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JasonBanz
06-15-2009, 08:59 AM
Jobathenut and I were trading a few stories on another forum and thought I would start a forum on my own. I know sports is a good way for a father and son can connect. I would love to hear some of the stories of you and your Das!

shoremen44
06-15-2009, 09:12 AM
My dad and I have relatively close Birthdays (3 weeks apart)...

A couple years back we decided that our present to each other would be to take a weekend trip every year to a different ballpark...created alot of memories


So far we have hit

New York - Old Yankee stadium, and Shea
Boston - Fenway
Minneapolis - Metrodome
Seattle - Kingdome
Detroit - Old Tiger Stadium
Houston - Minute Maid Park
Atlanta - Turner Field
Chicago - Wrigley, Old Comisky, and new Comisky
St Louis - Old Busch Stadium
Philadelphia - Vetrans Stadium
Montreal - Olympic Stadium

and of course we have been to

Baltimore - Memorial Stadium, and Camden Yards

Vintagedeputy
06-15-2009, 09:14 AM
Well this one may be a stretch, but its a memory for me -

My dad used to work for the NYC Dept. of Sanitation. He worked at an incinerator - the place where they burned the garbage. He'd operate the burn areas where the trucks would dump the trash. They really cooked it good!

Every once in a while, my mom would let me stay up late to see my dad when he was coming home from a late shift. On those occassions, he usually had rescued a shoe box full of baseball cards from an untimely death. I got to stay up and sort through the cards. Never really got anything super valuable or old, but mostly recent cards (recent as of the '70's).....still a good memory.

cjclong
06-15-2009, 11:31 AM
When my father was a young boy his father took him to a department store where Babe Ruth was appearing. My father got to meet Ruth and shake hands with him (wish he had gotten a ball autographed). That made my Dad a Yankee fan. Because my Dad was fan I became one too. I started really following the Yankees in 60 and was crushed as only a kid can be when Mazeroski hit the home run to beat them in the World Series. The next year I was really following the Yankees during the 61 season with Mantle and Maris in the home run race. We went on vacation in August. We lived in Texas with no major league baseball at the time and I only saw games on TV. We finished our vacation in Kansas City and it wasn't till we got there that my Dad told me he had tickets to the game between the Yankees and As. I went to the game with my parents that night and the Yankees won 3-0. I was in junior high school then and will always remember getting to see Mantle, Maris and Berra and the others play. It may not sound like that much now but it was a big deal to me and I remember it well. The next year my Dad took me to two games at Yankee Stadium and I got to see Whitey Ford win a 7-0 game.

David
06-15-2009, 11:44 AM
My dad and I had a two man baseball game in our back yard. As my dad had a bad throwing elbow injury he could only bat and I only pitched. The back yard was filled with bushes, trees, fences, etc and we had an intricate point system. There was a home run if he hit over a certain fence, point for grounder that reached a fence, a home run could be negated if it was bounced back off a tree. The strike zone and was determined by a chair. If I hit the chair, it was a strike-- thus no arguing balls and strikes. We balanced the rules and distances so the game was even, and the best person that day won.

jonincleve
06-15-2009, 11:47 AM
my best story about my dad,

my dad was my baseball coach growing up. one day i was playing in the back yard with one of those nets you throw the ball into and it comes back to you. so i am back there pitching when i lost control of a pitch. my dad was cleaning the storm windows....as murphy's law would have it, the ball hit the windows at the 'right' time. he was on the ladder, bringing the windows down and was in front of the other set of windows when it hit. i broke all four windows with one pitch. i also set a land speed record for a 10 year old.

my dad would also take me out of school for GE days. that was when some cleveland indians players would go to GE and meet the employees. i got to meet buddy bell of course.....+ rick waits, rick manning, duane kuiper andre thornton etc....

and finally my first baseball game was at cleveland stadium when he and the other coaches took us to see the indians play the baltimore orioles. of course the orioles had some player named reggie jackson on their team which allowed me to narrow down the date of the game. 5-31-1976 memorial day doubleheader.

great thread leading into fathers day

take care
john

David
06-15-2009, 11:53 AM
My other dad story is my dad has the pretty impressive looking bronze down hill skiing medal from the 1950s. I asked him the story. He said he finished third out of three. But, worse, he missed a gate. As only finishers could claim a medal, he had to walk up the hill and ski around the gate to get his medal.

joelsabi
06-15-2009, 12:08 PM
I will share my earlier son-dad sports memory. I remember having some kind of basketball competition (shoot-pass-dribble skill competition sponsored by NBA) on the same day as a Laker game. I had the hardest time getting him to drive me there. It was a close game and he was pretty glued to the television screen. at the time i was in sixth grade in elementary school thinking i was gonna be a future pro basketball player. hahaha.

it was getting close to the time of the competition and the game still wasn't over. I was almost in tears and getting angry. My dad turned the tv off and said lets go. When we got to the tournament i think it was last call and i was lucky i got there. i got in line and they time you on getting thru this course. it went so fast and my heart was beating really fast. i got the fast time and got a gold medal and my friend from school got a silver. i remember my dad being really proud and saying "you are really good." that meant a lot at the time and still does.

the next week i didnt even make the finals of the qualifier because i dribbled the ball off my shoe and lost some valuable time. they dont allow a second try so i was really disappointed. my buddy from school went on to the next round.

metsbats
06-15-2009, 12:22 PM
Great thread and great timing as we approach Father's Day.

My Dad worked a part-time job in a Chinese Resturant on Sundays to help supplement our income growing up. In the beginning of 1972 the resturant catered a gathering at opera singer Robert Merrill's home. Among of the guests that day was Mets manager Gil Hodges. My Dad approached Mr. Hodges with a guest check during the gathering and asked him to sign it. Opon seeing this Mr. Merrill's wife told them that they probably had a baseball in the house somewhere. She went up stairs and produced a brand new official spalding league ball. Mr. Hodges signed the ball "To David Best Wishes Gil Hodges".

When my Dad came home that night I was in bed sleeping as usual and he was so excited he woke me up. I still remember that night and I thought I was dreaming at that moment my Dad presented me that baseball.

It's still in my collection today and will always be.


My best memory with my own son was in 2006 during a game we attended in the Shea picnic area when I took my son to the bathroom. When we left the bathroom a Shea maintenance worker who found a couple of batting practice balls while tidying up the area handed my son a baseball. All my life i never was able to snag a foul or batting practice ball and my son's 3rd game ever he was personally handed one!

bigtruck260
06-15-2009, 01:20 PM
My first Cardinals game was May 21, 1984 vs. the Astros.
Nolan Ryan was pitching that day - and we were in the third base loge seats.

I had never seen MLB pitching up close, and my Dad was just telling me to watch how the batters bailed out of the box when Ryan threw his breaking ball. When he threw his fastball, Dad told me that it wasn't as hard as Feller's (he was raised in Cleveland in the 50's)...he pretty much explained the entire game of baseball to me...and immediately turned me into a Cards fan. That was a defining moment in my life.

