This was one of those days where you ask yourself “Is this really happening? How did I end up here??” I posted a few weeks back that I was a big fan of Michael Chang. He was actually a childhood hero for me in some ways. Growing up, he was one of the few (maybe the only?) Asian athletes I could look up to. Anyway, it was a small passing mention in a larger post about George Lois, the creative vision behind those old Reebok Pump commercials. Well some people over at Fila I guess got wind of this and invited me to Michael Chang’s induction into the United States Tennis Hall of Fame! (Fila is the sole footwear sponsor for the USTA HOF.)
It took place up in Newport, Rhode Island…where actually the U.S. Open used to be played before moving to Queens, NY.
この時ばかりは「これは本当に現実？僕はどうやってここにいるのだろう？？」と自分に問いかけていました。数週間前に僕はMichael Changさんの大ファンだった事をブログしました。彼は僕の子供の頃のヒーローでした。小さい頃の僕にとって、彼は尊敬できる数少ない（もしかしたらただ一人の）アジア系のスポーツ選手でした。とにかく、ブログの内容は昔のReebok PumpのＣＭのクリエーティブビジョンを作り上げた George Loisについての大きいポストの中の一文にすぎませんでした。それをFilaにいる方たちの耳に入ったのか、僕はMichael Changさんのアメリカテニス界の殿堂入りに招待されました！（Filaはアメリカテニス殿堂の唯一のフットウェアスポンサーです。）場所はロードアイランド州のニューポート。。。US Openがニューヨーク州のクイーンズに引っ越す前に開催されていた所で行われました。
The first day involved a VIP dinner at The Marble House. This place barely qualifies as a “house”. The backyard alone was about the size of Union Square Park in Manhattan.
初日はThe Marble HouseでVIPディナーが開かれました。ここは「ハウス」とは言いがたい。裏庭だけでマンハッタンのユニオンスクエアーパークぐらいの大きさでした。
Who remembers Nick Bollettieri? He is probably one of the greatest tennis coaches of all time. I was about to join his tennis camp in my youth also. Chang, Agassi, Martin, Courier…all his proteges.
Nick Bollettieriさんを覚えている人？たぶん彼はテニス界の最高のコーチだったと思います。小さい頃、彼のテニスキャンプに参加しようと考えたこともあります。Chang、Agassi、Martin、Courier。。。全員彼のプロテジェたち。
(Right about now is where I asked myself, “Where AM I??”)
(ここら辺で自分自身に「僕はどんなところにいるの？？」と問いかけている時）
The following day, we were graced with just P E R F E C T weather. I mean really epic conditions. And it was just the right setting for an exhibition match between Michael Chang and Todd Martin (who looked like he could have been Chang’s grandpa.) Seeing these 2 guys play on the original grass courts of the U.S. Open was just unforgettable.
次の日、最高の天候に恵まれました。本当に申し分の無い天気。そして、Michael ChangさんとTodd Martinさん（Changさんのおじいちゃんぐらいのお年に見えました。）との親善試合には最適。US Openのグラスコートでこの二人のプレイを見られたことは一生忘れません。
And Chang still has all the footwork from his youth…just longer shorts!
そして、Changさんは若かれし頃のフットワークも健在。。。ただし、昔より長めのショーツ！
A million thank you’s to Fila (MH & LM) for this amazing experience.
このすばらしい機会を与えてくれたFila(MH&LM)に一万回のありがとうを送ります。
that’s amazing
Chang is a very humble and faith-driven guy. I remember meeting him at the US Open for the first time when I was 16 or so. Instead of his signature he autographed “Jesus Loves You” It was a memorable experience meetin Mr. Kegs for Thighs, definitely a hero of mine growing up Asian-American playing competitive tennis. As far as current Asian tennis players… Jeff, have you heard of Kei Nishikori. He’s a 18 yr old Japanese ATP player, makin moves in the rankings. He beat James Blake at Delray Beach, FL in February.
Ball room? That’s a good question, Where ARE you?
I have a feeling it’s going to be something like that movie ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ – lol – and now that you’ve posted these pictures up, they’re going to relocate the parties elsewhere. And my parties I mean orgies.
What, Jeff, no TIE? It’s the Tennis Hall of Fame! I know you’re Upper Echelon of streetwear fame, but the tie is mandatory!! Just kiddin, looks like a great experience! I still remember Chang vs Agassi, although Andre had the greater advantage in the footwear game!
aaaaaaaaaaaaaamazing!