On the Beat With Glen Kozlowski at Bridges' Scoreboard

Yesterday was quite a day for Chicago sports. The Cubs were playing Game 3 of their playoff series with the Washington Nationals, the Chicago Bears were hosting the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football and the Blackhawks were in Toronto to play the Maple Leafs. My father and I decided to watch all the action at Bridges’ Scoreboard, our favorite area hangout.

We started our sports-watching with the Cubs game. Admittedly, we were worried as Max Scherzer was no-hitting the Cubs. It got worse, as Kyle Schwarber misplayed a ball, which led to the Nats taking a 1-0 into the 7th inning. Fortunately, the Cubs scored one in the 7th and one in the 8th and Wade Davis shut down the Nats to end the game. The crowd roared their approval.

The game ended just as the coverage of the MNF game was kicking into gear. This wasn’t an ordinary game though. Mitch Trubisky’s much-anticipated first NFL start was happening. With the Cubs win in hand, we all now focused our attention on the Bears.

By this time, a special guest had joined the crowd. Bridges’ Scoreboard was hosting an appearance by former Chicago Bears wide receiver Glen Kozlowski. Chicago fans might be divided in our baseball loyalties, but everyone loves the Bears and former Bears!

Koz arrived early and was in great spirits as he talked to fans, posed for pictures and signed autographs. Of course, Koz predicted a victory for the beloved Bears, but more importantly, he regaled the fans with tales of his playing days, while answering our questions.

His favorite quarterback? Jim McMahon. Greatest memory? Too many. Winning a national championship at Brigham Young University. Playing with McMahon again in the NFL. The Chicago fans. Does he follow the Bears? Next question!

I always like these appearances at Bridges’ Scoreboard. It is an informal setting (unlike a major sports convention) and the athletes always seem to really enjoy the time, too. It makes for a completely pleasurable experience.

The Bears lost the game, much to the dismay of the packed house, but I don’t think anyone was really disappointed. The Mitch Trubisky has begun and we expect there to be a growing and learning process, but we also expect good things to come.

Unfortunately, the Blackhawks did disappoint. After leading 3-1 into the 3rd period, the Hawks lost 4-3 in overtime. Still, the team is 2-1 in the young season and things look good.

Overall, it was a solid night of sports action. The Cubs won. The Bears looked good and Trubisky is the future. The Hawks were exciting in the loss.

Of course, the backdrop of Bridges’ Scoreboard added to the enjoyment. Owned and operated by local brothers Scott and Jeff Bridges, Scoreboard has been in the Bridges’ family since 1983. The food is excellent, the staff is friendly and attentive and the crowd is fun-loving. What more could you want?

Since my parents moved to Griffith several years ago, it has become our “go-to” place for sports-watching. Having former athletes popping in on occasion just adds to the fun. In the last two weeks, we have enjoyed watching football with Brian Baschnagel and Glen Kozlowski. How cool is that? There aren’t any player appearances currently scheduled (although I am sure more are coming), but there are still plenty of other events, like Bar Bingo and Friday Night Lights.

Thank you to the fine folks at Bridges’ Scoreboard for another fun night. Thanks, too, to Glen Kozlowski, a former Bears fan-favorite and a super nice guy.