BP: So this is a tough one as a devoted Brewers fan, but how rabid of a Cubs fan are you?
AL: My love for the Cubs has been passed down by both sets of grandparents. I went with my Grandma to my first game when I was 4. I’d say that since I was 11 I’ve been a real fan of the game, learned all the irrelevant facts on players (kids’ names, birthdays, home towns, etc) and loved the passion and atmosphere at Wrigley. Every time I go to a game I get teary during the 7th inning stretch and whenever fans stand for the final out. If you saw my bedroom and signed memorabilia you’d know my passion runs deep. Being selected as a ring bearer and presenting the World Series Championship Ring to Kris Bryant cements my allegiance forever! I didn’t know what Cubs player I would be paired with until 10 minutes before we went on the field. It was a magical moment.”
BP: There is a rumor that you sat on the floor at Duke’s
Cameron Indoor Stadium. True?
AL: That is true.
Long story but lost out on tickets we had purchased for the Final Four
in St. Louis in 2005. We were scammed.
Dad contacted Coach K and asked about buying tickets for a game there – and
told his story of our disappointment missing the Final Four. I was a big Duke fan then because I LOVE the
atmosphere of college arenas and Duke has that.
They offered us tickets for a game over their winter break so we made
the trip. Cameron Indoor Stadium is old,
small and didn’t have handicapped seating so they put us in prime seating on
the floor!!!! Side note: My Mom has a friend whose son played at UNC
then and she got us tickets for the following night to see a UNC game, meet Roy
Williams and get converted to a Tar Heels fan!
I love sports and my room is so full of memorabilia that we talk about
charging admission.
BP: I also heard that you had quite a time at the Little
League World Series this year. What were the highlights?
AL: A trip to Williamsport, Pa. for the Little League
World Series has been on my bucket list for years. My friend, Julie
Foudy, was a sideline reporter last year and kept telling me I would love
it. Knowing she was commentating again this year, we decided to make the
trip. The passion and enthusiasm that surrounds every game is
contagious. All that is good about sports is what the LLWS is all
about. The emphasis on effort, teamwork, friendship and fun.
Highlights for me were having the opportunity to meet the
voices of ESPN baseball broadcasters that I've listened to and admired for
years. Having dinner and spending lots of time with Karl Ravech, Kyle Peterson
and one of my Cubs favorites, David Ross, was pretty special. I got to
know them on a personal level and share stories. Julie Foudy made it all
happen and ESPN treated me and my parents like royalty. Watching the
Challenger Game was also a highlight. Seeing individuals with special needs
buddy up with a partner and play at Volunteer Stadium was super cool.
Everybody cheers for everybody!!!
BP: What types of books and movies do you like?
AL: I like autobiographies of people that have overcome
obstacles, a good love story or young adult books with a teaching message. Of course now, my favorite book is Choose to Matter by Julie Foudy; It
should be everyone’s life manual. My favorite
movie now is “Wonder.” It should be required viewing. The world would be a nicer place if everyone
saw it and tried to Choose Kind. I like movies that make you feel good and
leave you with a positive message – just like good books.
BP: Amy, thank you for this fascinating conversation. Any final thoughts?
AL: Remember to live each day with an attitude of gratitude.
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