Athlete For Hire

By Lou Saulino

A professional sports team owner (baseball, football, and basketball) meets with his general managers to discuss a highly acclaimed college athlete featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. His proficiency is in the three sports identified. When the owner becomes disgruntled with the fact that all three of his general managers want the athlet

• Language: English
• Publisher: URLink Print & Media, LLC
• Release date: May 13, 2019
• ISBN: 9781643674261

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Athlete for Hire

Copyright © 2019 by Lou Saulino. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the author except as provided by USA copyright law.

The opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily those of URLink Print and Media.

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Published in the United States of America

ISBN 978-1-64367-427-8 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64367-428-5 (Hardback)

ISBN 978-1-64367-426-1 (Digital)

24.04.19

CONTENTS

Introduction

I: Creative Thinking

II: Decision Confirmed

III: Reviewing Alternatives

IV: Tomasetti

V: An Undefeated Season?

VI: See You at the Swamp

VII: New York City

VIII: Sugar Bowl

IX: Point Guard / Shooting Guard—Who Cares?

X: Not-So-Sweet Sixteen

XI: NFL Draft Day

XII: Unexpected Offers

XIII: Unf——ngbelievable

XIV: Baseball and Basketball Drafts

XV: Marc Stevens, Athlete for Hire

Epilogue

For Ethan Scott, the next three sport phenom.

Introduction

The concept of Athlete for Hire (AFH) was first conceived in the 1970s. Shit, it was so long ago; I have forgotten some of the particulars. I had fancied myself as an all-around athlete in my youth, and I postulated that coupling this angle with a major sports team owner character with flair, creativity, and a thirst for power could be the basis for a book or movie. I knew I also wanted to include some of the fun stuff from my experiences during four years of earning a degree in civil engineering from Manhattan College (located in the Bronx, by the way, not Manhattan).

After years of dabbling with the concept, I decided it was time to leave a position as an executive VP and chief operating officer of a civil engineering firm and truly spend the required time to develop and write AFH. I wrote the outline and submitted it for copyright protection. After some introspective thinking, it became apparent that the preliminary way to develop AFH was as a TV script. ScriptBuddy became a pal. It was interesting to further develop the characters, the settings, and what could be a pilot episode. Then came the further specifics of what could be a first-year plan for a TV series—an outline for thirteen episodes.

The athlete character was required to be developed. OK, he’ll be a wide receiver in football, my favorite position. He would be a center fielder. I typically played third base but felt that analogies to the Mick would make for better copy. He had to be a guard in basketball, just based on height restrictions alone. It’s OK; he wouldn’t have the white man’s lack of jumping ability disease like I did. I could play a little, but my best roundball move was running down through a myriad of spectators, from the third level of Madison Square Garden onto the court during a Manhattan College NIT semifinal game against the Army Black Knights in 1970. (Hey, the ref made a bad call!) Budweiser helped give me the courage to confront the Army coach, Bobby Knight.

My initial thoughts relative to the major sports team owner character was a combination of several people—George Steinbrenner, Sonny Werblin, and the imaginative owner of the Oakland A’s, Charlie Finley. That was many years ago. The owner character needed to evolve to a present-day personality with flamboyance and vision. I was now also thinking of Mark Cuban, Jerry Jones, and perhaps the new Steinbrenner on the scene, Hal.

Early on, my brother, John, and my cousin Roger were enthusiastic supporters. Constructive comments were offered. My two sons, Marc and Scott, were somewhat less ecstatic. What the hell is Dad doing? He’s a freakin’ engineer! I decided to get a professional involved—my cousin Carole. Her vast experience as a public relations consultant and publicist was a blessing. She liked the concept.

My cousin Roger became really hooked on the pilot. He became my behind the scenes agent, telling everyone he knew about AFH. I had given him several copies of the script, and he forced the reading on several friends. Everyone I show this to thinks it is a great concept and loves the way it is developed. I was getting a swelled head; too bad it was not where it counted.

Then there was another brainstorm. Why not write a book based on the outline that had been developed? Carole promoted and encouraged the idea. I had basically just completed my first book, a historical fiction work about three Hall of Fame center fielders—Willie, Mickey, and Duke. 8: Center Field in New York, 1951– 1957 was told through the eyes of three thirteen-year- old friends as they jointly completed their required book report in the autumn of 1957. I knew I wanted to make a few modifications on this book, so I put it on hold. That’s when I began writing AFH.

