San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee was remembered this week by San Francisco Chronicle sports editor Al Saracevic.
Lee, the first Asian-American mayor of San Francisco, died at 65 on Tuesday of cardiac arrest. He was the mayor of the Northern California city from 2011 until his death.
"All politicians love a parade. San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee loved championship parades," Saracevic wrote.
"In his nearly seven years in office, Lee rode through the confetti after two World Series championships and two NBA championships, smiling throughout, waving to the throngs and delivering his unique brand of awkward and funny speeches at the end of each route.
"Whether it was down San Francisco's Market Street, or circling Lake Merritt in Oakland, Lee was on hand to celebrate the good times in Bay Area sports. That also went for major golf tournaments, the America's Cup sailing events, fanfest luncheons, chamber functions and Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.
"Mayor Lee was the city's No. 1 sports fan, and the community mourned his unexpected passing at 65 on Tuesday, releasing a series of statements and condolences that reminded us all of his quirky and heartfelt contributions to the Bay Area's golden era of sports.
"In terms of his political sports legacy, Mayor Lee will be remembered for presiding over the 49ers' departure and paving the way for the Warriors' future return to San Francisco.
"I would give him credit for working tirelessly to get Golden State's Chase Center in San Francisco approved. It was a tough sell, marred by fits and starts and legal opposition. But Lee stood by the Warriors and saw it through. Sadly, he won't be here to see the arena open, projected to happen in 2019.
"The 49ers' situation is different. The blame for that fiasco goes to Lee's predecessor, Gavin Newsom, who allowed a personality dispute with 49ers owner John York to escalate past the point of no return. By the time Lee assumed control at City Hall, the dialogue was over. The 49ers had their hearts set on Santa Clara. And now they're living with that decision."
He said it
From Brad Dickson of the Omaha World-Herald:
• "West Virginia quarterback Will Grier underwent surgery on the middle finger of his throwing hand. He can't pass. Also, with his middle finger out of commission he can't search for a parking space at the mall during Christmas season."
• "Detroit Lions punter Sam Martin missed six games after dropping a conch shell on his foot. Making this even more bizarre: Surely this was the only conch shell in Detroit."
• "The Bills and Colts played in a blizzard with 2 inches of snow per hour falling. This may have been the worst place ever to gather signatures on a global warming petition."
• "Manute Bol's son Bol Bol picked Oregon over Creighton and several other schools. Forget that -- I'm just looking forward to the headline if he transfers: 'Bol Bol Bolts.' "
• "Danica Patrick is retiring and Tiger Woods is back. This means the nation's sports media can stop covering an athlete who finishes in 35th place for one in 53rd place."
SPORTS QUIZ
How long have the Golden State Warriors played in Oakland, Calif.?
ANSWER
The Warriors began playing their home games in Oakland in the 1971-1972 season after playing in San Francisco from 1962-1971 and Philadelphia in 1946-1962.
Sports on 12/16/2017