I lost my Dad in April, and that memory is one of my favorites, though there were many.

JasonBanz
06-15-2009, 03:29 PM
Awesome stories guys! My Dad and I more relate on football than any other sport. I'm only 23 and my Dad is 44 so there isn't a huge gap between us. When I was around 6 or 7 my Dad took me to a Dolphins game in Baltimore when they were having a bring the ball to Baltimore campaign. They played the Saints and got beat, I remember very little but I do remember the nose bleed seats! A fews years later in 1994 I saw the first Shula Bowl when the Dolphins played the Bengals in Cincinnati on Sunday Night Football. The Dolphins won and I was happy to be far away from home. We've gone to a few other games in Baltimore, New York, and Washington. We are planning a trip to Miami this year. My first trip to Miami, and his third. It's going to be a great time!

jobathenut
06-15-2009, 06:37 PM
Great thread jason-I saw this and a smile came to my face.Like i've said i just love to remember my dad and talk about him.He was the one that passed down the love of the yankees to me and my one brother.And we carry that on for him to this day.And i'm sure to alot of people this will sound stubid,but whenever the yankees are playing on t.v.We always keep his chair open that he would sit in to watch the games with us.I still feel him with me watching the games.In fact as i mentioned in the one thread.Me and my brother made our first ever road trip and first time to see the yankees play in person in cleveland in 2006.It was a dream for my dad to see them play in person so we did it for him.Anyway,on the 4th of july game,that was the game the yankees got blown out by the indians.And it was clear skys and then it turned cloudy and rained.And both me and my brother just turned to each other and did'nt say a word but i knew he was thinking what i was.Again i knew it sounds foolish,but it was like my dad was watching the game and was upset just like me and my brother was.It was strange that it rained like that.Anyways,jason thanks for the posts and this thread.:)
Jobathenut and I were trading a few stories on another forum and thought I would start a forum on my own. I know sports is a good way for a father and son can connect. I would love to hear some of the stories of you and your Das!

gingi79
06-15-2009, 08:42 PM
I apologize now, mine is a real "story". The length is huge but it makes me smile to read. I hope all of you who choose to read it, find a moment like this one. It's early, but Happy Father's Day to you and your Dads.


My Dad, Bill Russell and the Rooster.

I admit that before I went to the book signing tonight, I knew precious little about the man I was about to meet. Sure, I knew he wore number #6 for a Boston Celtics Dynasty. I knew he had played basketball for USF. I knew he was a very large, very black man with very white beard. And I knew Bill Russell wouldn’t sign an autograph for God.
Before we left, I felt a slight ping of anxiety hoping it wouldn’t be like another, much less talented athlete was at his signing a year ago at the same Book Revue. Lenny Dykstra, a man who so obviously took steroids during his career and is mired in no less than 12 lawsuits now over his suspect business practices, signed autographs of his memoir “Nails” as if he was a POW in Nazi Germany. Stories of that “signing” were legendary in the Autograph collecting world as it was a repeat performance. Apparently Lenny had a habit of refusing to sign anything but the book, with only his name and never once looking up at the person who had stood in line for his scribble.
Expecting this type of environment but no less excited, I left home with my dad for a little dinner and then on to Huntington. While we were waiting for our meal at Regal Deli, I started to wonder to myself why it had been so important for my father to attend this book signing. I remembered a few years back when we visited my best friend in Boston that obtaining a picture of Red Aurebach’s statue as it sat on its bench was paramount to anything else. Knowing he was a lifelong New York Knicks fan, this need to relate now to a second lifetime Boston Celtic seemed contradictory. As a fan of many teams myself, I cannot think of a situation where I would go to a New York Jets or New York Rangers book signing. So as I sat there in our small booth, chewing on a frankfurter, I began to ponder what deeper meaning this encounter held for him.
I knew certain truths about my father that might have contributed to the night that lay before us. For one, my dad was once a very big basketball fan, following the Knicks for years and dragging my mother to MSG to watch them in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. I knew he had become disenchanted and disassociated with the current incantation of the NBA, their apparent lack of defense and me-first attitudes. Money is the only loyalty today’s players feel obligated to. As I expanded this thought and how different basketball was when he had paid the most attention, I realized that his teams in other sports were different as well. After all, the New York Giants were still playing in the huge bathtub referred to as the Polo Grounds then. Jackie Robinson had shown the ultimate team loyalty when he retired from the game rather than report to the Giants. He was a Dodger and could never play for their rivals. Considering that over 50 players have played for the Yankees and the Mets in my lifetime, I wondered if it was a longing for a simpler time that drew my dad to Huntington tonight.
On the other hand, I also knew that Bill Russell’s book was about Red. Much like Russell, I knew nothing about the man other than the fact he was short and Jewish and won more titles than he had fingers. Well, that and the fact he had a statue of himself sitting on a bench smoking a cigar in Boston. Why these men were so compelling to my father, I wondered as we walked past a Cinco de Mayo celebration at Pancho Villas next door to the Revue.
As we entered the store, I was more amazed by the lack of attention that this signing had generated than anything else. Reviewing eBay, there was not a single signed item less than $600. He wasn’t charging anything for the signing and autograph collectors should have been flocking to get their goodies. When the pleasant young lady explained there were rules, part of my excitement waned and my stomach dropped hoping my father wouldn’t be disappointed. After all, meeting Bill Russell was obviously very important to my dad even if I couldn’t put my finger on why yet. As we listened to the bookstore clerk explain, our rules were simple. She stated Bill would only sign his book, no memorabilia. He would customize each book which I knew was a safeguard from people selling his autograph and making free money off of him. No stopping for pictures but you could take pictures while he signed. It was all as clear as day but all I could see was; “Lenny Dykstra doesn’t look up, he just scribbles and pushes the book to you without so much as a grunt” I didn’t want to dilute my father’s excitement so I kept this little tidbit to myself. But as I climbed the stairs to the second floor, part of me felt deflated that it would surely disappoint my dad.
On line, we met a bunch of other people who somehow felt the need to talk to my father. In front of us was an autograph collector who obviously felt a great swell of pride when discussing, in graphic detail, his immense collection. Not to be outdone was another collector next to him who attempted to usurp the personalization by pretending not to know who he wanted the book signed to. Believing himself clever and crippled by an inability to shut his mouth, he pontificated his opinions and attempted to dazzle anyone who would listen with his faux wittiness. I thought that surely we wouldn’t find any other people of his caliber on this line but I was sadly mistaken.
Directly behind us was a drunken Irishman from Boston who whipped out an old ball cap purported to be signed by Celtics of the past. He felt compelled to regal us with its signatures, unsolicited mind you and simply refused to stop bending my father’s ear about whatever nonsense expelled from his mouth. He discussed sports in great detail but without insight. He spoke of other signings he went to both of athletes and of adult film stars. He explained that Kobe Tai, a beautiful Korean porn star had offered to let him hold her breasts for a picture and he happily did so. Looking the man over I was struck by the fact she was not only the most beautiful creature who ever spoke to him but probably the furthest he had ever gone with a woman as well. Not to be outdone, a plump and arrogant man came waltzing by and stopped to speak to the collector in front of us. They were old friends and you could see they each suffered from a combination of entitlement crammed inside of a hustler. Collecting autographs from my youth I could spot these people from a block away. They believe athletes owe them something for paying for tickets and rooting for them. They wrongly assume that they are entitled to hawk a player’s autograph and make money off of it. Then they hustle people into believing they are getting a good deal by charging $250 for a now signed book on eBay. Bill Russell was attempting to dissuade these types of people by mandating personalization. Mr. Hustle Entitlement bought 25 books just the same. I was very happy to see he was very far behind us on line.
Rather than engage any of the characters surrounding me, I began to read Bill’s book hoping to find what compelled my father to come to this place tonight and meet this man. I didn’t find the answer. What I did find was that Bill Russell was loved by his family. He fought racial prejudice and built a 50 year friendship with a man who couldn’t possibly be any different from him. I also learned he had a great wit, excellent storytelling skills and the kind of hard work and determination everyone wishes people could say about themselves. So I wondered, maybe we were here to see a man who exemplified all the things my dad worried were missing from my brother and starting to appear inside of me. Perhaps he was hoping the wisdom of the man would pass through to my dad and he could find the brilliance to pull my brother from his current academic difficulties. If it was a concern about my brother that drove us here, how else could it be connected to Bill Russell? I found thumbing through chapter 3 that I was gaining questions rather than answers and that Bill was a very good person.
Much like a Prom Queen, Bill Russell was fashionably late. Surrounded by rather innocuous people for an hour and a half before he showed, part of me wished it would be a Dykstra type signing so we could leave. But as he sat down and my dad leaned over the railing to see him, a funny thing happened. My father smiled. The line moved quick and about 5 minutes after he first sat down we had moved more than a distance of 10 feet, the same height a hoop rests above the ground. It was then that I heard the most pleasant sound of the evening.