Choosing the character names was enjoyable and relatively easy: my sons’ names for the two main characters, my brother for the AFH best friend, my deceased wife for the chief assistant to the owner, my cousin for one of the general managers, and many other friends and relatives in various roles. I even gave myself a minor role as the college football coach. Hell, I can still run a down and out and catch a spiraling Wilson or Spalding pigskin!

Adding the sports angle for football, baseball, and basketball; some actual events in my life with family and friends; and inserting a few other concepts that I had previously copyrighted produced the final recipe for Athlete for Hire.

After the publication of four additional books, a historical fiction sports trilogy of three best friends from childhood, and delving into a crime mystery with religious, family, and sports overtones, I decided to update Athlete for Hire and publish the unique concept again.

I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

CHAPTER I

Creative Thinking

1

The Scott Thomas Group offices were located at 191 Peachtree Tower in downtown Atlanta. Scott Thomas, president and founder of the company, had taken over the forty-fourth floor of the building in 2009. He purposely wanted his headquarters on this specific floor. To Scott, as the owner of the Atlanta Braves, it represented something special—the number of Hall of Famer Hank Aaron, the most prolific home run hitter in Major League history.

Scott Thomas was a self-made multimillionaire. His portfolio also included the ownership of the professional Atlanta football and basketball teams, the Falcons and Hawks respectively, and his original real estate development company, now specializing in shopping centers. His most recent energies, however, were exclusively focused on the success of his sports franchises.

In his 750-square-foot office, Scott sat at the head of his twenty-four-foot conference table. His chief assistant, now a company vice president, Maryann Landon, listened attentively to her boss as he stroked his sideburns with his fingers.

Have you heard from Jenny? His daughter was a freshman at the University of Georgia in Athens, in her first week of classes. At eighteen, she was an only child, and the two were extremely close. Ten years prior, Scott and Jenny lost their wife and mother to cancer.

Not since last week, responded Maryann. I was hoping to spend some time with her over the Labor Day weekend.

On the intercom, the voice of Carole, Scott’s secretary, was heard. Your general managers are here.

Scott was contented. Send the dopey bastards in.

As the three GMs entered his office, he was quick to the draw. "What did you guys think of the Marc Stevens article in Sports Illustrated, and what else do you know about him?"

Maryann couldn’t resist interrupting. Fortunately, her relationship with Scott was such that she could get away with this type of behavior.

Well, I certainly looked at the pictures of Marc. Good- lookin’ guy with great abs and six feet three inches tall. I wanted to take him home with me.

Scott directed his response to his exceedingly attractive chief assistant. Shit, you would probably teach him a few tricks, you cougar. You have him by almost fifteen years. Why not give Carole or my daughter a shot at him?

Maryann was not agreeable. I like them young. Jim Tully, the Atlanta Falcons general manager, chimed in. If you read the article, Maryann, you would know that he has a steady girlfriend who is supposedly soon to be his fiancée.

Maryann smiled but remained firm. Well, he is not engaged yet. Not that it would make any difference to me.

Scott had heard enough and sternly evoked his sentiments. Enough of this bullshit, let’s get down to business. Jim, Marc will play his first game of the college football season on Saturday, so why don’t you start us off?

Jim was matter-of-fact. Well, you know he is a wide receiver and is being described as the next Jerry Rice. Enough said.

Just then, the general manager of the Atlanta Braves, Roger Sanfeld, raised his voice, exclaiming, Screw football! This kid has the potential to be the next Mickey Mantle. He’d be our starting center fielder within a year after he graduates. He’s a five-tool player. He can hit, hit with power, run, field, and throw.

The response did not sit well with Sammy Davis, the Atlanta Hawks general manager. Screw football and baseball! Basketball, baby, that’s his sport. He can play both point guard and shooting guard. I saw him play once last year against Georgia. I was actually there to look at the Georgia center who was graduating. I really liked Stevens’s leadership on the court and his toughness. Scott became irritated. So what are you guys telling me? You all want him for your respective teams? How the hell can we make that work?

Roger, the most respected and longest tenured of Scott’s general managers, tried to offer a logical procedure of follow-up for the three-sport athlete. Well, I’m sure that Jim will be taking a real close look at Marc Stevens on Saturday and throughout the football season. Sammy and I will be doing the same during the basketball and baseball seasons.

