Gail Freund, Bears Superfan

Hi Everyone. You know, going to Training Camp everyday for years (except that one day), making Bears On Court Basketball games, the Convention, signings and personal appearances near and far...it's easy to get to know the players. Even one of the reporters at Training Camp this year was introduced to me and my friend and said, "Oh, you're Marty's fans!!" Justin told us that they had bets with Marty his last camp here on whose jersey would be worn most often. Marty knew he would win.
BEARS CARE and Ruben Brown had a bowling fundraiser two years ago. It was fantastic. The players actually bowled with the fans, rotating from lane to lane. The players that we bowled with included Brian, Steve Edwards, Bobby Gray, Ruben, Tommie, Patrick..I'm sure there were more actually bowling. Todd McMillon, Jerry, R.W., Gabe, Bryan Johnson, Rob Droege, Aaron Gibson, Joe Odom, Terrance, these are just a few of the players that attended. Marc Colombo's band played. Ahmad Merritt showed up (he was off the team by then) That's when I really got to know John. At the last convention John and his wife stopped by the room to visit with all of us, then met the group again in the bar later that night. We all keep in touch by e-mail. They're a special couple.

My birthday falls the last week of Training Camp. Two years ago we went to TJ Donlins in Bourbonnais to celebrate. The players and coaches that were there all came over one at a time to wish me a Happy Birthday. This included a pitcher from R.W. and a kiss from Mike Brown. It was an evening I'll never forget. Part of the advantages of probably being older that the players' parents.

It's a great bunch of fellows...now plus the ones that no longer play for the Bears. They always make a point to let you know how much they appreciate their fans.

GO BEARS!!