Bill Russell laughed.

He has a big, rolling laugh, the kind that comedians dream of having sitting front row every night. It was a laugh that caused you to smile as if by reflex and it had that affect on my dad. As he leaned of the balcony again, my dad saw Bill shake a man’s hand. “Yes!” he said, “That is what I am here for.”
As my turn came up Bill looked me right in the eye. He smiled and asked me who “Matt” was in a deadpan style which put me at ease. I felt like a child, as if somehow speaking to someone deserving of great respect and admiration. He signed my book and I thanked him very sincerely. With great sincerity, he thanked me back. As my dad turned to him and shook his hand, I saw a glimmer in his eye that had been missing for some time. It was as if he could throw off the job he hated and the worries he had about his son’s futures for a minute and just be Joe. My dad spoke of his cousin and how he was in college at NYU at the same time Bill was winning Championships for the University San Francisco. Bill smiled and said “Oh yeah? How old are you?” “67” my father responded. “What’s that kid?” Bill asked, deadpan again. Then shook my father’s hand with honest appreciation.
As we walked back to the car, my father spoke of hope and the ability to overcome the stresses in my life. We discussed how not having a teaching job for the Fall simply meant not giving up. As we turned the corner, he peered into a storefront and saw a large ceramic rooster that he really liked. Staring at it together, my dad said “You know, Bill didn’t even ask my cousin’s name.” I responded “Yeah, but he did joke with you about being young.” My father responded “Yes and then he was right on to the next person. That was my one minute with Bill Russell. I paid for the book and had that moment.”
It was only then that I realized why we had come. It was to have a moment. His motivations may be his own and I may never really know why he felt compelled to come but I’d like to think it was for more than just one reason. In the end, much like our days out when I was much younger, it was an opportunity to spend a few moments with my dad and for him to spend a few quiet moments with me. As we drove away I felt a great happiness that the experience felt more rewarding than owning a book signed by the man who wouldn’t sign for God.

joelsabi
06-15-2009, 09:35 PM
And i'm sure to alot of people this will sound stubid,but whenever the yankees are playing on t.v.We always keep his chair open that he would sit in to watch the games with us.I still feel him with me watching the games.

i knew it sounds foolish,but it was like my dad was watching the game and was upset just like me and my brother was.It was strange that it rained like that.Anyways,jason thanks for the posts and this thread.:)

jobathenut, far from it. i can totally relate. my dad past away but we had such fun watching laker games together at home while we were growing up and beyond. my dad past away earlier than i had expected. i have always regretted not going to a live game with him while he was alive but then again he felt very comfortable watching the games from home. i cannot watch a laker without thinking about my dad, imagining my dad on the edge of his seat and wondering when and if my dad had put the game in "the refrigerator," as chick hearn would often do. thanks for sharing.

great thread.

skyking26
06-15-2009, 11:07 PM
When I was young I'd tape all of Kingman's HRS on the VHS. I would force dad and others to watch. Dad would sit motionless for a bit and then he would say,"this is as exciting as watching paint dry..."

Mr.3000
06-15-2009, 11:34 PM
When I was young I'd tape all of Kingman's HRS on the VHS. I would force dad and others to watch. Dad would sit motionless for a bit and then he would say,"this is as exciting as watching paint dry..."




Nearly sums up my "father son sports story". My father worked 2 jobs and had zero interest in sports. Whatever I learned to enjoy, I learned on my own.

Thankfully I didn't pick up those character traits. My 2 year daughter sits with me and claps and cheers during whatever game I'm watching. I explain everything to her. I don't expect her to remember everything....but while watching football clips on ESPN she yells "TOUCHDOWN!!" and throws her arms up in the air...so I know she's definately learning :D

jobathenut
06-16-2009, 02:32 AM
joelsabi-You just made a grown man cry.Man was i touched by your response to my post.Your dad and mine are up there together i just know it.Because reading what you wrote about your dad was like me talking about mine.He was the same way.He did'nt really like crowds and especially if the crowd was against his team.So going to new york would be the only way he would go see them play in person.I always regret(just like you)that i never took him to a game.That's why i had to make that trip with my brother to cleveland.And my brother also knew how important it was also,that we do that for him.Again like your dad,my dad also left us really unexpected.You always think you will have the time to do the things you want to do.So it makes it tough when you realize that you will never high five and celebrate a win again with him.But when the yankees win i can feel his happiness around me.thanks for the post:) .
jobathenut, far from it. i can totally relate. my dad past away but we had such fun watching laker games together at home while we were growing up and beyond. my dad past away earlier than i had expected. i have always regretted not going to a live game with him while he was alive but then again he felt very comfortable watching the games from home. i cannot watch a laker without thinking about my dad, imagining my dad on the edge of his seat and wondering when and if my dad had put the game in "the refrigerator," as chick hearn would often do. thanks for sharing.

great thread.

012562
06-16-2009, 03:18 AM
Great thread!

