Posted on 04/02/2010 9:03:36 PM PDT by tcrlaf
INDIANAPOLIS -- Bobby Plump settled in at a table in the family restaurant and began spinning the tale of his childhood, the one everyone loves. The one he loves.
As fans in nearby seats stopped eating and leaned in close to hear the details, Plump patiently described his buzzer-beating jumper in the 1954 Indiana state championship game. The shot that led to "Hoosiers" and the shot that has thrust him, willingly, into a role as Indiana's ambassador for its beloved basketball and his alma mater, Butler.
The 73-year-old Plump smiles often, occasionally bellowing in laughter at details as he describes Milan High's historic win over Muncie Central as though it happened yesterday. He takes about five minutes to describe 18 seconds. Patrons young and old nod in approval.
People have been waiting in line at "Plump's Last Shot" all week to talk with the owner, to get his autograph, hear his voice. And Plump? He may have been waiting all his life for this -- who wouldn't love a chance to relive a glorious piece of your past? (snip)
He's made numerous appearances, including some at Hinkle Fieldhouse (site of that 1954 game), and his interview schedule has been daunting. He's opened his restaurant three hours early. Plump said Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels has invited Plump and his eight living Milan teammates to watch Saturday's game with him in a suite at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Everyone remembers Plump's famous high school shot. More and more are remembering that he was a star at Butler, which is in the Final Four and will play Michigan State on Saturday night.
"It's very satisfying for Butler to get the recognition it deserves, and I appreciate finally being connected with the Bulldogs," he said.
(Excerpt) Read more at theindychannel.com ...
This is a great story of a real Hoosier legend, talking about the creation of another.
PONY UP... It should be a hell of a game tomorrow afternoon!
The Bracket is set up all wrong IMO.
WVU has to play Duke in the Semis.
BUMP from a Hoosier.....
Every seat ~ in the midst of a crushing depression ~ the crowd sounds definitely partisan for Butler.
Go Bulldogs!
I got lucky and got two seats. The wife got them for me as an anniversary present. I grew up in Indianapolis and have always pulled for IU and Butler. “Hoosiers” is one of my all time favorite movies. Now I live in Kentucky and have expanded my team base.
Was The Butler - Michigan State game as exciting live as it was on television?
I only went to the Butler vs Duke game. It was truly a great experience!
I hope he lives and thrives until 103. I'd like to hear that narrative someday in person.
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