In Chicago, to Err Is Human When Caller’s Name Is Jordan

If your name is Michael Jordan and you happen to live in Chicago, but you aren’t the NBA superstar, life can be interesting.

Michael Jordan, a dentist, recently ordered some bicycles for his children. Employees of the store mistakenly assumed that he was the Michael Jordan.

“When I came to pick up the bikes, there was a crowd of fans waiting for me,” Jordan said. “This happens to me a lot.”

Trivia time: The major league single-season home run record for brothers is held by whom?

Put up, or . . .: For years, Syracuse basketball Coach Jim Boeheim has listened while announcer Dick Vitale criticized his team and his coaching.

Now Boeheim has an opportunity to show up Vitale. They will play a one-on-one charity game July 19 in Rochester, N.Y.

“I’ve got a bad foot, but I wouldn’t miss this one for the world,” said Boeheim, who started at guard alongside NBA Hall of Famer Dave Bing as a player for Syracuse in the mid-1960s.

Boeheim might shut down Vitale, but it’s unlikely that he’ll shut him up.

Fat factor: Shirley Povich of the Washington Post is amused that 42-year-old George Foreman is the No. 2-ranked heavyweight contender.

“The strange factor is the new admiration for Foreman, a former fat slob who is still fat and still can’t fight much, yet curiously has achieved darling status by staying the limit against Evander Holyfield, who beat him up in every round.

“His new image is that of the amiable, cuddly, old guy who beams at everybody, says nice things and can stay upright.”

Fore!: Golf is a more dangerous sport for children than riding horses, skateboarding, or soccer, according to a report in the British Medical Journal.

“In the hands of children playing unsupervised, golf clubs are potentially lethal weapons,” doctors at Newcastle upon Tyne General Hospital in England wrote in the journal.

The most publicized accident involved Prince William, 8-year-old son of Prince Charles. William suffered a head injury after being hit by a friend swinging a golf club at his school three weeks ago.

Golf accidents aren’t confined to children. Former President Gerald Ford is regarded as a threat to spectators any time he tees off.

Karate Kid: As part of his recent test for a black belt in karate, Adam Kaunitz of Macungie, Pa., broke four pieces of wood with four techniques, using his head, a hammer fist, a knee kick and an elbow strike.

After he had sparred superbly, he gave a speech about how karate had helped him. Kaunitz had to memorize his speech because he can’t read.

After all, he is only 6.

Trivia answer: In 1937, Joe DiMaggio hit 46 home runs for the New York Yankees and brother Vince hit 13 for the Boston Braves.

Quotebook: Pat Faloon, after being made the first draft choice of the NHL expansion team in San Jose: “I can’t say I grew up watching the San Jose Sharks.”