I have compiled another top three list for all of you to read and enjoy at my expense. I have done my fair share of heckling at sporting events and know that you have to throw out a lot of duds out there to come up with one good line that makes everyone laugh…..including athletes. I’m not talking about your run of the mill jokes, just the ones that truly dedicated hecklers can come up with. I have taken my top three off of the shelf and will share them with you. I am sure this column will grow so I have titled it “Comments from the crowd.”
Most of the time people limit themselves to age and hair jokes so naturally those are on the top of the list but every once in a while a true fan knows stats I wish they didn’t. Number three comes to us compliments of the “Galaxians”. As I was leaving the field in 2004 they started the age old “LA reject” chant (yawn, tiresome, boring) so I shot back at them the number 2 and reminded them about my second MLS Championship that I had won on their field the previous year. Thinking I had gotten the best of them I patted myself on the back and continued my way to the locker room. Then I felt the stinger hit me when a man’s voice roared “Oh I thought you were reminding us of how many games you played in when you were here!” My compliments to the chef on that one….great call.
Number two was delivered this year in Colorado when I was warming up on the end line. This one also registers as the most observant heckler to date as well. After the uninspiring Hair Club for men comments ran their course I heard a guy say “hey Waibel, your hair line is so confused it is receding from the back forward!” That one stopped me dead in my tracks….I mean the guy is right and I have never realized it. I could do nothing but laugh and try not to let him see it.
Number one is a no brainer and it came ringing into my ears compliments of the Cauldron in KC. In an Open Cup game in a high school stadium a couple of years ago I caught myself laughing with them during a match. I don’t know how it started or who started it but it went on forever. At one point I actually looked at the clock, then continued to hear it for four minutes straight.
Simple and to the point “Hey Waibel”, your hair says “hi” rhythmically echoed through the seats over and over and over again. Due to their dedication, volume, and creativity I have loved going there to get heckled ever since. Enjoy your long weekend.
Craig Waibel-The Peaceful Warrior