One endearing memory I have that influences me to this day is when my Dad took me to a California Angels spring training game in Palm Springs, California, back in 1975 when I was 13 years old. It was my first spring training game. As I found out was usual by attending so many other games there, the place was typically empty, the players very cordial and friendly about signing, and it was a beautiful spring day in the sunshine watching my favorite team with my Dad. It wasn't that he was much of a baseball fan, it was the joy of sharing some time together, having a great hot dog and lemonade, and him taking time out of his busy schedule of being a doctor to drive an hour and a half each way to make me happy while enjoying some baseball.

To this day, spring training is my favorite part of the baseball season, and I was really sad when the Angels left Palm Springs for Arizona. Now I have a season ticket for the Angels in Arizona, and am fortunate to enjoy that time each year.

Tom Duino

joelsabi
06-17-2009, 01:04 PM
joelsabi-You just made a grown man cry.Man was i touched by your response to my post.Your dad and mine are up there together i just know it.Because reading what you wrote about your dad was like me talking about mine.He was the same way.He did'nt really like crowds and especially if the crowd was against his team.So going to new york would be the only way he would go see them play in person.I always regret(just like you)that i never took him to a game.That's why i had to make that trip with my brother to cleveland.And my brother also knew how important it was also,that we do that for him.Again like your dad,my dad also left us really unexpected.You always think you will have the time to do the things you want to do.So it makes it tough when you realize that you will never high five and celebrate a win again with him.But when the yankees win i can feel his happiness around me.thanks for the post:) .

i took a sick day to watch the laker victory parade at home. dad would have wanted it that way. ;)

jobathenut
06-17-2009, 06:17 PM
Joelsabi-That is beautiful my friend-:) Here's to your dad and the lakers and you:D :D :D
i took a sick day to watch the laker victory parade at home. dad would have wanted it that way. ;)

dcrules01
06-17-2009, 06:43 PM
I remember my 1st game my father took me too it was in 1977 a doubleheader. I don't remember much I was 6 but it being a long day.My father was a die hard Mets fan.I can remember the stories he told about the 69 team over and over again.And the 73 team almost defeating the mighty A's at that time.He could go on.The biggest highlight was in 88 when we went to our only game together just me and him.It was fun and very special to me just us.That did not happen very often which saddens me.He was a die hard never giving up and always hoping for the best like in 00.We got to enjoy that World Series together I was so hoping they would win it all for him because he was diagnosed with brain and lung cancer.I remember him saying after the Mets lost don't worry they will get them next year.Game 5 watching Leier pitch his ass off was enough for him and his last Mets game he would ever watch.He passed away on April 17,2001.I think of him everyday knowing he is watching down telling me to not quit. This and the fact that my brother passed away in 98 saddens me because we were 3 die hard Mets fans no matter what.I am lucky to have found a 2nd family of Mets fans who I am lucky to call friends.You guys make it easier and know we have 2 Angels up above rooting for our team..

JasonBanz
06-17-2009, 11:30 PM
You all have great stories! Glad I am able to hear them. Seems that most sports fans get it from their Dad. I hope that one day I can have a son and share my love of sports with him also. I told my wife the other day, I don't know what I will do when he is no longer around. I'm hoping I can see the Dolphins win a Super Bowl with him!:D

skyking26
06-17-2009, 11:36 PM
Nearly sums up my "father son sports story". My father worked 2 jobs and had zero interest in sports. Whatever I learned to enjoy, I learned on my own.

Thankfully I didn't pick up those character traits. My 2 year daughter sits with me and claps and cheers during whatever game I'm watching. I explain everything to her. I don't expect her to remember everything....but while watching football clips on ESPN she yells "TOUCHDOWN!!" and throws her arms up in the air...so I know she's definately learning :D
Yes, my dad worked 6 days a week; and at 70 years old he still works 5 days. Hard working man. Kids know more about what is going on that adults think. Dad always gave me the impression as a kid that he'd rather be with friends than his kids. No different today when he'd rather hang with friends than attend the grandkids ballgames. I gave up long ago on him. I coach my son's team (have for years) and help out with daughter's. I try to be there instead of a Vegas trip.

sfgiants452
06-30-2009, 03:46 PM
My dad is kind of famous in his own right in the hockey fight world. Back in the 70s he traded a network of hockey fight trade trading, something that gave him the nickname "The Godfather of Fights" by fellow traders and NHL players. He's been on tv shows, radio shows, magazines, in books etc in the 80s. He gained that exposure from the most of the players and coaches he dealt with. What I mean by dealt is, whenever players wanted to see their fights they would give him call and vice versa when my dad didnt have a particular fight. The Rangers also asked him a few times to give them scouting reports on certain fighters so they could be given to their enforcers. Because of all this, he was able to get a good number of game used sticks, a few jerseys, and for me memories of spending time with my dad, traveling, meeting players and hanging out in and outside of the locker rooms.

Anthony

Laser110
06-30-2009, 11:27 PM
My Dad was and still isn't a baseball fan. He just never got into the sport so taking us as kids was never really something we did. We did once go see the Phillies in Philly play the Mets, but other than that, we never went.

I, however am a huge Yankees fan and decided in 2007 to get tickets for us to go. After discussions with him about when we can go and where to sit, I landed us two tickets for us in the Tier Reserved section of the Old Yankee Stadium vs Detroit. In a great game, that saw Joe Torre capture the Yankees all time win record we had out first Father/Son major league game together. My dad keeps a bulletin board on the wall in front of his desk at home. On it he places information and stuff he needs etc. Pinned to the board is his ticket from the game that day.


Last year, I got to repeat the day. My father-in-law said he has been a Yankees fan all his life, but due to logistics of where he lived, going to a game was never possible. Being the last season at the Old Stadium I knew we had to go. I looked on line and found tickets for, myself, him and my Dad. We made the trip to the Bronx and I was able to to take my father-in-law to his first ever Yankees game.

Scott

JasonBanz
10-02-2009, 10:04 PM
It's been a long while since a post was made. Tomorrow morning my Dad and I leave for a trip to Miami for sundays game. I can't wait! My wife and my brother will be coming with us too. I will be sure to post some pictures when I get back!! :D

jobathenut
10-02-2009, 10:16 PM
jason-I hope you and your dad (and your wife and brother) have a safe and happy trip to miami.And always remember to treasure these moments.:)
It's been a long while since a post was made. Tomorrow morning my Dad and I leave for a trip to Miami for sundays game. I can't wait! My wife and my brother will be coming with us too. I will be sure to post some pictures when I get back!! :D

GoTigers
10-03-2009, 07:26 AM
Pops doesn't care about sports at all. But he was a pilot for a company that flew Troy Aikman, Moose, Dan Marino, and others around for their NFL broadcasts. After he asked me if I knew who they were, he was able to get autographed balls for me. He said they were all very nice people. Troy and Moose offered him tickets to some of the games they were doing, but he turned them down. Can you imagine that?? Troy Aikman offers you tickets to a game, and you just say no....

island_style
10-04-2009, 06:43 AM
Seeing this thread about sports stories and Dads really made me smile.

