One of the highlights of my writing career is having the opportunity to cover the NBA All-Star Weekend from 2005-2010—and many of my favorite All-Star Weekend memories are associated with the ABA Reunions held during several of those All-Star Weekends. I interviewed Mike Gale at the 2007 ABA Reunion in Las Vegas. Gale, a key rotation player for the 1974 ABA Champion New York Nets who twice made the ABA All-Defensive First Team (1973, 1974), passed away on Thursday at the age of 70.
Gale is at least the third ABA Reunion participant who I interviewed who has passed away. Warren Jabali passed away in 2012. Fatty Taylor, who organized the 2005 ABA Reunion, passed away in 2017. Also, Moses Malone passed away in 2015. I did not formally interview Malone, but I spoke with him at the 2005 ABA Reunion, and I took a photograph of him alongside Julius Erving that will always be a cherished moment and memory for me.
Here is my 2007 article about Mike Gale: Mike Gale's Journey from Elizabeth City State to the ABA Finals
Gale, like almost every ABA player who I met at the ABA Reunions or on other occasions, was a friendly, perceptive, and enjoyable interview subject. I appreciate the way that he and the other ABA players welcomed me with open arms, and I hope that he rests in peace.
Rest in Peace, Mike Gale
