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by Rich O'Malley

BUY NOW AT BARNES & NOBLE!

ONe LUCKY FAN

Rich meets

Mr. Met at Citi Field.

LISTEN NOW!

BREAKING NEWS! "OLF" APPEARS ON HISTORY CHANNEL DOC WITH PEYTON MANNING!

I could finally consider myself “Un fan fortunado” this week, taking in my first Italian soccer match. No, it wasn’t the glory of the Inter/Milan derby, but Serie C “action” between home side Lucchese 1905 and visiting local Tuscan rival Carrarese. It was for all the marble. (Carrara is, like ,the center of the world for marble mining and that was your requisite dad joke, you’re welcome.)
Anyhoo it was a blast, despite the lack of fans for a fading squad. They sell tickets out of a dungeon where there are tiny holes to place your order. You also have to give ID and they put your name on the ticket so you can’t scalp. I was in the €5 cheap seats of curva Ovest (west curve) where the supporters sing their chants and such. The team must really think they have intentions of storming the field with the Attica-levels of security fencing (yes, that’s a moat) keeping us penned into our section, where all the vendors sell is soda, water, chips, €2.50 beer, and … espresso.
Overall, a hoot. 11/10 on the unique sports experience scale. And just look at that view!Lower-level Euro soccer is “One Lucky Fan” recommended.

I could finally consider myself “Un fan fortunado” this week, taking in my first Italian soccer match. No, it wasn’t the glory of the Inter/Milan derby, but Serie C “action” between home side Lucchese 1905 and visiting local Tuscan rival Carrarese. It was for all the marble. (Carrara is, like ,the center of the world for marble mining and that was your requisite dad joke, you’re welcome.)
Anyhoo it was a blast, despite the lack of fans for a fading squad. They sell tickets out of a dungeon where there are tiny holes to place your order. You also have to give ID and they put your name on the ticket so you can’t scalp. I was in the €5 cheap seats of curva Ovest (west curve) where the supporters sing their chants and such. The team must really think they have intentions of storming the field with the Attica-levels of security fencing (yes, that’s a moat) keeping us penned into our section, where all the vendors sell is soda, water, chips, €2.50 beer, and … espresso.
Overall, a hoot. 11/10 on the unique sports experience scale. And just look at that view!Lower-level Euro soccer is “One Lucky Fan” recommended.

I'm delighted to announce that “One Lucky Fan” makes an appearance on this @history program! It was a blast taping it & I can't wait to see what they use & my co-interviewees' thoughts. Watch, comment here, then read the book (link in bio!) that follows my alter-ego's journey! I would be remiss if I didn't thank the producers for plucking me off the intertubes to participate in this super-fun project. And the whole crew, for making me feel welcome & as if I were actual "talent!" 🤣

I'm delighted to announce that “One Lucky Fan” makes an appearance on this @history program! It was a blast taping it & I can't wait to see what they use & my co-interviewees' thoughts. Watch, comment here, then read the book (link in bio!) that follows my alter-ego's journey! I would be remiss if I didn't thank the producers for plucking me off the intertubes to participate in this super-fun project. And the whole crew, for making me feel welcome & as if I were actual "talent!" 🤣

Yes. I still have it. Still the best stadium purchase I’ve ever made. Happy Thanksgiving, y’all! 🦃

Yes. I still have it. Still the best stadium purchase I’ve ever made. Happy Thanksgiving, y’all! 🦃

Today in OLF history, 11/11/17:

Here is an inadvertent butt photo I snapped of the sidewalk leading up to Gila River Arena (now … googles…. Desert Diamond Arena) in Glendale-not-Phoenix, Arizona.

This particular selection is far more compelling than anything in that old dump, which is now the ex-home of the Arizona-not-Phoenix Coyotes. Their home is now a closet known as Mullett Arena on the campus of Arizona State. It seats 5,000. “Cool!,” you might say. For a pro team, that is very not cool. Also tickets average higher than the league at $170 a pop.

How many times do I have to say this… please, PLEASE disband and move the Yotes to better pastures, and lessen the stench of the great Winnipegian (™️) Robbery of so many year ago.

Today in OLF history, 11/11/17:

Here is an inadvertent butt photo I snapped of the sidewalk leading up to Gila River Arena (now … googles…. Desert Diamond Arena) in Glendale-not-Phoenix, Arizona.

