From the Sidelines: Legend will be missed
Sports reporter
Earl Woods died last week at 74.
I say that like I know him. Like he was some good friend who I will mourn.
The thing is, I will.
Of course we never met, but Tiger Woods' dad was well known by many. Not for becoming the first black baseball player in the then Big VIII Conference when he laced up his cleats and played catcher for Kansas State. Instead, for helping groom one of the most influential persons in the world the last 25 years, not to mention the best golfer: Eldrick "Tiger" Woods.
After Earl fought in the Vietnam War, according to Wikipedia.com, he promised to name his son after a Vietnam War comrade he admired called, "Tiger" for his toughness.
Tough described Earl was as well, battling racism in sports, criticism for being in the media too much, and multiple diseases including prostate cancer which eventually killed him.
Tiger was once asked where he would play his dream round of golf, and he said, "Right next to my father."
Earl, born in raised in Manhattan, pushed Tiger at a young age to be a perfectionist not only in golf, but also life. At nine months old Tiger imitated Earl's golf swing, and at two he appeared on "The Mike Douglas Show" to showcase his skills.
Being pushed at a young age obviously didn't hurt Tiger on the playing field. His accomplishments would fill up an entire newspaper on their own, but 28 years, 10 Majors, and $58 million later, prove that.
Tiger's generosity toward others, and his obvious love for his father and entire family, prove Earl accomplished everything he intended by trying to make Tiger a complete person as well.
Tiger's charitable donations and foundations he has started for children have cost him millions upon millions of dollars, that yes he can spare, but certainly doesn't have to.
Tiger has taken the sport to the next level and raised the nation's interest to an all-time high, especially for minorities who still to this day are not allowed to play at some golf courses.
So yes, Earl will be missed by many including myself.
Earl, goodnight, and goodbye.
