Your best "baseball talk"?

[jupin11]

Last week, I went to game 5 of the Lakers v Thunder series with Barry Bonds. He's become friendly with my stepfather over the last year, but this was my first chance to meet him. I had no idea what to expect. I didn't even know if he would be comfortable talking baseball.

He was a very, very nice guy. He took time for everyone who asked for an autograph or picture. I started the night just asking about his interest in basketball and the Lakers. After enough fans and reporters came up to him, I realized that he loved talking about baseball. I asked him about working out with Ryan Howard during the offseason. He said, "I'm 45 years old, but I killed him in the batting cage. KILLED HIM!" It was clear however, that he was more comfortable discussing the early part of his career (when he could run and play the field). Not a lot of talk about post-2000 ball. I finally understood how he could be friendly with my stepfather: they're both regarded as major jerks in their respective industries, but surprisingly friendly outside of work.

[PWeso81]

Originally Posted by jupin11

Last week, I went to game 5 of the Lakers v Thunder series with Barry Bonds. He's become friendly with my stepfather over the last year, but this was my first chance to meet him. I had no idea what to expect. I didn't even know if he would be comfortable talking baseball.

He was a very, very nice guy. He took time for everyone who asked for an autograph or picture. I started the night just asking about his interest in basketball and the Lakers. After enough fans and reporters came up to him, I realized that he loved talking about baseball. I asked him about working out with Ryan Howard during the offseason. He said, "I'm 45 years old, but I killed him in the batting cage. KILLED HIM!" It was clear however, that he was more comfortable discussing the early part of his career (when he could run and play the field). Not a lot of talk about post-2000 ball. I finally understood how he could be friendly with my stepfather: they're both regarded as major jerks in their respective industries, but surprisingly friendly outside of work.

Very cool!

My wife and I recently had dinner with Peyton Manning and his wife. While eating, we learned that Darryl Strawberry was in the house. Peyton's wife, Ashley, went out of her way to grab Darryl and bring him over. What a special moment that was for me! The 1984 Darryl Strawberry RC is the reason I collect cards. I pulled it from a wax pack at the Ellettsville Little League ball diamond. I have never looked back. I must have had (10) Mattinglys at the time...But no Strawberry. I was worried how he would present himself. If anyone has ever read "The Bad Guys Won" about the '86 Mets, Darryl was painted as the one of the most despicable team mates you could think of. That night, He was absolutely cordial. We talked about current baseball and how the game has changed a bit. Heyward was a big topic since he is being compared to Darryl. Over all, I was very impressed.
Also, He was eating dinner with "The Beaver". You know...Jerry Mathers. Talk about an all time odd couple!

[Jantz]

I've had the chance to work with Bob Feller as his assistant during an autograph session. It was a very rewarding experience.

One of the first questions he asked me was if I served my country. I replied that I had for 4 years. After hearing my reply, it was as if everything changed. I guess you could say a sort of camraderie between veterans.

We sat and talked/joked for hours while he autographed just about everything for the customers. He told me some incredible stories about baseball and his life.

He was very generous also. After the session, he asked me if I wanted anything signed. I told him just a 8x10 for my father. He proceeded to autograph a dozen items in which he placed in a bag and then told me to take them home. No charge whatsoever.

The times and the athletes sure have changed.


Jantz

[Bill Stone]

1954--Dale Long ---I was in little league at the time and he was playing for the Hollywood Stars ---years later we communicated by mail ---he was the best !

[smokeyjoewood]

Hal Newhouser...during the early 90's, while in college, I worked for a guy who brought in a lot of autograph guests to card shows. Fortunately for me, maybe 5 people lined up to get Hal's auto. Meanwhile, there was a line around the block to get Chris Osgood, Kris Draper, etc. of the Red Wings to sign something. It gave me a great opportunity to spend a couple of hours chatting up Hal about his recent HOF induction, the '45 Series, WWII baseball, etc.. Great memories...

[Easy506]

I agree....Bob Feller is one of the all-time best. I have had the chance to talk to him a few times and he is a class act. I was as much in awe of him for his service during WW2 as is baseball feats.

[mark evans]

I think I've told this before, but it's my only story:

Around 1977 I shared an office with a guy related by marriage to Dick Howser, then third base coach for the Yankees. Howser arranged for my colleague, myself and probably a couple other guys to attend a game in Baltimore, sit with the Yankee wives, and have a beer in the clubhouse after the game. The highlight was dinner with Howser and his wife at a seafood restaurant favored by the Yankees. What sticks in my mind was his candor, especially having just met. He said Reggie was a complete jerk, despised by all, in part for his habit of flashing a wad of 100s at every opportunity.

[donmuth]

...is still with him? The last I heard was she was moving out and was probably going to file for divorce. I guess she's reconsidered?

On another note, I too was a Strawberry fan. He was my favorite player when I got into baseball cards in 1985. I'll always wonder just how good he could have been. Glad to see that he has apparently turned his life around and was courteous enough come over and meet a fan.

[FUBAR]

Originally Posted by PWeso81

Very cool!

My wife and I recently had dinner with Peyton Manning and his wife.

Im a huge Peyton fan, not because of the athlete, which he is the best in my opinion, but because of who he is off the field... im truly envious..... Notice the Colts cap in my profile pic... I have about 700 of his cards, 5 colts jerseys, but have yet to pull an auto of his... one day i will!!!