This particular selection is far more compelling than anything in that old dump, which is now the ex-home of the Arizona-not-Phoenix Coyotes. Their home is now a closet known as Mullett Arena on the campus of Arizona State. It seats 5,000. “Cool!,” you might say. For a pro team, that is very not cool. Also tickets average higher than the league at $170 a pop.

How many times do I have to say this… please, PLEASE disband and move the Yotes to better pastures, and lessen the stench of the great Winnipegian (™️) Robbery of so many year ago.

Five years ago today, I jetted off on a grand adventure. A trip that would quite literally change my life. The “One Lucky Fan” North American tour. 41 games in 53 days — and the linchpin of my dream book. I wont do this every day, but for anyone out there still following this account, I’ll try and dig up some never-before-seen pix from along the way, and relive some of my best memories.

Five years. Seems like 10 minutes ago … and at the same time two lifetimes. I bet you feel the same…

Five years ago today, I jetted off on a grand adventure. A trip that would quite literally change my life. The “One Lucky Fan” North American tour. 41 games in 53 days — and the linchpin of my dream book. I wont do this every day, but for anyone out there still following this account, I’ll try and dig up some never-before-seen pix from along the way, and relive some of my best memories.

Five years. Seems like 10 minutes ago … and at the same time two lifetimes. I bet you feel the same…

About 10 years ago, a photo came into the newsroom at @nydailynews and @rshields37 immediately yelled out, “Richie get over here, look at this pic!” And the star of this photo was dubbed “The Man Who Didn’t Care.” I mean look at him! We’ve made callback jokes for years about him. When I was perusing for tickets to our Metsies outing w/ @inkstainedjoe I saw these available, I knew we had to have them … and recreate that magical moment. Tonight we became … The Men Who Didn’t Care!
PS: I can’t remember which of our ubertalented photogs took it, but if you’re in on here, claim it! You deserve all the credit!

About 10 years ago, a photo came into the newsroom at @nydailynews and @rshields37 immediately yelled out, “Richie get over here, look at this pic!” And the star of this photo was dubbed “The Man Who Didn’t Care.” I mean look at him! We’ve made callback jokes for years about him. When I was perusing for tickets to our Metsies outing w/ @inkstainedjoe I saw these available, I knew we had to have them … and recreate that magical moment. Tonight we became … The Men Who Didn’t Care!
PS: I can’t remember which of our ubertalented photogs took it, but if you’re in on here, claim it! You deserve all the credit!

Back in the Bronx with @triborophoto to record an episode of the Willets Pen pod. Great fun, even for a pretty meh game. Got there an hour early but STILL didn’t snag a John & Suzyn talking bobblehead. That’s giveaways, Suzyn.

Back in the Bronx with @triborophoto to record an episode of the Willets Pen pod. Great fun, even for a pretty meh game. Got there an hour early but STILL didn’t snag a John & Suzyn talking bobblehead. That’s giveaways, Suzyn.

Chalk up another one: Kiddo’s first NBA game! Greetings from One Lucky Fan’s Knicks’ seats for at least some games this season. Her review (of a game where the home side stunk for most of the it, but erased a ~15-pt deficit in the final 10 mins for a buzzer-beater win): “Wow — this is a very different experience than baseball.” Indeed!

Anyway, I think she liked it 🙃

Chalk up another one: Kiddo’s first NBA game! Greetings from One Lucky Fan’s Knicks’ seats for at least some games this season. Her review (of a game where the home side stunk for most of the it, but erased a ~15-pt deficit in the final 10 mins for a buzzer-beater win): “Wow — this is a very different experience than baseball.” Indeed!

Anyway, I think she liked it 🙃

Finally (11 years?! No. Stop.) back at my number one ballpark in all the land — PNC in PGH. Still a gem, despite some sprinkles and a 101st loss for the Buccos on the final day of the season. Of course those two things certainly helped pricing on a front row seat, something you just can’t ever get in NYC without a mortgage. My seat was suddenly very popular at game’s end with young Pirates’ fans seeking one final Hancock (or Kuhl, in this instance) for the year.
Obligatory “yellow” (Roberto Clemente) bridge shot ✅

Finally (11 years?! No. Stop.) back at my number one ballpark in all the land — PNC in PGH. Still a gem, despite some sprinkles and a 101st loss for the Buccos on the final day of the season. Of course those two things certainly helped pricing on a front row seat, something you just can’t ever get in NYC without a mortgage. My seat was suddenly very popular at game’s end with young Pirates’ fans seeking one final Hancock (or Kuhl, in this instance) for the year.
Obligatory “yellow” (Roberto Clemente) bridge shot ✅

