People are surprised Greg Norman is in contention at the British Open? What's the big deal? I predicted that Norman would win it.
Of course, that was in 1986.
Only kidding. I was covering Brookhaven Town government and politics, schools and other news back then.
Anyway, this Norman performance is fascinating. A win at Royal Birkdale this week would make him, at 53, the oldest player ever to have won a major.
It puts you in mind of the very short list of other athletes who have excelleed after 50 (not counting the Senior or Champions Tour, which allows ONLY golfers 50 and older).
George Blanda did not quite make it to a game at 50. He was 48 when he played in an AFC Championship game but retired before the following season.
Gordie Howe turned 52 toward the end of a full season with the Hartford Whalers. Howe played 80 National Hockey League games for the Whalers in 1979-80.
Satchel Paige was 59 when he pitched three scoreless innings for the Kansas City A's in 1965.
Who's your favorite 50-and-over athlete?
--Mark Herrmann