March 20, 2017
Steve Mix is a name familiar to multiple generations of Sixers fans, first from a nine-year playing stint when he suited up in the frontcourt next to Julius Erving. “The Mayor,” who averaged 10.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game for his career, was an NBA all-star in 1975.
And then over a couple of decades, most notably during Allen Iverson’s prime seasons, Mix was the color commentator on the Sixers’television broadcasts along with Marc Zumoff.
So, what is Mix up to now that he has moved on from broadcasting? You can actually find the former Sixer at First Data Field in Port St. Lucie, Florida, working as an usher for Mets spring training games. From Kevin Kernan of the New York Post:
How did Mix wind up an usher? Like many retirees, Mix wanted to keep busy. His nickname is “The Mayor.” He knows everybody. That’s what an usher does.
“This is a great spot behind home plate, and the people are the best thing about this job,’’ Mix said. “They come in, they are friendly, they’re baseball fans. Instead of passing the ball to Julius, I’m helping ladies down to their seats and helping them back up. I have a wonderful time doing it.’’
Mix and his wife, Maryalice, moved to Vero Beach a year ago. They’ve been married 47 years and have four children. He called a friend with the Tigers, clubhouse manager Jim Schmakel, and asked what teams were in the area. The Mets were it, and arrangements were made to hire Mix as an usher. He also is staying busy doing some basketball camps at nearby Indian River State College.
Mix says that he occasionally is recognized by fans, and it’s really too bad that he doesn’t live closer to Clearwater. He would be the most popular man in the stands with all of the Phillies fans at Spectrum Field.
Follow Rich on Twitter: @rich_hofmann
