Pele

[Hotshoe]

Pele passes at age 82. RIP. Won a record 3 World Cups.

 

[knickslions]

Still remember him with sly Stallone in the movie Victory. Rip goat

 

[Chickenman Testa]

As a 9 year old, I ran to his limo after a New York Cosmos game to get his autograph - only for the window to go up right in front of me. That was lame

 

[87 Penn St8]

As a 9 year old, I ran to his limo after a New York Cosmos game to get his autograph - only for the window to go up right in front of me. That was lame

Luckily, I had the opposite experience. As a VP Associate Media Director in the 90s I was invited to the Sports Illustrated 50th Anniversary celebration at The Museum of Natural History. Actually I didn't rate an invite, but my boss gave me her ticket last minute. It was one of the greatest experiences of my first career.

Most of the athletes who were recognized as Top 50 were there....as an autograph hound I met many and got signs in the magazine. John Wooden, Joe Namath, Richard Petty amongst other. I talked with the husband of skater Peggy Fleming for two drinks...he was as happy as me to be there.

Me and a buddy saw Pele walking with two beautiful young women into a fish tank area. We waited patiently while he was chatting with his ladies. Others were not so polite.

Eventually we walked over and asked if he'd mind signing. He did so with a smile. We thanked him. As we walked away I thought I heard someone calling towards us. When I glanced back he was waving us back to him. He asked us our names, personalized the sigs, and HE THANKED US for being respectful.

I have that autograph hanging in my classroom...at a school with 50% Latino pupils that picture is gold with my kids..."YOU met Pele?????"

My cousin had Cosmos Season tix in the front row at about the 35 yard line. Saw many games w he and Georgio Chinalgia. Great fun.

R.I.P. Pele