Chuck 1, Doug Smith 0

Yeah, I know the overplayed, overhyped radio darling (not Chuck, read on) is bound to find its way into arenas across the NBA. It’s catchy, it’s inoffensive, it’s fan-friendly.

A few posts back I made mention of the fact that the Rockets use the same pre-game intro song as we do, Kayne West’s “Stronger“. As rap-pop goes it’s no “Crazy” or “Hey Ya” (thank god), but it’s completely listenable.

So how many NBA teams ‘own’ this song as ‘theirs’? You’d think once some team caught wind that another squad was running out to it, they’d find something else, right?

I emailed Doug Smith last week for some answers. Still never heard back. So then I did what I should have done from the start, and emailed Chuck Swirsky.

And the pocket-sized prognosticator was quick if not direct…

From: Dinosty
To: Chuck
Sent: Mon, Nov 12 11:10 AM
Subject: Re: Raptors Intro “Stronger”
Hey Chuck,
Got a question for ya. I asked Doug Smith, but ol’ Mr. Busy never answered.
The Raptors use Kanye West’s “Stronger” in the pre-game video. Much
improved from last year, for sure, but recently during a Rockets game
it was seen that they TOO use that song.
My question is: Is there any way to find out how many other teams in
the league use the same song? You’d think these pre-game ops guys have
an ear to the ground and want to be as original as they can with this
type of thing. Sharing songs makes your intro generic, and steals from
the energy they’re trying to create.
Anyway, posted the question on my Raptors blog (www.dinosty.com –
check ‘er out!) and told my readers that Doug Smith would give us the
answer. But I should have known only The Swirsk comes through in the
clutch!!
Thanks for your time,
Dinosty

And then, quicker than Kenrick Perkins can foul out of a game…

From: Chuck
To: Dinosty
Sent: Mon, Nov 12 11:17 AM
Subject: Re: Raptors Intro “Stronger”
Dinosty, I can tell you at least two teams other than the raps play the song somewhere in pre game but not necessarily the major opening theme. I’m sure more to come.

Note the time. Despite my shameless plug, Chuck managed to get back to me 17 MINUTES LATER. That’s right, the voice of the Raptors, with his countless appearances, prep sessions, and shoulder pad fittings, managed to respond to an email from a complete stranger in less time than it takes most people to call back their mother. I bet Chuck is an excellent son.

From: Dinosty
To: Chuck
Sent: Mon, Nov 12 12:55 PM
Subject: Re: Raptors Intro “Stronger”
Hey Chuck! Thanks so much for your prompt response – I assure you all
of Raptors Nation appreciates your accessibility and grassroots
participation. You mention below that at least two other teams other
than the raps use the song – other than the rockets, can you tell me
which team(s) you’re talking about? Thanks again!

Then, before I was finished sucking up, a mere THREE MINUTES later…

From: Chuck
To: Dinosty
Sent: Mon, Nov 12 12:58 PM
Subject: Re: Raptors Intro “Stronger”
The Nets played a healthy dose of it two weeks ago.

Yes, he never actually answered my question (whether he never understood me or plumb doesn’t know I’m not sure). But what I was amazed by is that though I’m probably one of 250 Raps fans that email him daily, based on all accounts he gets back to everyone in a similarly prompt fashion.

An impressive feat to be sure.

Maybe one day I’ll get my answer, but at least I can take away from this the comfort in knowing that the Swirsk is there for us in a way that many ‘media personalities’ aren’t. He takes the time because he cares. And there’s not enough caring in sports today. Or the world, for that matter. Why don’t you care, Doug? Why don’t you care?!?