Opinion corner: Own a piece of history

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Those not fortunate enough to make the pros, play arm chair quarterback, or constantly bicker with the manager even though he’s on the other side of the television.

So, it’s with great delight that after a hard-fought battle we have something to hang on to.

Although I don’t display it at my residence, I do own an autographed Brett Favre mini-helmet. There’s been more scorn than adoration recently. But it’s my piece of memorabilia and it always will be.

This weekend those in attendance at the North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame Banquet have a chance to procure some of their own memorabilia — along with the chance of running into some of the greatest athletes to come out of this fine state.

Here’s the primary info: Eddie Beyer, 762 career coaching wins, Darin Erstad, enough said, and Rick Helling, a 20-game winner in 1998. All from North Dakota, all will be in Jamestown.

Tonight, you can have a chance to see them inducted here and also get your own piece of sports history.

Who doesn’t love a silent auction? Especially when sports related items are up for bid. Here’s a bit of a run down on what’s available:

r 2011 NDSU autographed football: While the puck may be strong at UND, Fargo has football working right now with a national title. What way to better commemorate an unforgettable year than with a rare find like this?

r Travis Hafner: The Cleveland Indians designated hitter, and Sykeston, N.D., product, was generous in his donations. Two bats will be for auction as well as a signed game-worn jersey, one regular jersey and two signed balls.

r Autographed baseballs: The list is impressive: three from Jack Morris, one from Jered Weaver, Ian Kinsler, Adrian Beltre and Ron Washington. Morris is a hero around here for his unforgettable performance in the 1991 World Series. Weaver has 10 complete games with five shutouts, and the other three are Texas All-Stars. Who robbed the clubhouse?

r On the gridiron side: There will be a signed mini helmet and jersey from Jim Kleinsasser, a long-time Viking from Carrington, as well as a couple of pieces signed by Tom Osborne, three-time national championship head coach at Nebraska.

r The piece de résistance: An autographed jersey from the most storied hitter to play college baseball and the man famous for getting his noggin pounded by Nolan Ryan — Robin Ventura. Never mind his White Sox are in first place, or that he hit for a D-1 record setting 58 games in college. This is an item for any White Sox man cave.

There’s a lot more on the list — including UND Fighting Sioux apparel — and probably more by the time the festivities begin. But here’s the point: Even if you aren’t a memorabilia hound, this is probably the best class for the N.D. Sports Hall of Fame in 20 years.

Tickets are for sale for $30 at the door, and that gets you all the bidding you could want and a chance to rub elbows with some North Dakota legends. All proceeds go to the North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame, a non-profit organization.

The show starts Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at the Civic Center. Hope to see you there.

Rodgers is a news writer at the Sun and frequent contributor to the Opinion Corner

Tags: sports, hof, memorbilia