I worked for Sprint Communications from 1986 – 1990. During that time I fixed computers, wired muxes, installed PBX systems and ran a data room the size of my kitchen. I was pretty smart back then I think. Even so, sports and I are not really friends.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ll watch the Bears with my guys any day and back then, I sat in the bleachers of Wrigley Field with my binoculars (to better see the second baseman with) like every other gal in the city. I love baseball, and I love my Cubs. But.. even an avid sports fan (Rhino groupie) has her limits.

Take the day I was covering the lunch shift at the switchboard.

Me: Sprint Communications, how may I direct your call?

Voice on other end: Yes, this is Joe Montana, may I please speak with Loren?

Me: Oh I get it, a code name! Sure I’ll put you right through. (Loren was our secret service guy — used to work for President’s Ford and Reagan.)

Voice: No. This is really Joe. We went to college together.

Me: Oh I know you! You’re that guy who does those panty hose commercials. I love those commercials.

Voice: Sigh. No, that would be the other Joe. I play football.

Me: Really? For who?

Turns out Mr Namath Montana played for San Francisco. Hmm.. I would have known that if I really cared about football. But I didn’t. Turns out, he was cute! Shoulda ‘paid closer attention.

Now.. If I got Joe wrong, can you blame me for thinking that the New York Giants won the World Series?

I think teams should make up their own names and not steal from other sports. Just sayin.