AStatesman Journal Salem, Oregon Monday, November 08, 1971 - Page 4
Mark My Words: Bobby Fischer Fans To Face Checkmate by Jim Fiebig
Los Angeles — In a society that criticizes baseball for moving too slowly, it is mystery why the face of chess champion Bobby Fischer isn't popping up on sweatshirts and wristwatches. (Many Americans think a “checkmate” is someone you share a checking account with.)
But Bobby Fischer has earned the opportunity to do something so extraordinary for the U.S. image abroad that his success would warrant a ticker-tape parade or even a phone call from President Nixon: In the spring — thanks to a brilliant series of play-off victories — Fischer will meet global chess king Boris Spassky of Russia for the world title.
The match must be viewed in perspective: Since chess is the national pastime in the Soviet Union, a loss to Bobby by “Moscow Fats” would be akin to the Baltimore Colts dropping their title to 11 ladies from Leningrad.
Now that I've raised your excitement to fever pitch, you are undoubtedly asking, “What can I do to help Bobby?”
First, you can demonstrate moral support by organizing a Bobby Fischer fan club in your home town. There probably has never been a Bobby Fischer fan club in your home town, and a lot of young people will join just to find out what rock group he's with.
Second, you can petition the ABC Television Network to send Howard Cossell to Russia to handle the play-by-play action. The Russians have only once to hear Howard Cossell interview Boris Spassky to realize we're no lowbrows when it comes to chess. (“Boris, I understand you injured your finger in last Sunday's match. Has this caused you to change your game plan?”)
On second thought, maybe Bobby would do better if we just continue to ignore him.
