Sometimes, the right words aren't readily apparent; if they even exist at all. Oh sure; I could conjure up some old clichés like "classy", "top-notch", and even "hero" but you need something a little stronger for a guy like Steve Smith. Whatever you have heard or read about the guy, trust me - they don't quite do him justice. He's even better than that.
Steve and I weren't able to get a full round of golf in (not yet), but we did go out and play a few holes at Fox Creek on a recent Sunday afternoon. Actually, he was there with his father and graciously allowed me to tag along for the purposes of this article.
If you can't tell by now, I was a Steve Smith fan before I ever met him. No, it's not the basketball I'm so impressed with - although his accomplishments on the court could fill this article by themselves. It wasn't even the incredible amount of charity work he does. I was a Steve Smith fan because of the unbelievable respect and admiration mutual friends and colleagues show when they speak of him. In a day when it's so easy to bash or frown on the spoiled professional athlete, I've never heard a negative syllable about this guy.
It's hard to miss the Hawks shooting guard when he walks into a room. One, he's 6'8". Not too many of those guys hang out at the driving range. Secondly, the smile. He's always smiling. "Hey Steve, do you mind if I join you for some golf?" He smiles. "Hey Steve, mind if I take a mulligan?" He smiles. "Hey Steve, can I just write down I made a three?" More smiles. I'm telling you, a great guy.
As we walked to the first tee, I was eager to hear tales from the guy who has been a marquee basketball name for the better part of the 1990s. The NBA All-Star surely had some entertaining anecdotes of how he's schooled Jordan or dunked on Barkley. And sure enough, I was struck by something he told me. No, he never brought up that he was a two-time All-American at Michigan State. He doesn't talk about winning a gold medal as part of the 1994 Dream Team at the World Championship of Basketball. I had to research the guy on the Internet to find out he once tied the NBA record with seven 3-pointers in one quarter. No, he didn't talk about what great accomplishments he had achieved - he simply said softly, "I play from the whites."
Steve has been playing golf all of four months. "Just finally had the time", he explains. He makes no pretense about being a great golfer - yet. But the natural athleticism manifests in his swing, and his competitive nature shows in silent frustration when the result isn't what he had in mind. But does he throw a club or curse real loud? Heck no, haven't you been reading what I've said about the guy? Anyways, his dad was there....got to behave in front of dad.
Actually, speaking of his parents. I want to take a moment and share my favorite Steve Smith story. Steve contributes a large portion of his time and money to various charitable organizations. Lots of people know that. Many have benefitted from his "Smitty City", a block of 40 tickets to every Atlanta Hawks home game he distributes to various youth groups and senior citizens organizations. Others may know him as the honorary spokesperson for the Georgia Make-A-Wish Foundation. But what many may not know about is the $2.5 million dollar donation he made to his alma mater in memory of his late mother. Michigan State will be the home of the Clara Bell Smith Student-Athlete Academic Center. Just a guy honoring the memory of his mother the best way he knows how. Take your zillion championship rings Dennis Rodman; I'll take Steve Smith.
Steve would never tell you about his charity work, that's not his way. But what the heck, I will. And I'm not the only one who's noticed. This past year, The Professional Basketball Writers Association honored him for his charity and community service with the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award. The Sporting News also took note by placing him on their 100 Most Powerful People In Sports list.
Okay, back to golf. Steve has only been playing a few months, his father says this is his first time out...ever. I'm supposedly a four handicap. After three holes, the three of us had all hit the same number of fairways. Well, wait a second, his father hit the fairway on #2 but I'm not counting that because it's a par three. Steve (like any beginning golfer; for that matter - any golfer) has some bouts of inconsistency. He hits a wayward shot and actually has the gall to apologize to me about being slow. Imagine that. One of the 100 Most Powerful Persons In Sports apologized to me about a bad shot. I think I was too shocked and embarrassed at myself to say much. Needless to say, I waved away any suggestion that it mattered. Besides, I had to go find my own ball in the woods.
We continued playing a few more holes and there I learned more about Steve both as a golfer and a person. He is conscientious of other players. He waves through groups if he thinks he's out of turn. He is aware of when others are hitting, where to stand, what to say, etc. He has the etiquette of the game down easy. He's not too far off on the swing. I am sure he is going to turn out to be an excellent golfer, just like he's pretty much great at most things he attempts. But if he never improves one bit, if he never learns to draw a ball on command or spin back a wedge shot, I can say with absolute certainty that he could teach a number of scratch players a lot about the best aspects of golf. It was a thrill and an honor to spend time with the guy. I look forward to more rounds with him in the future. Steve Smith, you are welcome in my foursome anytime. Thanks again.
Article by John Kim
