San Diego
Imagine being taught that Vasco Núñez De Balboa "discovered" the Pacific Ocean? This was the standard interpretation of history fed to so many of us without regard to the countless millions of native peoples from Chile to Alaska, let alone the mature civilizations of China, Japan, and Russia who lived, worked, and played in and around the Pacific Ocean. Oh well, so much for ethnocentrism.
Balboa Park here is truly one of the nation's finest urban spaces. Originally developed for the 1915 Panama-California Exhibition, the park features many Spanish Revival style buildings housing wonderful museums such as the landmark Museum of Man, Museum of Art, Museum of Photographic Arts, and even the Model Railroad Museum.
My Balboa discovery today was the San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum. Yes, it's an ironic name since San Diego has never won a Super Bowl, World Series, or NBA Championship when either the Rockets or Clippers called this city home. Nonetheless, San Diego's sports history is rich and rewarding.
The Chargers did win the 1963 AFL title against the Boston Patriots and have long presented colorful, offensive-minded teams with great players such as Lance Alworth, John Hadl, Dan Fouts, Charlie Jonier, Ron Mix, Kellen Winslow, Ladanian Tomlinson and Junior Seau - now a darling of Patriots fans. The Padres lost two World Series bids, but have also showcased terrific players such as Nate Colbert, Dave Winfield, Tony Gwynn, and this year's NL Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavey. Plus, Petco Field in the Gaslamp District must rank among the finest facilities in baseball. For we Red Sox fans, the old San Diego Padres of the 1930s Pacific Coast League produced future Boston stars Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr, and Dom DiMaggio.
p.s. Add to life's little pleasures watching the sun set over Point Loma from a pier at the glorious Hotel del Coronado.
Imagine being taught that Vasco Núñez De Balboa "discovered" the Pacific Ocean? This was the standard interpretation of history fed to so many of us without regard to the countless millions of native peoples from Chile to Alaska, let alone the mature civilizations of China, Japan, and Russia who lived, worked, and played in and around the Pacific Ocean. Oh well, so much for ethnocentrism.
Balboa Park here is truly one of the nation's finest urban spaces. Originally developed for the 1915 Panama-California Exhibition, the park features many Spanish Revival style buildings housing wonderful museums such as the landmark Museum of Man, Museum of Art, Museum of Photographic Arts, and even the Model Railroad Museum.
My Balboa discovery today was the San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum. Yes, it's an ironic name since San Diego has never won a Super Bowl, World Series, or NBA Championship when either the Rockets or Clippers called this city home. Nonetheless, San Diego's sports history is rich and rewarding.
The Chargers did win the 1963 AFL title against the Boston Patriots and have long presented colorful, offensive-minded teams with great players such as Lance Alworth, John Hadl, Dan Fouts, Charlie Jonier, Ron Mix, Kellen Winslow, Ladanian Tomlinson and Junior Seau - now a darling of Patriots fans. The Padres lost two World Series bids, but have also showcased terrific players such as Nate Colbert, Dave Winfield, Tony Gwynn, and this year's NL Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavey. Plus, Petco Field in the Gaslamp District must rank among the finest facilities in baseball. For we Red Sox fans, the old San Diego Padres of the 1930s Pacific Coast League produced future Boston stars Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr, and Dom DiMaggio.
p.s. Add to life's little pleasures watching the sun set over Point Loma from a pier at the glorious Hotel del Coronado.