Blind Dick Beggs And How Doc Fouled Out!

I have not been in The Blast Factory much this past week.  My 94-year old father "Doc" had a stroke and is working on recovery.  I've been with him a few days to see if I can help.

Doc introduces me to the hospital staff and says, "This is my son. He blows things up and makes money."  Somehow he misses the art part.

He told me a story yesterday about his basketball playing days in the late 30's and early 40's.

Here is the story:

Doc: I only fouled out once you know. (I think that's a lie.) It was against La Crosse Logan.  I had 4 fouls and tied up a loose ball.  During the ensuing jump ball the referee, Dick Beggs, called me for a foul  for jumping into my opponent. The guy I was jumping against. 

Can you believe that shit?  I couldn't even jump 2 inches off the ground.

So I fouled out.

Dick worked many Viroqua games over the next couple of years.  So the coaches, my brother and my teammates all called him "Blind Dick Beggs" from that day forward.

If I knew what twitter was, maybe I could have tweeted about it.  Just like Trump.

Me: You want to be like Trump?

Doc frowns.

Doc: You know what the worst part is? 

Me: Besides Trump? No Doc, I don't know what could be worse than that...

Doc:  Well, a few year after I graduated, "Blind Dick" became an insurance salesman. Betty (Doc's wife) bought insurance from him. I had to see him - and pay him - for the next twenty five years.

Me: That sucks!

Doc:  Sucks!  That was a horrible call and I should never have fouled out!

Boom!

Stick Vega is the American Gunpowder Artist, former CEO, and author of LESS KILLING. Stick currently lives and creates explosive pop art at The Blast Factory in Madison, Wisconsin. Not limited to one medium, he works in gunpowder drawings and paintings, photography, digital art and writing. Please follow Stick on Facebook and/or Twitter.