My dad was a Yankees fan ever since he saw some Yankees players visit Kauai back when he was a kid. His favorite player was Mickey Mantle. When my daughter was born on July 9th, 2005, he nicknamed her, "The M & M Kid," for her birthday being 7/9 (Mantle and Maris' uniform numbers).

Being a Dodger fan it was tough in our household during the 1977 and 1978 World Series. But, I finally got the bragging rights in 1981 (even though it was a strike-shortened season).

I lost my dad to cancer in 2007. His cancer started out in his prostate and then spread throughout his body. He spent 11 days at St. Francis Hospice in Nuuanu before he passed away.

In 2008 I attended a Dodgers Fantasy Camp in Vero Beach, Florida. Instead of writing my uniform number on my cap I wrote his name. Each camper was allowed to leave tickets for the Big Game versus the Instructors. I left a ticket for my dad. After the game the unused tickets were returned to the campers, but I never got my ticket back. Perhaps it was due to a mix-up, but I was glad to not get the ticket returned to me. Maybe my dad wanted to watch me play that day.

Kind Regards,

Ron.

Rsamiano@aol.com

JasonBanz
10-06-2009, 09:59 AM
So we got back yesterday and had a blast! The greatest trip I think I ever had. Saturday we took a trip to Dolphins headquarters and met a player while we were there. While we were at the game we were in the same section as Gloria Estefan's box(she waved to me during the game and after :D ), about 30 rows down, and a few sections from Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony's box. Plus the Fins destroyed the Bills. I got some pics.

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reed1216
10-07-2009, 05:11 AM
I have so many fond memories involving sports with my dad, it's hard to know where to start. He worked his butt off to provide for us, but he always made the time to coach our baseball teams (I have one brother) and play APBA baseball (the old school board game). In the process, when he compiled the stats for our teams, he taught me how to figure them all out myself. As a young adult, I recall my frustration trying to relate to a friend how ERA is calculated. He just didn't get it and all I could think of was how lucky I was and am to have had an involved dad who took the time to teach me these things. He was and is an amazing role model. Although I don't have any kids of my own, I have always maintained that if I do, if I can do 1/2 the job my dad did with us, my kid is going to be a heluva lucky child...

Probably the most fond memory I have is all the birthday parties my parents arranged and the efforts my dad took to make these events awesome! Each year, I was allowed to invite 10 of my best friends to either a basketball or a football game. With all the risks (especially in the NYC area, where I grew up) there is absolutely no way I would do that these days. My dad seemed to love it and I think he took a lot of pride doing special things like that for us.

In 1980, I believe, I opted to attend the Jets vs. Saints game at Shea Stadium. The Jets were pretty grim. I think they went 4-12 that season, but the Saints were aweful beyond belief. They hadn't won a game to that point and the team was going through some severe cocaine problems with some of its "star" players, as documented in an SI article about a year later. We sat in the endzone bleachers and endured some brutal winter weather. Moreover, the Saints actually beat the Jets that afternoon, 21-20, if my memory serves me. It was the only game New Orleans won all season...

On the way home in our green, faux wood panelled Ford LTD, we broke down. At this point, it was snowing tons and in 1980, we didn't have cell phones to call for assistance. Including the 10 friends I invited, there were 13 of us altogether (including me, my brother and my dad), all crammed in the station wagon. We were eventually discovered and towed home, but it must've taken 3-4 hours before that happened. The most significant thing about the experience was how patient my dad was. We were a bunch of little buttheads and he endured our buffoonery without getting rattled once. Next time I talk with him, I'm going to remind him of this. I don't think he knows what an impact that day has had on me. Because he has done so many wonderful things for us, specific events get lost among them all.

Apologies to all the other great dads out there, but without any doubt in the world, I have been the beneficiary of having the greatest father ever to have raised children. Thanks dad!!!!!!!!!

allstarsplus
10-07-2009, 07:30 AM
I grew up in a large family (4 other brothers) where my father put work ahead of sports. My father was also clear that he wasn't really a baseball fan so having him at my baseball games was never anything special. Later in my teens we connected through football.

My father later in life became a health nut and excercise freak and plays tennis 3 to 5 times a week. His birthday was yesterday and is 79. The good news he is in great shape and now being retired can go to my kids games.


2 weeks ago we shared a special time. I took him to my 16 year olds Varsity football game. My son is a quarterback and cornerback but hurt his throwing shoulder so he played CB the whole game. He had an amazing game with 2 great interceptions and runbacks and several tackles. With his name called over the loudspeaker and students calling out my son's name and watching everyone pat my son on the back, my father enjoyed it as well as taking my son out for burritos after the game.

Maybe one of my kids will post on here about me and them as we have shared 100's of sports moments.

skyking26
10-07-2009, 12:52 PM
I grew up in a large family (4 other brothers) where my father put work ahead of sports. My father was also clear that he wasn't really a baseball fan so having him at my baseball games was never anything special. Later in my teens we connected through football.

My father later in life became a health nut and excercise freak and plays tennis 3 to 5 times a week. His birthday was yesterday and is 79. The good news he is in great shape and now being retired can go to my kids games.


2 weeks ago we shared a special time. I took him to my 16 year olds Varsity football game. My son is a quarterback and cornerback but hurt his throwing shoulder so he played CB the whole game. He had an amazing game with 2 great interceptions and runbacks and several tackles. With his name called over the loudspeaker and students calling out my son's name and watching everyone pat my son on the back, my father enjoyed it as well as taking my son out for burritos after the game.

Maybe one of my kids will post on here about me and them as we have shared 100's of sports moments.
Tell your dad happy birthday for me - we share the SAME birthday. Great that he is healthy. My dad is 70 and starting to slide a bit.

mwbosoxfan
10-07-2009, 02:30 PM
When this thread originally popped up, I wanted to contribute with my own story. Although, I really didn’t know where to start. I was very fortunate growing up. My dad started his own business and was basically a workaholic, but he always made time to help coach my ball teams and come to my games. The greatest impression he left on me is one I realized as an adult with my own family. My dad used to plan a lot of our vacations around going to baseball games. My mom wasn’t a huge fan, and I can remember her always asking, “why do we have to go to the whole series?” My dad would always say that’s just what you do. So, a funny thing happened when my kids got to be three or four years old. Yep, we started planning our family vacations around following the Red Sox.

My dad’s favorite was Ted Williams. I heard the story through the years, but evidently Ted Williams sat down by my dad at the Muehlebach Hotel in downtown Kansas City and they struck up a grand ole conversation. As a WWII Air Force vet., my dad shared common ground with his military service and admired Ted Williams for being more than a ball player. He was a Teddy Ballgame fan for life. Needless to say, I saw my share of Red Sox games growing up.

