Former New York Knicks Great To Greet Saratoga Fans On Sunday

He played played his college basketball at a Division II school, Virginia Union. Yet he was a first-round draft pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1985. The man that they called "Oak Tree" played 19 seasons in the NBA. Ten of those years were played in Madison Square Garden for the New York Knicks. His name was synonymous with Patrick Ewing, John Starks, Anthony Mason and Doc Rivers from those tough mid-1990's teams.

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The power forward was the poster-child for toughness in the NBA, grabbing nearly 10 rebounds a game through the course of his career. Yes, it's former NBA All Star, Charles Oakley and this Sunday, and thanks to NYRA's "Stars at the Spa" series, you can meet him at Saratoga Race Course.

Some said Ewing got the glory, while Oakley did all of the "dirty-work." To championship-starved Knicks fans, Charles Oakley was an important piece of the playoff puzzle. Oakley was acquired in a trade from the Chicago Bulls, prior to the 1988-89 season for 7'-1" center Bill Cartwright and immediately the Knicks became relevant again.

Older Knicks fans will hardly forget their team needing to win just one out of two games against Hakeem Olajuwon and the Houston Rockets in 1994. Charles Oakley did everything that he could. He averaged 11 points and 11 rebounds for the series. The Knicks lost the heartbreaking series in 7 games. More recently, Knicks fans have enjoyed Oakley's battles with famous Knickerbockers' owner, James Dolan. Dolan had Oakley removed in handcuffs from Madison Square Garden in 2017 in the height of their feud.

Fans will have the chance to meet the retired New York Knicks power forward Sunday at Saratoga Race Course. Fans can choose between a ticketed meet-and-greet for up to 50 guests in the brand-new Paddock Suite, overlooking the Saratoga paddock, featuring food, drink (beer, wine and soft drinks) and conversation with the 19-year NBA veteran who suited up for a decade with the Knicks; or a ticketed meet-and-greet at the Jockey Silks Porch that includes a photo opportunity and signed headshot. Tickets are available and can be reserved at NYRA.com. The “Stars at the Spa” series is presented by Saratoga Living. Enjoy hanging out with the "Oak Tree" and a beautiful day a the races.