OT: RIP Bob Feller

[PowderedH2O]

In 1988 there was a huge card show in Arlington, Texas and I lived there at the time. I had about $10 to work with, so I just avoided the show which really depressed me. My wife, daughter and I went to the mall that Sunday to just kill some time. As we strolled through the mall, I see a big baseball display with two guys sitting there. As we get closer, it is Bob Feller and Lew Burdette. They are sitting there alone, since all of the baseball memorabilia collectors are at the show, not at the mall across the street. So, I run into a Woolworth's and buy a baseball and some index cards and start talking to the guys and getting them to sign stuff. Bob Feller was sitting in a rocking chair and when my young daughter (1 and 1/2 at the time) starting getting fussy, he rocked her to sleep. I wouldn't have traded that moment for autographs from every big star at the show. Rapid Robert spent an hour rocking my kid and telling me all about his life and listening to me tell him about mine. What a class act.

We lost a great one. Rest in peace Mr Feller. You deserve it.

Sam

[jboosted92]

Originally Posted by PowderedH2O

In 1988 there was a huge card show in Arlington, Texas and I lived there at the time. I had about $10 to work with, so I just avoided the show which really depressed me. My wife, daughter and I went to the mall that Sunday to just kill some time. As we strolled through the mall, I see a big baseball display with two guys sitting there. As we get closer, it is Bob Feller and Lew Burdette. They are sitting there alone, since all of the baseball memorabilia collectors are at the show, not at the mall across the street. So, I run into a Woolworth's and buy a baseball and some index cards and start talking to the guys and getting them to sign stuff. Bob Feller was sitting in a rocking chair and when my young daughter (1 and 1/2 at the time) starting getting fussy, he rocked her to sleep. I wouldn't have traded that moment for autographs from every big star at the show. Rapid Robert spent an hour rocking my kid and telling me all about his life and listening to me tell him about mine. What a class act.

We lost a great one. Rest in peace Mr Feller. You deserve it.

Sam

Fantastic story, thanks for sharing

[kcohen]

Among the greatest of the Greatest Generation. It was truly a privilege to meet him. RIP

[tbob]

First Spahn, now Feller. Two of baseball's greatest pitchers and two real ambassadors for MLB through the years. RIP Bob.

[barrysloate]

One interesting fact I read in his obituary this morning is that after his junior year of high school, during summer vacation, he pitched for the Cleveland Indians and dominated the teams he faced. When the school semester resumed in the fall, he was already an American hero. I knew he debuted at a young age, but that really put it in perspective. Not a bad way to spend one's summer break.

[Jantz]

I had the privilege to meet and work with Bob Feller on several occasions. Some of the stories he told me about baseball and his life were amazing. I have to credit him with getting me interested in baseball from the pre-war time period. Here is a photo I own of him playing marbles with the marble champion from Ohio. He is only 19 in this photo. It saddens me to hear of his passing.

[paul]

Can you imagine being a high school student and facing this guy?

[Ladder7]

Feller frequently pitched exhibition games against famed Negro Leagues hurler Satchel Paige. The two traveled on barnstorming tours during the off-season, entertaining fans all over the country. Feller was one of the first MLB players to include Negro Leagues players in his tours. He championed the election of Paige to the Hall of Fame.

Speaks volumes.

[jboosted92]

Originally Posted by PowderedH2O

In 1988 there was a huge card show in Arlington, Texas and I lived there at the time. I had about $10 to work with, so I just avoided the show which really depressed me. My wife, daughter and I went to the mall that Sunday to just kill some time. As we strolled through the mall, I see a big baseball display with two guys sitting there. As we get closer, it is Bob Feller and Lew Burdette. They are sitting there alone, since all of the baseball memorabilia collectors are at the show, not at the mall across the street. So, I run into a Woolworth's and buy a baseball and some index cards and start talking to the guys and getting them to sign stuff. Bob Feller was sitting in a rocking chair and when my young daughter (1 and 1/2 at the time) starting getting fussy, he rocked her to sleep. I wouldn't have traded that moment for autographs from every big star at the show. Rapid Robert spent an hour rocking my kid and telling me all about his life and listening to me tell him about mine. What a class act.

We lost a great one. Rest in peace Mr Feller. You deserve it.

Sam

Fantastic story, thanks for sharing

[Tim Zwick]

Great story Sam.

I had the good fortune to have my table right next to Mr. Feller and his wife at the 1986 National Convention in Arlington. He would sign anything for collectors for either $2 or $3 bucks if my memory serves correctly. While there have been many great memories from the fifteen or twenty nationals I set up at, none top being able to sit and talk to an American hero about life and baseball for an entire weekend. The national pastime & country have lost one of it's finest - rest in peace Bob.

[jp1216]

My Feller story began when I was about 5. My dad would always refer to my lead foot grandfather as 'Rapid Robert' (his name too was Bob). By the time I was 7, I asked my dad where he got that name from - he told me a little about Bob Feller. The player and the man.

I had a instant appreciation for him. Playing the big leagues at 16 or 17, being the first player to sign up for WWII and so on. By the time I was in high school, I wore number 19 (partly for Feller and partly for Bernie Kosar - Go Browns). I couldn't throw 107.9 MPH, but I tried .... I wore 24 in college for Griffey - I wish I had kept 19...

My job took me to Cleveland in the 90s and I loved seeing him throw out the first pitch at Jacob's Field - not to mention the statue outside the 9th Street entrance.

I finally met Bob in 11-06. Stroke of luck. I was working a full flight (I'm a pilot) from Cleveland to NY. With less than 5 minutes until departure time, the gate agent closed out our flight and said we were OK to leave with 2 open seats. In the cockpit, I looked up at saw Mr. Feller through the terminal glass - at our gate! I quickly left my seat, opened the door and asked the agent about another passenger. She said the flight was closed. I said 'Bob Feller is up there and wants on this plane'. I think she knew who he was. We both went up the jetway and allowed Bob to board. I was thrilled. Mr. Feller was very appreciative. I was ready to pee my pants...

Back on the plane, he popped his head in the cockpit and thanked me again. He began to tell me of his tales of flying and owning planes (like I didn't already know). First impression was 'wow'. He was big. Not your typical 88 year old. He had a big chest and looked sharp. I was amazed.

After arriving in NY, I jumped up to help him with his bag and asked if he'd take a picture with me by the plane. He was happy to do it. We talked a few minutes about flying then he handed me business card. He said 'If you ever want tickets (Indians), give a call'..... My jaw dropped. (No, I never called the number). Also on the card was an address. I quickly printed out the picture by the plane and mailed if off to Bob - asking for an autograph.

Photo attached.

A year ago, I finally found a decent '37 OPC PSA 5 RC. Finally! Also read a Feller book. Good read for all. RIP Mr. Feller.

'To a great pilot, my friend' -- WOW

[Kawika]

If they'd have had the internet back in 1925 a thread of Matty's passing might have read a lot like this one. Same goes for 1979 when John Wayne bought the farm. Big Six and the Duke rolled into one, an icon amongst icons, Rest in Peace Bob Feller. A wonderful and glorious era in our nation's heritage draws that much closer to its end.