I viewed my dad as a somewhat serious, strict, conservative man and father, but when we were in the ballpark, he turned into someone who was bigger than life. The sky was the limit for us when it came to concessions and souvenirs. He turned into a giant adult kid. When I walk in and see the green, hear the crack of the bat, and smell all the different smells of the park, it takes me back to some the greatest times in my life. I really hope that my kids see that side of me when we go to games. He obviously had a tremendous influence on why I love baseball. I lost him a few years ago, and miss him everyday.

mwbosoxfan
10-07-2009, 02:54 PM
I have so many fond memories involving sports with my dad, it's hard to know where to start. He worked his butt off to provide for us, but he always made the time to coach our baseball teams (I have one brother) and play APBA baseball (the old school board game). In the process, when he compiled the stats for our teams, he taught me how to figure them all out myself. As a young adult, I recall my frustration trying to relate to a friend how ERA is calculated. He just didn't get it and all I could think of was how lucky I was and am to have had an involved dad who took the time to teach me these things. He was and is an amazing role model. Although I don't have any kids of my own, I have always maintained that if I do, if I can do 1/2 the job my dad did with us, my kid is going to be a heluva lucky child...

Probably the most fond memory I have is all the birthday parties my parents arranged and the efforts my dad took to make these events awesome! Each year, I was allowed to invite 10 of my best friends to either a basketball or a football game. With all the risks (especially in the NYC area, where I grew up) there is absolutely no way I would do that these days. My dad seemed to love it and I think he took a lot of pride doing special things like that for us.

In 1980, I believe, I opted to attend the Jets vs. Saints game at Shea Stadium. The Jets were pretty grim. I think they went 4-12 that season, but the Saints were aweful beyond belief. They hadn't won a game to that point and the team was going through some severe cocaine problems with some of its "star" players, as documented in an SI article about a year later. We sat in the endzone bleachers and endured some brutal winter weather. Moreover, the Saints actually beat the Jets that afternoon, 21-20, if my memory serves me. It was the only game New Orleans won all season...

On the way home in our green, faux wood panelled Ford LTD, we broke down. At this point, it was snowing tons and in 1980, we didn't have cell phones to call for assistance. Including the 10 friends I invited, there were 13 of us altogether (including me, my brother and my dad), all crammed in the station wagon. We were eventually discovered and towed home, but it must've taken 3-4 hours before that happened. The most significant thing about the experience was how patient my dad was. We were a bunch of little buttheads and he endured our buffoonery without getting rattled once. Next time I talk with him, I'm going to remind him of this. I don't think he knows what an impact that day has had on me. Because he has done so many wonderful things for us, specific events get lost among them all.

Apologies to all the other great dads out there, but without any doubt in the world, I have been the beneficiary of having the greatest father ever to have raised children. Thanks dad!!!!!!!!!

Nice story!

JasonBanz
12-28-2009, 12:31 PM
I wanted to bring this thread back up and share a story from this Christmas. This actually starts from the trip we took in October. I met Dolphins player Will Allen when we stopped at the Dolphins headquarters just to look around. That was the highlight of my weekend. We went to a Breast Cancer Awareness game the next day. For Christmas my Dad found me a pair of game worn Will Allen pink gloves. It's now my new favorite item in my collection!

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Tedw9
12-28-2009, 05:23 PM
Wow, this has got to be the best thread on the board. I thank each and every one of you for sharing your stories, I can see a little of me and my Dad in each and every one of them.

My Dad is the reason I love baseball and the Red Sox. Dad bought me packs of cards as a kid, spent countless hours playing catch with me and even umpired EVERY game I played in from the time I was 6 until I was 17, except for 2, which he was just a fan. And after that we umpired games together. The reason Dad umpired all my games is because one, he was a dam good umpire and two, he was impartial. He called me out on strikes a few times. :D Once I hit an inside the park home run and just beat the throw to the plate and Dad called me safe. A parent from the other team said to Dad that he was cheating. WOW, wrong thing to say! Dad is a super mellow guy, but that day he was ready to take on Satan himself! The other father decided to shut up and just sit down....good choice.

Last week, on Monday night, my Dad had a stroke. He has been in the hospital since, unable to move his right arm, unable to speak and unable to eat. Seeing my larger than life Dad like that has taken a toll on me and my Mom. But I am there with him every step of the way.

I was supposed to go to his house for Christmas, but since that couldn't happen, my wife and I took Christmas to him in the hospital. My Dad still collects cards, he loves ripping packs looking for autographs and game used cards.

Well, he really likes these packs Wal Mart carries that has 2 game used cards per box. I got him one to rip for Christmas knowing he likes them. He has ripped many of them, usually getting a white or gray jersey swatch. Well, on Christmas, I held the box steady on his stomach as he unwrapped it with his one good hand. And once he got it open, I opened the box and pulled out the 2 envelopes holding the jersey cards and held them as Dad opened the first envelope. No white swatch this time, Dad pulled a Greg Maddux patch card! Neither of us have ever seen a patch pulled from one of those boxes, so it was especially sweet. Then on to the next envelope...Dad pulls a Sammy Sosa patch! I had never see 1 patch pulled, never mind 2! Just to be there with Dad, help him open his present and see the happiness on his face was the BEST gift I could have ever asked for.

I know how most of you feel about "game used cards" but considering the situation, I thought the story was worth telling. Thanks for allowing me to share.

Manram
12-28-2009, 05:40 PM
Tedw9- Great story. I hope he can recover soon

Jays1fan
12-28-2009, 08:15 PM
I have only had 1 Sports related time WITH my DAD.
In 1997 , I decided being a long time Jays fan , that it was time to go to Toronto to see the Blue Jays play live.
And I ask my Dad to take the trip with me.
He said ok , as long as we stopped by Niagara Falls on the way up. So , we took off on a Friday night and I drove strait through while he slept. We stayed a couple of hours at the falls then off to Toronto.
We stayed at the Skydome Hotel inside the stadium.
Very Cool, but they gave us a room with only 1 bed in it.
( So I got the Folding Cot and he got the bed )
We saw 2 games ( Saturday and Sunday ). He bought me a Program which I still have to this day. Got to meet Dan Plesac who was from Indiana too & Got my 1st in person Autograph ( Plesac ).

I found out Yesterday that are moving my dad from the Hospital to a Hospus. The Cancer has spread and there are more complications. So Basically this is the end. I really dont think I would have went that 1st time in 1997 , if he would have said no. So I really wouldnt be the "Collector" I am today if it werent for that 1st trip. So thank you DAD !
And I thank the person that started this thread.

jobathenut
12-29-2009, 02:53 AM
JASONBANZ-Thanks for sharing the gloves.And for bringing this thread back.As i think it is one of those that are important to keep going.Me and you kind of started this talking about our dads.And i just have to say as i have shared that my dad passed away and now me and my one brother jason carry on the love for the yankees for him.As he had been a yankees fan since he was a kid and so have both me and my one brother.And i just wanted to share another moment if you don't mind.When the yankees won the world series this year.Me and my brother were not able to watch the game together as he could'nt get out of work.So i watched the game by myself.And when they recorded that final out i felt my dad right there with me and i started to cry.I know grown man crying,what a baby.But anyways,just then the phone rang and it was my brother and he was crying and the first thing he said was "i wish dad was here to enjoy this".And i told him "don't worry he is".And then laughed as i told him"right now they are telling him to hold the noise down in heaven".Anyway,jason treasure those moments as i said i treasure each moment i spent with my dad and would give anything to have one more moment with him.Great looking gloves and even greater story.:)
I wanted to bring this thread back up and share a story from this Christmas. This actually starts from the trip we took in October. I met Dolphins player Will Allen when we stopped at the Dolphins headquarters just to look around. That was the highlight of my weekend. We went to a Breast Cancer Awareness game the next day. For Christmas my Dad found me a pair of game worn Will Allen pink gloves. It's now my new favorite item in my collection!

