So I mulled over the possibility of writing it myself, but then I realized I hadn't finished my first book about my life in politics. (I plan to give Daily News readers a discount.)
But who would be the right person: Angelo Cataldi? No, too hot-blooded and mercurial; Bill Conlin, the great dean of Philly sports writers? No, brilliant but at times a little cranky; John Gonzalez? No, incredibly funny, but too much of a contrarian. Then it hit me. Of course it had to be someone with a long history in Philadelphia whose fairness and integrity is beyond question - Stan Hochman.
Now, I realize Stan is busy, so I put together a few thoughts of my own to get him started.
* Good-natured booing is always allowed. It's always OK to boo if it's in fun. The perfect example is our recent booing of the beloved Phanatic for dropping a foul ball or when a fan at a basketball game airballs a shot during a contest.
* Booing for lack of effort is always commendable. Fans pay a lot of their hard-earned money to see a professional sporting event and if a player dogs it - doesn't run out a grounder, alligator-arms a pass over the middle or doesn't hustle back on defense - they are fair game.
* Booing a politician is always acceptable. As I said recently, elected officials and sporting events don't mix, and someone running for office is an even more deserving target (e.g., Flyers fans' rousing booing of candidate and notorious "hockey mom" Sarah Palin).
* Booing a player who didn't want to play in Philadelphia is always OK. If you say you don't want to play here, don't come here or do so at your own peril (J.D. Drew). And if you say you want out, be advised not to come back (Scott Rolen). We take being trashed very seriously.
