Missing Chick | djroxalot's Blog

"This game's in the refrigerator:

the door is closed,

the lights are out,

the eggs are cooling,

the butter's getting hard,

and the Jell-O's jigglin'!"

It has been several years.

And me, like most Lakers fans miss the greatness that was Chick.

The Lakers have tried to replace him. Key word being tried.

How do you replace a legend like Chick?

Like a Harry Caray?

Jack Buck?

You cant.

The best announcers have the ability to make you see the game even if you arent watching it.

My love of the Lakers began back in the 1980's. One of the most unforgettable times was when the Lakers were playing Houston. I wanted to watch it but didnt have Prime Ticket (remember that, before Fox Sports came on?), the channel it was being broadcast via TV.

Well I listened to it on the radio and the Lakers were upset by the Rockets. A huge upset. Similar to Golden State knocking off Dallas a few years ago.

Chick described it so vividly that I closed my eyes (and I did) I could see the game.

Years later I was fortunate to meet him at a grocery store in Encino, located in the San Fernando Valley. I was shocked when I saw him and said something stupid like, "You're Chick Hearn."

He stopped and glanced at his wife.

And smiled. "Last time I checked I was. "

We talked briefly about the Lakers and soon he went on his way. I was so shocked I didnt even ask for an autograph.

In 2004 when I met Magic in a building where we both worked I told him about meeting Chick in the elevator.

"Thats Chick," he said smiling.

What I am trying to say is he was a humble person in addition to being a phenomenal announcer.

And even though the Lakers have tried to replace him (a couple times) in the broadcast booth I still miss him.

I mean, how do you replace greatness?