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island_style
12-29-2009, 05:39 AM
Tedw9,

My father had a stroke back in 1999. He was paralyzed on his left side and had to learn to walk all over again (albeit a very slow walk), which he did with the use of a quad-tip cane. It took awhile for him to walk where he wanted to go, and I accompanied him whenever I could. During these walks we shared many a good conversation. He needed assistance with just about everything from simple household activities to transferring in and out of a car. I was more than happy to help. He lived this way until 2007 when cancer eventually took over.

Jays1Fan,

I can certainly understand about your dad going from the hospital to hospice. My dad was in the hospital when he was told that that there was nothing else the doctors could do for him. I vividly remember that day. He kept a picture of my kids (2 and 1 years old at the time) on his nightstand in the hospital room. When I went to visit him that day he grabbed the picture and looked at me and started to cry. He said, "I'm going to miss them so much." The next day, a room at the hospice opened up, and my dad never did make it back home. He passed away 11 days later with me at his side.

I grew up a Dodgers fan, but I learned to appreciate Mickey Mantle because of him. My brother visited the Louisville Slugger factory and museum this past October and excitedly showed me pictures of him holding a Mantle gamer when I picked him up at the airport.

Thank you to all for sharing your stories in this thread. What a fantastic way to pay tribute to our Dads (and other important figures in our lives who made an impact).

Kind Regards,

Ron.

Rsamiano@aol.com

JasonBanz
12-30-2009, 10:29 AM
Tedw9,
That is a great story, and one you will chrish for your life! Hoping for a fast recovery!

Jays1fan,
Chrish that memory you have, and I'm sure you have plenty more memories outside of sports!

Joba,
When I first opened the gloves, the first thing that went through my mind was, "This story is going on the thread"! Great story about the World Series too! Being an Orioles fan, I couldn't bear to watch the Yankees win, but hearing your story made it go down much easier!

jobathenut
12-31-2009, 01:02 AM
JASON-I just loved your story and had to add to your thread.As i am glad that you started this.I bet the look on your face was priceless when you saw the gloves.I am glad you liked my yankees world series story.Being a orioles fan i know how hard that must have been for you to like the story.So i really apperciate it my friend-:)
Tedw9,
That is a great story, and one you will chrish for your life! Hoping for a fast recovery!

Jays1fan,
Chrish that memory you have, and I'm sure you have plenty more memories outside of sports!

Joba,
When I first opened the gloves, the first thing that went through my mind was, "This story is going on the thread"! Great story about the World Series too! Being an Orioles fan, I couldn't bear to watch the Yankees win, but hearing your story made it go down much easier!

JasonBanz
12-31-2009, 06:37 AM
JASON-I just loved your story and had to add to your thread.As i am glad that you started this.I bet the look on your face was priceless when you saw the gloves.I am glad you liked my yankees world series story.Being a orioles fan i know how hard that must have been for you to like the story.So i really apperciate it my friend-:)

Joba, I'm glad you loved my story. I knew it was going to be great to share. I can't take all the credit for starting this thread, we tossed around the idea and I just happened to be the one who had a few minutes on my hand. I'll call you a co-starter ;) . My wife did get a few pictures of me opening the gloves, so I'll try to get them and post them!

jobathenut
01-01-2010, 02:32 AM
JASON-That's very nice of you,it means alot to me that i get to be a co-starter with you on such a great thread:) .It's a honor to share credit with you.And i thank you for having that few mintues to start this thread.And i would love to see the photos of you opening the gloves.
Joba, I'm glad you loved my story. I knew it was going to be great to share. I can't take all the credit for starting this thread, we tossed around the idea and I just happened to be the one who had a few minutes on my hand. I'll call you a co-starter ;) . My wife did get a few pictures of me opening the gloves, so I'll try to get them and post them!

GarkoCollector
01-01-2010, 09:29 AM
Kind of a funny story about my dad, the "star."

Growing up, people always used to tell me how they couldnt believe how my dad never made it to the Majors. "What a hitter!" "What an arm he had!" I heard it all for years. Honestly, I never really paid attention to it. My dad was and still is a very humble guy, just occasionally talking about his playing days, though I usually brushed it off. As a side note, he went to tryouts for the Pirates, Indians, Reds and Mets, all of which were interested in signing him, but he chose to enter the Marine Corps, was injured in combat, and was then unable to compete.

In any case, my dad always talked about his "buddies" growing up, never using their names. He talked about how he didnt compare to their skill levels and could never have made it...he seemed to be the only one that thought this way.

All the years he talked about these guys, I never thought to ask who they were. Several years ago, I came back to visit my parents and my dad met me at the door. His words to me, "Don't take off your shoes, we have some people to meet." I went along with it and got in the truck. My dad told me he wanted me to meet some of his buddies from "back in the day" as he called it. The drive was a short one. When I got out of the car, there stood Joe and Phil Neikro and John Havlicek. These guys talked about my dad that afternoon like he was a Hall of Famer. Sharing stories of their high school days playing baseball together and best of all, hearing first hand confirmation from people that were at the doubleheader where my dad hit 7 home runs and threw a no hitter all within about a 5 hour span. Until this point, it was like hearing about Al Bundy and his "4 touchdowns in 1 game" story.

I was able to talk with these 3 gentlemen and see my dad laugh harder than I had ever seen him. It was the first and only time in my life I have seen my dad act embarrassed at others talking about him. To hear the Neikro's and Havlicek talk about my dad like a legend...I cant even describe it. When Phil told me that my dad threw "the best knuckleball he had ever seen" I was speechless. Really, what was I supposed to say?

After talking for nearly 2 hours, we all went to the Italian-American Club and had a few beers, talked about families and life in general. On the way home, my dad didnt say a single word, but I've never seen a bigger smile on his face...almost a smirk...telling me "told ya so!"

I'll never forget that day. That was the day I found out what a star my dad really was, though he was more of a legend to me off the field and continues to be a Hall of Famer in my eyes.

SSB15
01-01-2010, 09:50 AM
For my birthday when I was a little boy, my father took me to the 1980 World Series in Philadelphia to watch games 6 and 7. The Phillies won the series in 6 games.

Years latter, I took my father to the 1995 World Series in New York.

