A Tribute to Stan Asofsky: A True Knicks Fan
Stan Asofsky was not just an avid supporter of the New York Knicks; he embodied the spirit of a true sports enthusiast. As a dedicated ticket holder, he had access to a world that was far less exclusive than it is today, a time when professional sports venues were open and less class-segregated. In those days, you didn’t have to be a celebrity like Spike Lee or Taylor Swift to mingle with the athletes and enjoy the thrill of the game.
During the vibrant 1960s, Mr. Asofsky made a memorable impact on the young Knicks forward Cazzie Russell. He offered the aspiring player a place to hone his skills at the 92nd Street Y on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, where Mr. Asofsky would deliver crisp bounce passes while Russell practiced his jump shots. After their workouts, they would often stroll a few blocks to Papaya King, a beloved hot-dog emporium, where they would refresh themselves with a glass of tropical juice. Mr. Asofsky fondly recalled, “He wasn’t getting enough minutes, and he wanted the workout. I said, ‘Come to our Y.’ He asked, ‘Are there ballplayers there?’”
Beyond being a passionate gym rat with a bum knee, Mr. Asofsky was a generous friend. He once played matchmaker by setting Russell up on a blind date with a woman from CBS’s publishing division, where Mr. Asofsky worked. He reminisced about this moment in a 2009 interview, which I conducted for a book chronicling the Knicks’ glory days.
Mr. Asofsky’s insider persona was undoubtedly enhanced by his prime seating location, which he shared with his long-time companion Fred Klein. For over five decades, the duo occupied front-row seats at two different Madison Square Garden locations, becoming a fixture in the arena. Long before the concept of “celebrity row” existed, where stars like Mr. Lee have made their mark, Mr. Asofsky and Mr. Klein were known as the arena’s most spirited and vocal supporters, often humorously taunting Knicks’ opponents and referees alike.
Stan Asofsky’s legacy as a dedicated fan and a beloved member of the Knicks community will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
