Jackson Walker “Larry Bird” Dog (8/7/2006-1/21/2021)

It is with a heavy heart and an empty soul that we bring you the news of the passing of Jackson Walker “Larry Bird” Dog.

He was 80 dog years old. That’s 14 1/2 in human years. He was preceded in death by his brother Chauncey, sister Oakley and lifelong friend Gertie.

Bird is survived by his sister, Zazou Louise, his mumma Jilly and his pop-pa Gr3g.

Born in Lakeview, Michigan on August 7th, 2006, this little guy has been the backbone of the happiness and joy that his people have felt since day one. Upon meeting the young pup, Grizzly and M jumped in their own vehicle to head out that way to make sure Chauncey was also well taken care of.

Throughout his years, the Springer Spaniel named after “the best boss ever” Kristi Jackson, President 43 George Walker Bush and the legend Larry Bird would continue his ways of bringing folks joy and some water “from the bottom of the bucket”. This kid could not stay dry. Any chance of rain, snow, ice, sleet or a simple cloudy mist, he was at the back door ready to pounce on the slippery slope of muddy knolls and grassy rabbit holes.

During the late summer of 2006, Jackson told Gr3g “we’re not going to AZ. You take that Postal job.” Had it not been for that moment, poppa Gr3g and mumma Jilly would never have met.

An avid front seat rider, his best move was sliding his face out the back window to slobber all over the driver’s side on the highway and just chill while cruising through the City streets.

Adventures on the road were key to the relationship between Bird and Gr3g. Whether it was in the blue Ford pickup, one of those Sables or these last few rides in the HoopsGiRl, they’d both sing away at high volume, low key. Houghton and northern Wisconsin, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Detroit, and the Lake Michigan shore were favorites.

While his physical abilities diminished over time, little man wanted to jump off the 3rd step every time. Every time. Even earlier this week. There was no give up in him.

In lieu of flowers, handwritten notes of kindness and remembrance would be greatly appreciated. Send to BeerCityHoops, 1971 E. Beltline NE #106-140, Grand Rapids, MI 49525.

If you would like to make a monetary contribution in honor of Bird, please visit www.gr3ghoops.org or Gr3g Hoops on Facebook.

Until we run again…

Godspeed, Bird. “Daddy’s Little Man”. I love you.

 

 

Rent-to-Your-Own Team? The Buzz announce plans to sell franchise

Finding positivity in everyday life over the last four-plus years has been a difficult process for the “It’s The Buzz” franchise.

Commonly known as The Buzz, the Hoops team in yellow has made a decision within the past week to cease operations and rescind their spot in the 2021 Winter schedule of the BeerCityHoops League. While the news may come as a shock to some around the league, it’s been no secret that ownership and the League office haven’t been aligned throughout the years, dating back before the league was born.

Teams looking to add their own squad in 2021-22 are looking at a $77 non-refundable application fee and a $700 franchise fee once accepted by a majority of Team Ambassadors. 

The current price tag for the Buzz? $616. 

What does that say? They want out. They want out now.

What are leaving on the table for a new owner?

  • Young Bean has retired
  • Real Deal is on IR until post-Covid
  • Luck Unit, Papa Tr3y and Book of Eli are holding out
  • Spice and Caruso disappeared to other leagues

It’s an open canvas to work with.

New colors, new logo, new mission.

Are you ready to run your own basketball franchise?

More details available by showing interest via email: info@beercityhoops.com

 

 

“Dear BeerCityHoops” -Gr3g

Whether I say goodbye now

or wait until season’s end

the same will be said

by all of my friends

“It was always the ball,

with his eyes on the Hall.”

So I’ve given my bones, my breath, my sweat and my tears. 

I’ve given 45 years.

and now it’s you that I cheers. 

“’cause I’d rather hit the mic

and later local beers.”

Blossomed from a note signed by the beauty Jill Green,

“go podcast that talk about the local sports scene.”

Fell down the stairs but can not deter

that dream that she mused, “here it is now!”. 

From the concrete at Langley where an NBA legend took aim, I will forever thank St. Paul’s where I first took aim. 

Saturday mornings I was a Falcon

like I was Loy Vaught

but it was MLK, Ridgemoor, IHM & CC where I was taught.

From the Dentist to the Boilermaker

Mr. Toothpick and Coach T,

nothing stays with me more

than the B-E-E….BEEF! 

“Bend those knees, eyes on the basket, elbow under the ball, and follow through”.

 

With that, it’s time for the Gr3g to take a step back and head up to the TV broadcast booth for the remainder of the 2020-21 BeerCityHoops League season as we find an appropriate way to complete the inaugural season for the players involved. Thus, any player(s) drafted by the Buzz are now fully eligible to SUBSTITUTE at any time for any team (no more than 2 games weekly).

 

 

 

Week 1 in the books

Wins in Week 1 for the City, Crew and Buzz were stressful and entertaining. The Nines & the Greens aren’t fully healthy yet and the Hawks worked hard together and will be a force to deal with.

Here’s the week’s time-lapse video.

 

Pre-Draft trades made to order

Friday night in a dark, smoke-filled room somewhere on the WestSide of Grand Rapids, the six GMs of the Beer City Hoops league got together to prepare for the upcoming draft.

Here are the transactions that took place and have been stamped “Approved” by the Commissioner.

 

  • The Crew is sending the 4th overall pick and #28 to the Reds for picks #11, #17 & #23.
  • The Nines send the 15th overall pick and #27 to the Buzz for picks #19, #25, & #30.
  • City trades F’Legal (2019 draftee) and pick #26 to the Buzz, Buzz sends CASH to Greens, Greens send picks #14 & #20 to City.