
“…and at point guard, number 5, BAAAAAAAARON DAAAAAAAAVIS!!!!!!!!!!” that was the point at which you couldn’t hear anything save for the sound of over 20 thousand fans screaming their heads off, myself included. It was February 1st, 2007, and Oracle Arena, the home court of the Golden State Warriors, was literally full. I was twelve years old, and as I stood there screaming at the top of my lungs, I thought to myself, “this is so cool.” The warriors were having an incredible season, led by Baron Davis and backed by second season player and future star Monta Ellis, the warriors were having their best season in around twenty years.
The particular game I was at was against the Charlotte Bobcats. My parents had gotten tickets for the whole family, and my two siblings and I were ecstatic to be seeing “The Warriors” firsthand. The warriors went on to win the game 127-94, and after the game my family stuck around to chat with some friends of ours. I was sitting in my seat when I saw him walk onto the court. Baron Davis was standing maybe thirty yards away from me. I didn’t know what to do. The man who I practically worshiped was down on that court just talking to someone. I was dumbfounded.

I looked up at my brother, fourteen at the time, and said, “How do I get his autograph?” My brother stood me up, walked me down to the court, and told me, “Just ask for it.”
“Yo Baron!” He didn’t look. Probably because I was a twelve year old white boy yelling “Yo Baron!” to someone I had never met before in my life. My brother looked me in the eyes and said, “No, you call him ‘Mister Davis’ and you say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’” I nodded, took a moment, and then said, “excuse me Mr. Davis?” He looked over at me. My brother was right, it was working. “Could I please have your autograph” My voice was quieter than I wanted it to be, but I just I handed him my Warriors hat and a black sharpie.
I remember his reply as if it was happening all over again. He laughed and replied, “Sure thing, little man.” I watched in awe as he scribbled an oddly shaped B Davis onto the brim of the hat. “Thank you” I said as I practically flew up the stairs in sheer excitement.
I still have that hat, and, in case you were wondering, no, I haven’t actually worn it outside since.
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