Will preface this with saying not trying to take any of your thunder with the new podcast @Natebishop3 haha But anyway, I do a lot of writing and research in my spare time, and over the past few years, I have gotten a lot of information, some personal stories,etc together and my aim is to write a history of our beloved franchise. I understand of course their are other Blazers books out there, but I am gonna focus a lot on the fans throughout our history, their personal stories with the team, along with those in the background, etc. Will have some stats and higher ups too of course haha, but that will be the main focus. One of my favorite interviews I have done so far is a gentleman who has been going to games since the 70's and has been to tons of away Blazer games also. Nice guy with some great tidbits. Trying to narrow down a title for it, but that will probably come more when its almost done(I aim for this time next year for that, but hopefully sooner). If any want to share their stories, feel free to DM me here or can send me an email:tarheelripcity@hotmail.com Can send any Blazer related pictures as well if you want and if I decide to put them in the book, will have you sign a release statement to that affect(Same for your stories). Thanks friends and any tips or suggestions will be much appreciated!
I would begin by reading "The Breaks of The Game" by David Halberstam. One of the best diaries of a season ever.
One Blazers S2 Tour, we were told the story of Rajon Rondo's visit to the team to interview before the draft. Ice Cream Cone prominently involved.
Start with this…… http://www.sportstwo.com/threads/ot-hockey-puck-russell-westbrook.220764/ If you hadn’t of been so rude to me the other day, I could share 50 more just about you mighty Blazers.
Ask @THE HCP who the real money behind Qyntel's dogfighting was... Edit: On the other hand, maybe don't...
And how about that night in New Orleans with me, ZBO and @BrianFromWA ……still can’t believe we escaped that basement !
One of my Blazer related stories involves Emeka Okafor trying to fight me at a Bobcats/Blazers game when he was a rookie haha.
I saw Chris Dudley in Seaside, dancing in some dive bar, while he was on the IR with a sprained ankle while the team was on a short homestand.
Most guys my age that lived in Portland had a near fight with Cliff Robinson's brother at a Lake Oswego bar (can't remember the name). Apparently, it happened all the time.
Just somewhat of an update on this: My friend through some of his publishing contacts, has gotten some good interest from a publisher in Pennsylvania who so happens to be a Blazers fan haha. So that is a great start! Still very much in its infancy, but still encouraging news.
Update: A friend of mine is helping me with the project who is very good at organization which I need haha. We have decided on a title, let me know what you all think! "Rip City Nostalgia:Blazers Fans On Their Favorite Team' Goal is to keep it under 400 pages and at some point get the team themselves to somewhat endorse it(But not end of the world if they choose to not do so)l Though looking into copyright aspects of that. Headed out to Portland hopefully by the end of the year to not only watch the Blazers but also to get some more in person stories if possible. Again if want to share anything with me just let me know! Plan on starting the writing and collating of what I have so far in the next couple of weeks and add/detract as the days go by.
I love writing as well..good luck with your project..shame Schonz isn't around to give you some material.
Not crazy about “nostalgia” in your title. Maybe something like “Rip City Lives” or “Rip City Forever.”
