Not baseball, but RIP golf legend and HOF'er Arnold Palmer.
He lived a life that virtually all could never dream of, but he remained as down to earth as any celebrity that you ever would ever want to meet.
In 1994, through pure serendipity, my close friend Tom and I had the opportunity of a lifetime on the Big Island of Hawaii . A conversation with an incredibly nice woman that was working in the pro shop at the (not yet opened) Arnold Palmer designed Hapuna GC led to her offering to set up a meet with Mr. Palmer the following day. Our meet was to occur prior to him meeting with a throng of reporters during the ribbon cutting, grand opening ceremony for the course. The 10 minute conversation with Mr. Palmer was one of the most amazing, down to earth conversations that you could ever imagine. Within seconds of meeting Arnie it seemed like he was an old friend. What an amazing gift he had with everyman!
The same gal also offered to let us play in a foursome at no charge in the group right after Mr. Palmer following his press conference. Tom and I had the opportunity to watch Mr. Palmer play 18 holes of golf as well as play it ourselves before the public ever played it.
Ironically, Tom and I randomly had dinner later that night at a terrific restaurant called The Canoe House at the Mana Lani Resort. Our 2-top table ended up being right next to Mr. Palmer, his wife Winnie and 6 others in his group. Arnie spotted Tom & me and said: "Tom and Scott, are you stalking me?" We all laughed and Mr. Palmer introduced us to his wife and friends and asked if we would like to join them for dinner. Unbelieveable!
Greatest experience ever!
RIP Arnie! I am definitely a fan for life.