Something Positive to Remember About 2020

This originally appeared on my Medium and Twitter (@BFBaumgartner) accounts on Dec. 16, 2020.

This is how I’ll try to remember 2020.

Ten months have come and gone since these photos below were taken ahead of the 2020 NBA All-Star Game.

With an assist from cousin Ryan and a place to crash, the chance to volunteer during the weekend thanks to Peter Vecsey, John Hareas, Tim Frank and Maureen Coyle is one I’ll never forget.

Hours before Kawhi Leonard and Anthony Davis led Team LeBron to a 157–155 victory, I wanted to take measure of the opportunity I was afforded.

The first of several phone conversations with Mike Breen that surrounded an eventual on-site ESPN research interview came on Feb. 14, 2019.

So running into Breen and his wife as I walked down to the work room in the bowels of the United Center on the weekend’s first night — Feb. 14, 2020 — was a welcome coincidence.

I recognized him right away and it felt great and somewhat rewarding to finally meet him.

Like Vecsey, Breen has become a fierce advocate and supporter of mine in the 22 months since that initial conversation.

What I interpreted to be sincere and genuine conversations with Adrian Wojnarowski, David Aldridge, Steve Aschburner and Larry Fitzgerald, Sr. about my story and journey through the industry followed on Feb. 15 and Feb. 16, 2020.

A brief exchange with Michael Wilbon during halftime of the All-Star Game is another memory I cherish.

I’m grateful and appreciative of the encouragement and support in regards to the pursuit of my professional endeavors.

Hope to be able to share good news with you at some point. Just have no idea when that time will come.

I’ll keep pushing.

I have no choice.