Yorkshire Cricket is regarded as one of the greatest clubs in the world, and as one of the proudest in existence. Established over 150 years ago, the history, tradition and passion of its Members are the main reasons for this. The pride of the Club’s supporters has always been evident.
To celebrate the Club’s fantastic supporters, we bring you a feature looking at memories of some of the White Rose Members. This week we hear from Ian McMillan who wrote and performed the poem that has formed the basis of our ‘One Rose’ video. Not seen it yet? You can watch it by clicking here
When did you first become a member of Yorkshire County Cricket Club?
“Very recently because I’d been coming to loads of games, and it suddenly struck me that I may as well be a member. If you’re a member, you somehow have a sort of importance.”
What are your first memories of Yorkshire County Cricket Club?
“As a lad, I didn’t go, but I had a teacher at my school who was obsessed with Yorkshire cricket. That’s all he ever talked about. When I first came (to watch) as a young man, I didn’t want to be disappointed by it. He’d built it up to be something incredibly exciting, and it was.”
What is your fondest memory of Yorkshire cricket?
“This is a weird thing to say, but I love that moment when you get off the train at Burley Park and you walk up to the ground. You’re surrounded by people just like you. The great thing about sport is that it’s built around promise, the fact that you can’t predict what’s going to happen. You go and watch a film, you can guess the end. You go to a cricket match, you’ve no idea what’s going to happen.”
What is your favourite ground and why?
“It’s got to be Headingley. The mixture of intimacy and epic-ness. You’ve got the people flying over you on the way to the airport, returning from Tenerife, and you know they’re jealous that they’re not going to Headingley.”
Who is your favourite current player and why?
“I like Adam Lyth. He exudes a kind of mixture of anger and excitement. He wants every ball he bowls, every strike he makes and catch he takes to be the best ever in the history of cricket. He somehow gees you up for the same thing! I love his passion.”
Yorkshire supporters are known for being very passionate about their county and cricket team, would you put yourself in that bracket?
“My wife always says to me when I go, ‘remember you’re a man in your sixties, stay calm’. I don’t know how you can be calm at a Yorkshire cricket match. I do get very excited, I stand up, I shout so yes, I am in fact a very passionate supporter.”
What are you most looking forward to during the 2019 season?
“I always think this is the best part in any season, whatever sport it is, because it’s just promise all the way. I think we are going to do well this year. I want to come to the ground and see those sorts of shots, wickets and catches that you’ll remember for years. “
