Matthew Mersch writes:
I
just read your book Teardown, and as a result checked out your Flint
Expats blog. I thoroughly enjoyed both. I have a loose connection to
Flint. I was born and raised in Chicago. But, from 1987-1989 my older
brother played hockey for the Flint Spirits. I was around 9-10 at the
time and I thought driving to Flint from Chicago when my dad got off
work on a Friday to catch a game was the coolest thing. The rink and
the team had the feel of "Slapshot," a great movie.
I
can vividly remember skating with the team at practice. I remember
getting an autograph in the locker room after a game from a career minor
leaguer named Mel Hewitt. He was wearing cowboy boots and bright blue
underwear — and nothing else. I was just in awe and I kept asking my
dad how he would get his pants on. I
also got an autograph from Keith Gretzky — the younger and much-less
famous brother of Wayne Gretzky
I attached a picture of a practice jersey I still have from the 1989
team. I believe my brother stole it from the goalie and gave it to me.
I occasionally wear it in some old men's hockey leagues around Chicago.
About ten years ago I was wearing it and made a friend with a Flint
expat. He was extremely excited to talk to anyone who knew anything
about Flint.