“One Lucky Fan” finally took in a Yankees game with kid sis. Great night, great seats, a win, a VERY GOOD DOG, and she finally got to do a patented walk-about with me, including up to the farthest reaches, where her watch immediately informed her she had achieved her fitness goals for the day! ⚾️⚾️👟🏟

“One Lucky Fan” finally took in a Yankees game with kid sis. Great night, great seats, a win, a VERY GOOD DOG, and she finally got to do a patented walk-about with me, including up to the farthest reaches, where her watch immediately informed her she had achieved her fitness goals for the day! ⚾️⚾️👟🏟

How the hell has it been 25 years since I first walked thru the gates of The Jake? Oh, right...

I’m old.

#OneGeriatricFan

How the hell has it been 25 years since I first walked thru the gates of The Jake? Oh, right...

I’m old.

#OneGeriatricFan

Aaaaand weuhhh back. But just to dip a toe in the water and see what the fan experience is like under Covid-19 protocols. It’s ... different. I wouldn’t advocate anyone do this until vaccinated, but for those who will anyway, my thoughts and tips will be on @deadspin tomorrow morning.

Aaaaand weuhhh back. But just to dip a toe in the water and see what the fan experience is like under Covid-19 protocols. It’s ... different. I wouldn’t advocate anyone do this until vaccinated, but for those who will anyway, my thoughts and tips will be on @deadspin tomorrow morning.

One of my fave scenes in one of my fave movies, and I reference it in the latest thing to spill out of my head and onto the page. Link in bio to read the most recent word string to pass thru my noggin. They’re about the shuttering of the NY Daily News newsroom and they’re on The Mediums, whatever that is 😐👴🏼

One of my fave scenes in one of my fave movies, and I reference it in the latest thing to spill out of my head and onto the page. Link in bio to read the most recent word string to pass thru my noggin. They’re about the shuttering of the NY Daily News newsroom and they’re on The Mediums, whatever that is 😐👴🏼

One of “One Lucky Fan’s” favoritest feats was attending 4 of the Big 5 in one day in Feb. 2011 (Nova-Temple-LaSalle-Penn). But I haven’t been back to the cathedral that is The Palestra since then. This joint oozes hoops history. Always intimate, always loud. And I’m just glad I squeezed in one college hoops game this season — for shame! 😬

One of “One Lucky Fan’s” favoritest feats was attending 4 of the Big 5 in one day in Feb. 2011 (Nova-Temple-LaSalle-Penn). But I haven’t been back to the cathedral that is The Palestra since then. This joint oozes hoops history. Always intimate, always loud. And I’m just glad I squeezed in one college hoops game this season — for shame! 😬

Who’s that guy down there? Oh, IT ME! Can’t wait to appear at the Central Branch of the @qplnyc on Saturday. Swing by and say hi! #OLF

Who’s that guy down there? Oh, IT ME! Can’t wait to appear at the Central Branch of the @qplnyc on Saturday. Swing by and say hi! #OLF

Today I was “One Soggy Fan” ... but happy and lucky (look at those seats!) to hang with @wagnerlk ‘s worser half (😬) Mike to watch his Red Bulls not win vs. the Union. Womp-womp. My first match at Talen and it is a great venue, if not a “tad” inconvenient to actual Philly. Full MLS rankings to come in #OLF Volume 2 🙃

Today I was “One Soggy Fan” ... but happy and lucky (look at those seats!) to hang with @wagnerlk ‘s worser half (😬) Mike to watch his Red Bulls not win vs. the Union. Womp-womp. My first match at Talen and it is a great venue, if not a “tad” inconvenient to actual Philly. Full MLS rankings to come in #OLF Volume 2 🙃

Second year in a row I’m out here on the final day of the regular season — Fan Appreciation Day, with yet another “Colorforms” sked to put up in my work shed! This is also prob the longest “One Lucky Fan” has ever gone between MLB games — had to sneak one in! #OLF

Second year in a row I’m out here on the final day of the regular season — Fan Appreciation Day, with yet another “Colorforms” sked to put up in my work shed! This is also prob the longest “One Lucky Fan” has ever gone between MLB games — had to sneak one in! #OLF