Sammy nodded and smiled. Roger knows me well. I am going to be on this kid like hot sauce on wings.

Scott questioned the strategy of Southern Florida College relative to how Marc Stevens would be used. How does that college of his expect him to play all three sports?

Roger provided the answer from what he knew to be the proposed scenario. He’ll play football this fall. He’ll start playing basketball when there is no interference with football, probably after their last regular season game. I think that is around the Thanksgiving weekend. If they make a bowl game—which, in all likelihood, they will—that will present another problem. Likewise, the end of his basketball season would conflict with the commencement of the baseball season. If they make the NCAA basketball tournament, there will be another battle. I guess the athletic director will work it out with his respective coaches.

Maryann was amazed at the potential overlap of services to be provided by Marc Stevens. Good luck to the athletic director!

Scott Thomas sought further input from his GMs. He started with Jim. Do you think that Marc will be a first- round draft pick?

The Atlanta Falcons GM was quick to respond. Barring something unforeseen, absolutely. I can’t wait to fly down to see the Southern Florida game this week. I am bringing my chief scout, Barry Gibbons, with me. He saw Stevens play in person once last year.

Scott turned his attention to his other two managers. Where do you guys think Stevens will be drafted in baseball and basketball?

Roger Sanfeld spoke his mind with the confidence and wisdom that Scott Thomas had come to expect. He would have been drafted in the first five picks if he opted for the baseball draft after his junior year. He made it clear he was remaining at Southern Florida College until he graduated this year, so teams shied away from him. I tell you what, Marc reminds me of Dave Winfield, a Hall of Fame baseball player that also excelled in the other two major sports in college.

Sammy picked up the baton and began his drive for the gold. Listen up, everybody. I will do whatever it takes to draft this kid. I figure that I will have to make a trade, inasmuch as our first pick won’t be until the second half of the draft. Stevens will be long gone before that. Getting back to Roger’s comment about Winfield, Dave was actually drafted by the Hawks. Of course, that was long before I came around. The Utah Stars of the ABA drafted him as well. I think Winfield would have been an all-star forward, and I’m convinced Stevens will be an all- star by his second year if he plays in the NBA.

Jim added his two cents. Winfield was also drafted by the Minnesota Vikings. The difference between Stevens and Winfield is that I feel football—not baseball or basketball—is his best sport.

Maryann saw that the decision process relative to Marc Stevens would create strife within the Scott Thomas Group, particularly among the respective general managers. Quite a dilemma for—can I borrow your expression, Scott?—you dopey bastards.

Scott, normally in full control of any business situation, was slightly flustered. He used the speakerphone to announce, Carole, please bring in some coffee. He then looked at his meeting participants. Let’s take a break. I have to take a piss.

2

Southern Florida College (SFC) was situated about ten miles northwest of Fort Lauderdale. The student population was approximately twelve thousand. The school featured programs in business, political science, prelaw, engineering, and liberal arts. The sports programs of the college were becoming nationally recognized— particularly in men’s football, basketball, and baseball. This was principally due to one particular three-sport athlete: Marc Stevens.

During his tenure at Southern Florida, Marc had led the Sting Rays to three football bowl games, two NCAA basketball tournaments and was twice the driving force in SFC advancing to play in the NCAA College World Series. As the college football season approached for his senior year, Marc was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine.

At the Southern Florida practice field, Marc Stevens; his best friend and quarterback, Johnny Davies; and the Sting Ray head football coach, Lou Cappola, were in conversation as the entire pigskin squad prepared for the season opener versus Georgia Tech. Marc had just returned to the huddle after a pass from Johnny was broken up by the defense.

Johnny, keep the ball to my outside shoulder on that throw.

Johnny Davies looked incredulously at his all-American wide receiver. No shit, Sherlock. It was just a poorly thrown ball. Let’s run that play again.

As Coach Cappola walked by the huddle with his clipboard in hand, he implored his pass-play combination. Great communication from you two assholes. Let’s get that play right. We may need it for our opener on Saturday.

Marc’s girlfriend, Bonnie Ryan, watched the practice from the stands. Several local sportswriters were also in attendance. Bonnie posed a rhetorical question to the group. "What did you guys think of the Sports Illustrated article? You will all need to be on your toes this year. Marc will be extraordinary, you just watch."

Bonnie’s attention was again focused on the practice field. She yelled out so she could be heard