Trucks truly enjoyed meeting and talking with baseball fans as well. I had met him as a college student about 20 years ago and chatted with him for a while, and ended up writing an article in my college newspaper about how players from the 1950s felt about the modern players. (Trucks was never shy to express his thoughts about the arrogant modern players who ignored players from earlier eras.) I shared the article with him, and we ended up corresponding off and on for many years, up until last year.
His handwriting had gotten tougher in the past few years, but I know he enjoyed taking the time to sign autographs and write notes to fans who asked for autographs. He said if people would take the time to write to him, then he owed it to take the time to write back.
Trucks wrote a book and sent me a copy a couple of years ago - if anyone is looking for a good read on some cool stories from baseball in the 1950s, see if you can pick one up.
We lost a true gentleman and a real class act. RIP to Mr. Trucks.....
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