll fight well,

And prove myself a sportsman, at the final bell.

Please help me go the distance, through rounds with danger rife.

Not only in the boxing ring, but in the larger ring of life.

Give me strength of mind and body, so I’ll fight each battle well.

And the referee will raise my hand, at the judgment’s final bell.

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Chapter 1

My Dad’s Hero

We used to have so much fun together. We played one-on-one pick-up games