February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Best – if ever a name suited a man – died tragically and all too young last week. His funeral crowd this weekend in Belfast promises to be two things: cross community and of papal proportions.
For American readers not entirely familiar with the story of the working-class boy who never quite grew up, but who along the way redefined the game of soccer, it is probably a good idea to rewind a few of the Hollywood sports classics.
Try mixing the story lines from “Knute Rockne All American” and “The Natural,” Throw in a dash of Babe Ruth, Michael Jordan and Joe Namath and you begin to get an idea of what Best meant to his sport, not to mention his troubled hometown.
George Best was the best. He was a natural, a bit of a rebel and a troubled soul who was feted as much as a pop culture icon as a footballer.
He was Georgie the Belfast Boy and the Fifth Beatle. He was, more importantly, a joy to watch on the field as he harried and tormented defenders and goalkeepers, some of whom were themselves in the front ranks of world soccer.
This was most especially the case in the decade up to 1974 when Best played for Manchester United. Though he lined out for a number of clubs, in Britain, Ireland and the U.S., Best will always be most remembered for his heroics in the red United jersey.
Best lived only 59 years. But he gave the sporting world a hundred’s worth of magical memories.
If the man is now truly resting in peace it’s only because there isn’t a ball at his feet.