George Gervin remembers seeing his friend in Section 20 of HemisFair Arena, waving a giant Texas flag and riling up opponents. It’s one of Gervin’s favorite memories of home.
That friend was “Big George” Valle, a ringleader of the Baseline Bums and one of the most visible Spurs fans of all-time.
Valle often stood front and center of the Bums, and when he would motion to "The Sound of the Spurs,” trumpet player Al Sturchio to play “The Yellow Rose of Texas,” Valle waved the state flag and got fans out of their seats.
Big George passed away on Saturday at his home in Devine, Texas.