I was a catcher who could hit the long ball, but was slow afoot. I could have been called me
"THE GREAT WHITE CAMPANELLA HOPE"
My short career ended in 1958, like "Campy", when I hit the ball over the outfield fence and still got thrown out at third base.
Yes I was that slow.
My handwriting continued to deteriorate, like Campanella's after the accident. I passed the prescription writing test with flying colors, so I ultimately went to medical school
. During my residency I actually worked at Wrigley Field for the Cubs in 1977 taking care of both the players and the fans during home games.
Cub regulars with bumps and bruises could always stay in the game. Visiting stars and semi-stars were always sent to the hospital for precautionary Xrays. It was my call as part of the job.
I may have saved a few games for the Cubbies that year, but never appeared in the box score.