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The Rock

Baltimore is one of those unique places in America that breeds basketball talent. It has a spirit of relentless history for carving out some of the best players that the hoops game has ever seen. That type of mindset and drive for basketball greatness could move individuals to two questions.  Where does the idea of being the best basketball player come from? Why do kids and young people believe that they'll be the next great basketball player to rise up from Baltimore? Those are two important questions when analyzing the thought process of kids chasing their dreams.   

The Rock
In Baltimore on some blocks the ideals of entrepreneurship is measured by how many "rocks" one can sell.  No, it's not a poplar statement, but one that reigns true on some streets.  Ordinarily making references to a "rock" [pseudonym for a basketball] in cities like Baltimore could easily be associated with something negative. Fortunately in this case, those common thoughts ring false.  However, over the past two years there has been an advanced version of the "rock" that's been upgraded for the blocks.  It's being offered in the form of a basketball [the rock]. The entrepreneurs that own this corner are offering hope, possibility, and a safe-haven for the young and old to help rebuild traditions of it's community. 

Game Action
Recently, I had the opportunity to witness this advanced grassroots version of the "rock" being sold.  It's reemergence has taken the streets by storm. The process was pretty intriguing to witness. The crowd was buzzing with energy, and I was at the baseline of it all.  The game day operations were like watching poetry in motion.  I was especially impressed with the packaging, {yes}, I was impressed by a paper ticket.    

The location was pretty unique as well. The host site was located in the heart of an area within walking distance for most of it's residents.  In the thick of the crowd were families, {yes} families! With the home games being held at St. Francis Academy in Baltimore City, many would assume that the area would have little to no family presence. I found that to be a false narrative when I saw droves of parents and grandparents ushering in children and teens that filled the place to capacity.

Young Fans
After digesting the overall atmosphere I was able to observe the event. It was the Baltimore Hawks ABA basketball team.  It was basketball in its purist form. I was witnessing the dreams of young men whose dreams had begun by playing in the streets, local parks, and even in glass filled alleyways.

The Baltimore Hawks organization is selling "rocks" in the form of hope and possibility. The Baltimore Hawks are offering solutions beyond the game. It's a model that we as a society hope that others will reproduce.



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