Fan Appreciation Friday: Mary Barker

An intro to you the reader,

It came to my attention awhile back that as a Sacramento Kings fan my whole life I've been blessed with the good and the bad side of basketball. However it's other fans and supporters of the team that I've been fortunate enough to meet that have made a lasting impact on my life. Fan Appreciation Friday on Sac Throne will be used for the soul purpose to profile a select Kings fan every week to put their passion for this team on full display. The way I see it, with you guys shelling out big bucks every year in merchandise and tickets every year, you deserve some recognition for your passion. My First Fan Appreciation Friday is going to be special to my heart because it's Mary Barker. Mary has been one of the most loyal and passionate fans I know and so for her to be the first is special and brings back the point of why I started doing this. So from me to you, I can't wait to interview and meet every last one of you on this site. Happy Holidays and Go Kings.

Sincerely,

Keith Jouganatos

Mary Baker

Keith: Ok so before we begin can you please say your full name for our readers

Mary Barker: My name is Mary Barker and I'm a lifelong Sacramento Kings fan

Keith: So just let anyone know who reads this, exactly how long have you been a Kings fan?

Mary: Been a Kings fan since they moved to Sacramento in 1985. Went to several games in the first arena on North Market. Remember watching Reggie Theus, LaSalle Tank Thompson, Otis Thorpe. It was a very exciting time for the fans to have professional sports in our city.

Keith: I know it'll be a huge number to think about, but can you give a rough estimate on the number of games you've been to in person?

Mary: At least a thousand, 30 years of basketball games . Not including playoff games . I know as a fan of the WNBA I never missed a home game in the 12 years the Monarchs played in Sacramento. I was a Monarch season ticket holder every year. Kings about half the years, I went to every Kings playoff game and some road wins. I was in my 30's and I'm now 60!

Keith: You've been a fan since they came here to Sacramento. The first time you went to a game at the Old Arco. What was that experience like for you?

Mary: Super exciting, in disbelief that we had a new team in SacTown. Was with friends and family. Everyone was dressed up and I was in my sports gear. I loved the baby blues, had a satin red and blue Kings jacket. Life was finally fun. My love of sports , it was a dream come true! Kings basketball was the hot ticket.

Keith: 30 years later, over 1,000 games, does the joy you get travelling to see them play ever go away for you personally?

Mary: I love the game and the chance to gather with Kings fans makes going a thrill. My heart broke when the Maloofs let the Monarchs go. Many WNBA fans never stepped back to the Kings arena. I love both teams. NBA and WNBA hoops. It always feels like home . Road games were always fun and a wild adventure. Being a fan has it's ups and downs. Winning is fun , losing hurts. It's like we are out there playing , like a part of the team. It's takes a toll, but nothing can take the place of that special time at the arena. The whole ritual of tailgates, fans gathering, debating and analyzing the game. The eating , drinking, music ...it's a happy place . A true bonding.

Keith: One of the things that I think a lot of people see when they go on your profile is you've been blessed to meet a lot of players over the years. Do you have a favorite story of meeting a specific player in Franchise history per say?

Mary: We once got to share a suite with Bobby Jackson at a Kings game after his playing years. Being able to look back on his playing days, and remembering watching him work on the court. Remember getting Bobby Hurley's autograph his first season, that was a big thrill at the time. We didn't take many photos back then, it was all about the autographs. I was once featured in Beckett card magazine. It was in 1997 when the WNBA first came into the league . One cover had Allen Iverson and the flip side Chamique Holdsclaw. That was a thrill. It was so much easier to meet and have players talk to us in the WNBA, so much more personal. Recently I got a selfie with Matt Barnes and it made Instagram . Little things like that really make me happy to be a fan.

During the glory days of Kings playoffs. I remember getting up super early and lining up with hundreds of fans to score lottery tickets to Kings /Lakers. I was able to get tickets , sometimes standing room only. It was the most epic rush to be in the loud sold out Arco Arena. I even took my mom who really just loved being there for the food, the excitement , the "Beat LA" chant.

Those years I will never forget . Along with the 2005 Sacramento Monarchs Championship. One night after the game and season ended, the players would give away some signed game worn shoes to the fans.

I sat courtside. My favorite player Yolanda Griffith walked right up to me and hand me a pair of her Nikes size 12. You would have thought I won the lottery. :) it was the best moment ever! I also have a pair of Chris Webber's Dada's. At a Monarch game he was sitting courtside. I gave my shoe to a hip hop kid and a sharpie , he ran it over to C-Webb and he autographed my kicks. That was a fun memory .

Keith: Out of all the games you've been to as a fan, is there one that stands out to you in particular as your favorite?

Mary: Would have to be the epic win over the Lakers in 2002 Western conference playoffs. Then only to be heartbroken by Robert Horry's dagger that left me on my living room floor

crying. Highs and lows of being a Sacramento Kings fan. So close to getting to the finals.

Keith: Touching on the NBA Finals I got to bring up the fact that we've never played in one. What would you think you'd do if the Kings ever won the Larry O' Brien Trophy?

Mary: The same as you my friend . Celebrate in the streets, party, cry, sing, yell out loud! Join the Parade :) Like when the Monarchs won in 2005! We stayed in the arena until they kicked us out and popped open Champagne in the parking lot. Went to Chili's and ran into players.

You just feel so elated and happy you hug and high five complete strangers. Jump up and down and act like a complete fool!

Keith: And speaking of the Monarchs you're one of the many who is campaigning for them to come back into the fold

Mary: Yes and yes...need to set up some kind of fan forum to let's the Kings brass know, we want the WNBA back in SacTown! We have the fans and support...just need to know what's going on with the league.

Keith: What is the one thing you think makes Sacramento Kings fans so loyal and proud of their team win or lose?

Mary: The love we have for our team and of the sport of basketball. It's not easy, it's the fans and bond we share ♡♡Hard to put into words. It's in our hearts and blood. ♛

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