Washington lost a great man in Abe Pollin.
Forget Pollin’s sports accomplishments for a moment. He was a wonderful person. Pollin treated his staff like family, something we seldom see anymore. He gave heavily to local charities. Anything people needed, Pollin was there to help.
But remembering his sports accomplishments, Pollin delivered two blockbusters in Cap Centre and Verizon Center. Cap Centre was the first venue in the Maryland suburbs that brought big-time sports and entertainment to the suburbs. I saw countless concerts there as a young punk plus numerous games. Verizon Center has revitalized downtown, which is hard to believe such a thing was needed just blocks from the White House and Capitol Hill, but Pollin filled in a big gap.
Certainly, Pollin will also be remembered for the Bullets winning the 1978 NBA championship and bringing hockey to Washington with the Capitals. He was a good owner – spending money for players and staying out of the way.
We’ll definitely miss a great man.
