Kindness and respect key words when others remember Mike Pratt

Mike Pratt, left, was beloved by everyone. (UK Athletics Photo)

It’s so hard to know what words to use to express my feelings for Mike Pratt after his passing Thursday night after nearly a four-year battle with cancer, I thought why not share some social media messages posted about the former UK All-American and UK Radio Network analyst.

T.J. Beisner, director of player development for Kentucky basketball, worked closely with Pratt during basketball season. Here’s what he posted: “The man spent almost 60 years in the world of basketball and media and NO ONE had a bad word to say about him…and he didn’t have a bad word to say about anyone else. That’s not normal. Special guy.”

Beisner is right. The next person I hear say anything bad about Pratt will be the first person I’ve heard say anything negative. And I am still convinced if you asked 100 random UK basketball fans across the state ages 50 or over if they would rather spend an hour with UK coach John Calipari or Pratt, I think the majority would pick Pratt because they have known him longer and feel like he’s one of them.

Two members of the BBN Tonight staff on WLEX-TV are relative newcomers to the UK basketball beat — and they are both women. Here is what they posted about Pratt:

Maggie Davis — “Rest in peace, Mike Pratt He was the epitome of a gentleman, who went out of his way to be kind to me when I was first starting out in this business. Mike was a friend to everyone. A legend for all the right reasons Prayers to his family and everyone who is hurting today.”

Ann Maria Tarullo — “Love you buddy. Already miss you. Things just won’t be the same without you. You welcomed me with respect, kindness, and open arms the very first time you met me. Miss you so much already. I hate this.”

They described Pratt perfectly. He knew more basketball by far than any media member covering UK basketball but always went out of his way to help and make you feel welcome. Even if he disagreed with what you wrote or said, he was respectful when he explained why he did not agree. He really was a “friend to everyone” and a “gentleman” as Davis noted.

Former Louisville radio sports talk show host Michael Bennett always wondered why Pratt was so nice to him. He posted: “Mike Pratt for some reason took me under his wing, always meeting me to have coffee, lunch, or play a round of golf. I never understood why, but if you got to know Mike that’s just what he did. One of the kindest men ever. Please pray for his family.”

He’s right. Pratt just wanted to help. And notice the kindness theme everyone uses when talking about Pratt.

Country music singer J.D. Shelburne of Nashville, a huge UK fan who often listens to games on the radio when he travels, considered Pratt a “dear friend/UK legend” and Pratt was both. He posted: “His voice on the radio was one of the purest. Every time we talked, he beamed with support. He loved my music. I will miss him dearly. Heaven gained a good one. Retire his jersey.”

God did pick up a good soul and if UK does not retire Pratt’s jersey this season, something is wrong. Who could be a better candidate?

However, one of the favorite social media posts I saw about Pratt came from Kentucky fan John David Dyche of Louisville: “RIP Mike Pratt. Didn’t know him but felt like I did from UK Sports Network broadcasts. Likable, knowledgeable & funny. Loved his trademark expressions like ‘chicken wing, stripes & ‘Treyville.’ Never heard a negative word about him. Fine Kentucky basketball player too. Will be missed.”

Yes he will be missed by many of us who knew him but he might be missed even more by so many Kentucky fans like Dyche who didn’t know him but trusted him like a family member.

Mike Pratt was just special and that’s why no one will ever replace him in the hearts and minds of Kentucky fans.