Hey, that’s McKinzie — the pony who would go on a few minutes later to win the Whitney at Saratoga, where I’ve been “meaning to get to” for about 23 summers now! And in typical “One Lucky Fan” fashion, I think I had action on every horse EXCEPT this one! 🙄 #OLF

Hey, that’s McKinzie — the pony who would go on a few minutes later to win the Whitney at Saratoga, where I’ve been “meaning to get to” for about 23 summers now! And in typical “One Lucky Fan” fashion, I think I had action on every horse EXCEPT this one! 🙄 #OLF

I made the telly again! This time in my home town. Taped Sports Desk with Steve Overmyer to air live on WLNY-TV, the CBS affiliate on Long Island. Don’t fear NYC folks — they will re-air a snippet on the Channel 2 News at 11 pm tomorrow (Sun) night (prob during sports?!). Tune in! #OLF

I made the telly again! This time in my home town. Taped Sports Desk with Steve Overmyer to air live on WLNY-TV, the CBS affiliate on Long Island. Don’t fear NYC folks — they will re-air a snippet on the Channel 2 News at 11 pm tomorrow (Sun) night (prob during sports?!). Tune in! #OLF

I was on the telly! Thanks to WOIO Cleveland for the chance to talk about “One Lucky Fan!”

I was on the telly! Thanks to WOIO Cleveland for the chance to talk about “One Lucky Fan!”

I wanted a better pic, but this was so whirlwind I didn’t get one! Lived out another dream, appearing as a guest on @wfansportsradio with Sal Licata on the overnight. Take a listen — link in bio! #OLF

I wanted a better pic, but this was so whirlwind I didn’t get one! Lived out another dream, appearing as a guest on @wfansportsradio with Sal Licata on the overnight. Take a listen — link in bio! #OLF

Went with the Fightin’ Phils tonight at my Q&A @shakeandco.rh ... thanks so much to all who attended and to the shop for hosting! #OLF

Went with the Fightin’ Phils tonight at my Q&A @shakeandco.rh ... thanks so much to all who attended and to the shop for hosting! #OLF

I tried to get One Lucky Wife to just fill it with “One Lucky Fan” but Alfie voted with her. It is SO NICE to finally have all the books off the floor and out of boxes after 10 months here. (PS: Feel free to steal my plan and fill your shelves with nothing but “One Lucky Fan!” (Also please remember to review on Amazon once you’ve read the final word!) #OLF

I tried to get One Lucky Wife to just fill it with “One Lucky Fan” but Alfie voted with her. It is SO NICE to finally have all the books off the floor and out of boxes after 10 months here. (PS: Feel free to steal my plan and fill your shelves with nothing but “One Lucky Fan!” (Also please remember to review on Amazon once you’ve read the final word!) #OLF

BREAKING podcast news! It was an absolute delight to talk with my friend of forever @jimmytraina on the SI Media Podcast, out this morning. Check it out wherever you listen to such amusements. #OLF

BREAKING podcast news! It was an absolute delight to talk with my friend of forever @jimmytraina on the SI Media Podcast, out this morning. Check it out wherever you listen to such amusements. #OLF

THEY’RE HEEEEEERE!!!! Thank you all for taking this journey with me. It’s been a helluva ride. Happy reading, and let me know what you think. But more importantly tell Amazon what you think, because reviews are SUPER important! Let’s see ‘em! #OLF

THEY’RE HEEEEEERE!!!! Thank you all for taking this journey with me. It’s been a helluva ride. Happy reading, and let me know what you think. But more importantly tell Amazon what you think, because reviews are SUPER important! Let’s see ‘em! #OLF

So umm, good things are happening! My book is officially “ENJOYABLE!” (says the NY Post) and now it appears to be on its way to all of you!

So umm, good things are happening! My book is officially “ENJOYABLE!” (says the NY Post) and now it appears to be on its way to all of you!

Yes little fella, this is where you were born! They grow up so fast ... 😥

Yes little fella, this is where you were born! They grow up so fast ... 😥

OLF is now officially a DUMB(O) book.

OLF is now officially a DUMB(O) book.

🎵Concrete jungle where dreams are made of ... 🎶

🎵Concrete jungle where dreams are made of ... 🎶

I’m showing the little guy all the sights we can squeeze in today! Hey, #OLF, here’s the building that made May 27 the worst day of the calendar year for me! (Story pp. 80-81)

I’m showing the little guy all the sights we can squeeze in today! Hey, #OLF, here’s the building that made May 27 the worst day of the calendar year for me! (Story pp. 80-81)

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