Mike from Illinois

• joined Apr 18, 2008
• last login May 23, 2013
• posts 106
• comments 13303

In addition to being an avid follower and fan of the Orlando Magic, I am also a huge fan of the Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks (2010 Stanley Cup Champions), and Chicago White Sox (2005 World Series Champions). I also root for Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls whenever they don't play the Magic. It's great that the Orlando Solar Bears have returned hockey back to Orlando in the Fall of 2012.

Contributing writer on OPP since February 2012.

I have been hooked on the Magic since their first season in 1989-90. My dad moved to the Orlando area in the mid-80s and he would mail me articles and columns from the Sentinel about the Magic and all their games (this was before the internet). From his connections where he worked at Church Street Station, he was able to get me free tickets to Magic games whenever I came down on vacations. He also was able to get me autographs from many of the players and Magic Dancers. Nowadays, I make it a point to see at least two Magic games during my spring vacations to Orlando to visit my sister and brother-in-law, who live there. I am also proud to say I was at the last Magic game ever played at the old Amway Center, on May 26, 2010, Game 5 of the ECF against Boston, which the Magic dominated 113-92.

I am a fitness enthusiast who enjoys the outdoors, and am very much into power walking, bike riding, and swimming; I walk 4 - 4 1/2 miles a day or ride my bike 12-15 miles a day; I also enjoy traveling, and wagering on sports whenever I visit Las Vegas.

Yes, I love statistics, too.

Las Vegas and Orlando are my favorite places to travel, and I have been to Hawaii also; Wet N Wild is my favorite place in Orlando.

Orlando Magic memorabilia I have in my room: a Magic pennant, a Magic alarm clock, a Magic trash can, a miniature Magic basketball, an autographed picture of the 1989-90 Magic Dancers, and an autographed picture of the 2004-05 Magic Dancers.

Number of Magic T-Shirts I own: 12
Magic sweatshirts: 2
Magic jackets: 1