Class of 1998

Nike, Inc.
SP
Wears a Kansas City hat.

Nike was incorporated in 1971 with the express goal of branding everything in existence, and turning that marketing power into a company that is a global icon. But Nike isn't about brands or profits or corporate hegemony. It's about people. Like Jesus Carrilo, 12, in Guadalajara:

"I have been working at Nike for 8 years and in that time I have made almost 10% of the money that I need to ransom my sister from the Cartel. Thinking of the look on her face when I rescue her makes the 18 hours fly by."

Or how about Kaliyanei Meang, 15, of Sisophon:

"They gave the girls at the orphanage two options - become sex slaves, or work at the Nike factory. And whenever I find myself having envious thoughts of those other girls, I just remember that death comes the same for all of us, whether your life is the living hell of the workshop or not."

Or, last but not least Ramelan Swie, 13, of Jakarta:

"They say the left side is the weak, or feminine, side. I am thankful to the cutting machine for removing my left arm, because it has left me with only the masculine arm, and that will ultimately make me stronger."

It is people that Nike serves, and people that are its greatest asset. As Nike pitchman Michael Jordan might say, "Get that fucking camera away from me, I don't know where the fucking shoes were made."

Just do it.

Class of 1997

Lt. General James Longstreet
OF/1B
Wears a Cleveland hat.

James Longstreet was a general who fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War under General Robert E. Lee. Maybe you knew that already, but I didn't, and I come from Northern Virginia, so I didn't want to assume.

Has there ever been a war that tested the notion that the victors write the history books more than the American Civil War? Lee is revered, in the north and the south, as an almost divine figure; Longstreet, who became a Republican and tried to take a hand during Reconstruction, is treated like a turncoat and a pariah. The Civil War is one of the few that has a clear distinction between the side that is fighting for something that is morally right and that which is fighting for something that is morally wrong, and yet those on the "wrong" side have often come out cleaner than those on the "right" side when all is said and done. Granted, much of that is due to the specific actions of those in the "right" (I'm looking at you, Sherman) but the fact is that not too many people who have fought a war against the United States have enjoyed the sort of posthumous popularity that certain Confederate figures have.



Marcus Trescothick
SS
Wears a Cincinnati hat.

Marcus is an English cricketer who has participated in more than 75 test matches for the English national team, whatever the fuck that means. You'll be glad to know that the English are just as unimaginative when it comes to nicknames as us Yanks are - Marcus's nickname is "Tresco". Continuing along the theme that we began with Brian Lara, Marcus also has his own game - Marcus Trescothick's Cricket Coach. If you enjoyed the riveting action and excitement of NFL Head Coach, but you love an even more esoteric sport, why not check out Marcus Trescothick's Cricket Coach? It's a wicked googly!