I’m not a huge country music fan but like every genre, there are lyrics that play to a bigger audience and storytell to a really wide world, and one of those is Tim McGraw’s Humble and Kind. Several examples of that song played out in real life this past week, and served as a great reminder that it’s not always the loudest voice, but it’s the subtle gestures and slightest of chances that make the biggest impact.
Case in point one was the NBA Finals.
The media world we live in gives us a great window into history as it evolves, but rare for most is to know, or have spent substantial time with, someone who has literally a front row seat to history as it occurs. This week as the Toronto Raptors took their place amongst elite “firsts,” become the first non U.S. based team to win the NBA Championship, a longtime friend was right there guiding millions of Canadians to their point of arrival.
His name is Jack Armstrong.
I have known Jack since we were both 19 or so, and have spent countless hours with him early on riding the subway and on road trips as he grew through his formative years like me at Fordham University, he as an aspiring basketball coach and me as a student trying to learn the ins and outs of the sports and entertainment media world. We were at each other’s weddings, I was working courtside as he took Niagara University to their first postseason tournament in decades, the NIT, while he was the Purple Eagles head coach for a pretty glorious stretch, we have consoled and talked each other through career changes…when I was fired from the Philadelphia 7ers after an ownership change and seemingly had no place to turn to for a next step, Jack was one of the people who took the time to come down and sit with me and gave me hope that there would be a path…and through the various places that all these years has taken us.
However what made Thursday night so special for me was to see him sitting courtside calling the game for TSN after decades of tireless work doing whatever he could for a franchise, and for a basketball community, to help move the rock up the hill. The Raptors or people in the Buffalo area needed a speaker, Jack was there; someone needed help with a community event; Jack could do it; media companies wanted to find a positive and insightful voice to talk about this burgeoning sport of basketball; Jack painted the picture. It was never about him, it was about getting whatever needed to be done.
Was it easy to leave his wife Dena and his three growing sons and travel across the border or on the road for work? Nope. Was it impactful. For sure. And in a media business where many times the loudest and the flashiest, not always the hardest working and selfless, get the brass ring, Jack’s impact and his career growth, are certainly something to celebrate. He has never boasted of ability, he has zero presence on social media, that’s not his thing. He is a listener, and observer, and a trusted, quiet advisor, who has helped storytell the Raptors positively into history. 
Now that doesn’t mean that this son of Irish immigrants isn’t without his negotiating skills. However he is a great master of the money, of building consensus and influence without inserting himself into a place he may not belong, and like most great leaders, he has helped forge a great story for a nation in sport that is still unfolding.
All with quiet respect and grace. There are some amazing global stories playing out into history over the Raptors triumph, and many will be falling over each other for credit in the coming year. It will be interesting to observe how many look to rewrite themselves into the narrative when in reality there are few who actually are part of the fabric.
Jack Armstrong is one of those who has been there. He deserves the accolades he is getting, like this piece in the Toronto Star from last week. It has been a pleasure watching his career, as he is a role model for the ages.
Now speaking of role models, Friday night I made my way through the traffic to Citi Field for a pre Father’s Day gathering to see the Mets play the Cardinals. One of the best parts was that my younger brother Chris, and our friend Rich Maccone, got to go on the field to watch batting practice for the first time as a benefit for being a partial season subscriber. Nice perk for diehard fans. However the gem of the moment was when young Pete Alonso, the Mets rising star, came by on his own to talk to some folks just watching. He didn’t have to, he just did. No one prompted him, and he spent time signing and taking pictures; his time, while others kind of blew by in a hurray for what was to be a long night with two losses for the hometown fans and team.
What struck me again was his humility, and his ability to focus just for a second on the moment he was in. He readily admitted when asked that he was enjoying this ride, and seemed genuinely pleased and surprised that people were asking him simple questions about his life and experience in New York. It was a refreshing and welcomed changed from the sometimes self-absorbed world of celebrity.
Fast forward a few hours later, after Mets reliever Jeurys Familia served up an eighth inning game tying home run to the Cardinals Pete DeJong. As the boos reigned down it was young Pete who made his way to the mound and quickly tried to get Familia back in focus. No one else. It was subtle and not called for, but it showed humble leadership in a way we don’t see all the time. Most probably didn’t even notice, and for that reason it also speaks volumes about character; and the ability to impact change in a chaotic situation.
I have no idea where Pete Alonso’s career will go, and I certainly hope he keeps maturing well beyond his years, but the ability to know ones place and make a little different in the lives of others isn’t always easy, and it isn’t always recognized, but his subtle actions are worthwhile and noteworthy in such a tumultuous business.
So there you have it; Jack Armstrong and Pete Alonso. A longtime hoops insider and a rising young star. Both Humble and Kind, and worthy of our attention as models to follow.
Take note of both when you can; they are worth your time and the key lessons learned.
