Betcha didn't know that the greatest hockey poem ever written was composed by a Rangers fan. John Kieran grew up in The Bronx, went to Fordham University and became renowned as a sports columnist and panelist on the popular 1930's and 1940's radio show "Information Please." A lifelong Blueshirts fan, Kieran also was editor of the Information Please Almanac. His poem, "I'll Take Hockey Any Time," appeared in the 1948-49 edition of "Inside The Blueshirt," the New Yorkers' hockey handbook, edited by Rangers publicity director Stan Saplin. Here it is for you enjoyment: I'm a fairly peaceful man, and an old-time baseball fan, You can hear me yell when Heilman hits the ball, And I howl when Ty Cobb stabs one, and I growl when Speaker grabs one, And I roar when Babe Ruth's homer clears the wall. But the diamond sport is quiet to that reeling rousing riot, To a slashing game of hockey in its prime; It's a shindig wild and gay; it's a battle served frappe; Give me hockey, I'll take hockey any time! Stan Fischler talks about Matt Rempe. Once, while crazy with the heat, I coughed up to buy a seat, Just to see a pair of robbers grab a purse. It was a clinch and stall and shove and "Please excuse my glove," Till I blessed them with a healthy Irish curse. But for fighting, fast and free, grab your hat and come with me, Sure the thing they call boxing is a crime, And for ground and lofty whacking and enthusiastic smacking, Give me hockey, I'll take hockey any time. I've an ever-ready ear for a rousing football cheer, And I love to see a half-back tackle low. It's a really gorgeous sight when the boys begin to fight With a touchdown only half a yard to go. But take all the most exciting parts of football, baseball, fighting, And then mix them up to make a game sublime, Serve it up with lots of ice, you don't have to ask me twice, Give me hockey, I'll take hockey any time! Yes, for speed and pep and action, there is only one attraction, You'll see knockouts there a dozen for a dime, When the bright steel blades are ringing and the shinny sticks are swinging, Give me hockey, I'll take hockey any time!
