What is the Pelham Fritz Basketball League? For me. it's being recognized after 31 years by a Cat hovering in the doorway proclaiming, "yo, you used to be nice! I remember you with that Riverside crew. Did you go to school? Did you play college ball? You look good, man. How is Choo Choo, and ..."The P.F.B.L. is the dude in the stands, elbowing his man, "ain't that...Joe Lewis from King Towers and Milbank? Leroy Shaw (Northwestern '74, European Pro League, ), wow, he must be 50!." He looks the same as 20 years ago. , Still pullin' from deep."
The P.F.B.L. is current college standouts (Steve Burtt Jr. Iona '06) coming to see their Pops, execute, that 'Ol School, (Steve Burtt Sr. Iona College All-time Leading Scorer).

Bobbito Garcia admitted he couldn't step on the same court as Mike Moses (St. John's) at 13 or 14. The years seasoned his jab foward, then step back, jumper, and his circus like handle. So now, he marvels at how he'll get to match skills against a guard like Moses, a few years older, whose polished Biddy league game, landed him on the big stage, that is Madison Square Garden.

I was in awe, my rookie year, as I lined up at the free throw line, with Dewitt Clinton H.S., Claremont Projects, Oral Roberts U. , Phila 76er draft pick, Arnold Dugger, God Bless the Dead. As the game wore on, the worship wore off, and I thought it not fair, as Arnold had eased out of playing shape, to steal the ball. I got jokes, he still had reflexes...my lunging attempt was met with that signature fast, high, and hard, between the legs, Earl Monroe half spin jerk, and back, 1-2-3 counter combination, honed lovely, at Claremont Center, in the 70s. This stuff is The Pelham Fritz.

The P.F.B.L. is seeing John Issacs (Harlem Rens), Ron Jackson (St. John's, Harlem GlobeTrotters), Freddie Crawford (L.A. Lakers), Joe Hammond (All Rucker Pro), taking in the action, up close. The P.F.B.L. is eras of Ball, Ballas, and the dialog about them, that strikes up.

Think about Brooklyn's Ray Haskins, Bernard Hardin, Harlem's bowlegged Carlton Green, who logged scoring days rivaling Pee Wee and the late Pookie Wilson, or coach Lowe Hill's brother, Bill. See a legend...and the legends that made them, are remembered.

Former Knick, Rory Sparrow, played the wall a few summers ago and asked if Wes Correa (Puerto Rican National team) really had 46 in a half. I has to answer him in the affirmative!

Tel you the truth, The P.F.B.L. is Medicine...Church...a cure for what ails. Tell the wife, " I'm not cheatin' when I disappear Sundays. Come on up, for a peep. And if you're over 38 and still holding (Game) show mid October Uptown at the old Rucker Pro League rainout site, I.S. 201 127th. st bet. Park and Madison, tryout for a spot. Sundays are banging, up there!