In the early ’90s(!), I was invited to tag along with some friends on a trip to Minneapolis for a football game. Looking for something to do the first night of the trip, we decided to check out the local NBA team, and I was immediately transfixed. From then on, I was a huge fan, attending games whenever I could. I was even lucky enough to be at Kevin Garnett’s first home game, where I witnessed the future. (I have also witnessed a LOT of bad basketball over the years.)
As a long-time fan, I have managed to collect quite a bit of Wolves memorabilia over the years.
One of my favorite pieces is this bobblehead of Crunch, the team mascot, which has held a place of honor in every workspace I’ve had for years.
This version of Crunch tied into my radio career, as he is wearing jersey number 101.3, which is the dial position of legendary top 40 KDWB. At the time, KDWB was the mascot sponsor. (They took over the sponsorship from another legendary top 40, WLOL, after that station was sold and became a classical station. During that period, Crunch’s number was 99.5.)
Crunch has worn many numbers over the years. He currently rocks 89, in honor of the team’s inaugural year.
At some point, I’m going to have to share all this stuff I’ve collected with someone else, so I’m grooming the next generation of fans. Meet my niece Heather:
Rocking her Wolves hoodie
Sharing snacks with Crunch