Dean, Groomsman

Dean (aka: Meat Pants)

A few years after meeting Dean, he asked me for a giant favor.  His fantasy football team in the legendary Windy City Fantasy Football League was in dire straits, losing season after season.  He was getting mocked by his peers at the annual draft, and he was tired of getting embarrassed.  Knowing that I was a fantasy football genius, Dean asked for my help.  So much like Pauly Cicero did for Sonny Bunz in Good Fellas, I came in as Dean's partner.  The rest is history.  Bloated Stiff Football would dominate and change the entire landscape of the WCFFL.  With my guidance, and Dean's "expertise" on any player who ever played for the Wisconsin Badgers, The Bloated Stiffs would win 5 league titles over a 10 year span.

Dean is also the class clown of the bunch. And while I enjoyed pulling his strings at times, much to the dismay of his lovely wife, Sue, I do claim innocence in most of Dean's deeds :)  Like the time he ate 15 hot dogs in a 20 minute span at McGaffer's, or something like that (the legend grows).  That wasn't really me egging him on.  I just had a rooting interest, since I bet everyone there that he could do it.

Dean was usually my roommate when our softball team traveled, and we usually got in the most trouble.  Too many stories, many of which will not be discussed on October 15th.  Despite the hi-jinx, Dean was always ready to go on game day.  We were probably a good match as roommates.  I liked to sleep in late.  On the other hand, Dean was so jacked up, he would often sleep in his uniform.  No need for coffee when you have Dean waking you up 2 hours earlier than necessary.

Besides being my fantasy football partner and former outfield mate, Dean's a really good pal, and a stand up guy.  Like many of the guys I met on this Sportin' Wood team, he also has a tremendous sense of humor.  There were many more good times off the field than on, and I will always treasure those the most.  Like the time our connecting flight to Florida was delayed, and we had a layover in Mississippi.  After a late night trip to the riverboat, we came back to the hotel and Dean...