Scott

JasonBanz
01-02-2010, 02:55 PM
Joba, when I find my wife's memory card I'll put them up!

Jays1fan
01-04-2010, 11:11 AM
Jays1Fan,

I can certainly understand about your dad going from the hospital to hospice. My dad was in the hospital when he was told that that there was nothing else the doctors could do for him. I vividly remember that day. He kept a picture of my kids (2 and 1 years old at the time) on his nightstand in the hospital room. When I went to visit him that day he grabbed the picture and looked at me and started to cry. He said, "I'm going to miss them so much." The next day, a room at the hospice opened up, and my dad never did make it back home. He passed away 11 days later with me at his side.

I grew up a Dodgers fan, but I learned to appreciate Mickey Mantle because of him. My brother visited the Louisville Slugger factory and museum this past October and excitedly showed me pictures of him holding a Mantle gamer when I picked him up at the airport.

Thank you to all for sharing your stories in this thread. What a fantastic way to pay tribute to our Dads (and other important figures in our lives who made an impact).

Kind Regards,

Ron.

Rsamiano@aol.com

Dad Passed away today at around 2 am. I spent the night with him on Saturday from 6pm and got home Sunday Morning about 11am. Even though he was not speaking , I got alot out of it. Some great memories just seem to pop up. Again I wouls like to thank the starter of this thred.

Scott

dodgersfan
01-04-2010, 11:46 AM
Scott, sorry to hear of your loss.
God bless you.


Rudy





Dad Passed away today at around 2 am. I spent the night with him on Saturday from 6pm and got home Sunday Morning about 11am. Even though he was not speaking , I got alot out of it. Some great memories just seem to pop up. Again I wouls like to thank the starter of this thred.

Scott

ironmanfan
01-04-2010, 01:32 PM
Scott:

I'm sorry for your loss as well........

Bill

bigtruck260
01-04-2010, 06:07 PM
Scott-

My condolences brother.

Dave

murfsteve25
01-04-2010, 06:58 PM
Kind of a funny story about my dad, the "star."

Growing up, people always used to tell me how they couldnt believe how my dad never made it to the Majors. "What a hitter!" "What an arm he had!" I heard it all for years. Honestly, I never really paid attention to it. My dad was and still is a very humble guy, just occasionally talking about his playing days, though I usually brushed it off. As a side note, he went to tryouts for the Pirates, Indians, Reds and Mets, all of which were interested in signing him, but he chose to enter the Marine Corps, was injured in combat, and was then unable to compete.

In any case, my dad always talked about his "buddies" growing up, never using their names. He talked about how he didnt compare to their skill levels and could never have made it...he seemed to be the only one that thought this way.

All the years he talked about these guys, I never thought to ask who they were. Several years ago, I came back to visit my parents and my dad met me at the door. His words to me, "Don't take off your shoes, we have some people to meet." I went along with it and got in the truck. My dad told me he wanted me to meet some of his buddies from "back in the day" as he called it. The drive was a short one. When I got out of the car, there stood Joe and Phil Neikro and John Havlicek. These guys talked about my dad that afternoon like he was a Hall of Famer. Sharing stories of their high school days playing baseball together and best of all, hearing first hand confirmation from people that were at the doubleheader where my dad hit 7 home runs and threw a no hitter all within about a 5 hour span. Until this point, it was like hearing about Al Bundy and his "4 touchdowns in 1 game" story.

I was able to talk with these 3 gentlemen and see my dad laugh harder than I had ever seen him. It was the first and only time in my life I have seen my dad act embarrassed at others talking about him. To hear the Neikro's and Havlicek talk about my dad like a legend...I cant even describe it. When Phil told me that my dad threw "the best knuckleball he had ever seen" I was speechless. Really, what was I supposed to say?

After talking for nearly 2 hours, we all went to the Italian-American Club and had a few beers, talked about families and life in general. On the way home, my dad didnt say a single word, but I've never seen a bigger smile on his face...almost a smirk...telling me "told ya so!"

I'll never forget that day. That was the day I found out what a star my dad really was, though he was more of a legend to me off the field and continues to be a Hall of Famer in my eyes.

wow thats a pretty impressive story. what does your dad think about you collecting? does he collect also?

Tedw9
01-04-2010, 08:26 PM
Scott,

My heart goes out to you and your family. I am very sorry for your loss.

Steve

JasonBanz
01-04-2010, 11:21 PM
Dad Passed away today at around 2 am. I spent the night with him on Saturday from 6pm and got home Sunday Morning about 11am. Even though he was not speaking , I got alot out of it. Some great memories just seem to pop up. Again I wouls like to thank the starter of this thred.

Scott

Scott,
Sorry for you loss! My thoughts and prayers go to you and your family! My purpose for this thread was to keep those memories you have going!

Jason

jobathenut
01-05-2010, 02:39 AM
SCOTT-I am sorry to about this.My thoughts and prayers go to you and your family.Keep those memories,as long as you have them then he is with you.:)
Dad Passed away today at around 2 am. I spent the night with him on Saturday from 6pm and got home Sunday Morning about 11am. Even though he was not speaking , I got alot out of it. Some great memories just seem to pop up. Again I wouls like to thank the starter of this thred.

Scott

NYCrulesU
01-05-2010, 04:24 AM
Scott,


I'm sorry to hear of your loss. My family and I have you and yours in our thoughts and prayers.

island_style
01-05-2010, 05:11 AM
Scott,

I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. May your fond memories of him comfort you at this time and moving forward.

Kind Regards,

Ron.

Rsamiano@aol.com

Jays1fan
01-05-2010, 10:29 PM
Thank you Guys for all the Support , emails and Prayers !
Sincerely,
Scott

JasonBanz
01-08-2010, 05:20 PM
Joba,
Just for you, the pics of me opening the gloves. Ignore the nasty looking red eye and my ugly face!:p Hope you enjoy!

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jobathenut
01-09-2010, 02:26 AM
JASONBANZ-I am taking a little personal break from posting on here.But i just had to come on to comment.I figured it's the least i could do as you posted the pictures i requested.And let me just say those are beautiful pictures all around,face and all.Man i really love that expression on your face as that alone is the price of any gift.That's the look you are looking to get when someone opens a gift of yours.I know when i gave my brother his game used troy riddle jersey for christmas.And he just saw the box that said "meigray" on it,well that look on his face alone was worth the price of the jersey.I saw on your other thread about the frame.That looks great with that picture.I got a pair of brett kiesel glove of the steelers that he gave me during a game.And he signed the gloves before giving them to me.But i also put it in a frame like you did with a picture.And it was apicture that i took at the same game.And i mailed him the picture to thank him for the gloves and he sent back the picture signed to me.So thats great to put a picture with the gloves.Well back to my personal break,but just wanted to say thanks for posting that my friend.:)
Joba,
Just for you, the pics of me opening the gloves. Ignore the nasty looking red eye and my ugly face!:p Hope you enjoy!

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JasonBanz
01-09-2010, 07:24 PM
Joba, Thanks! Cool story about your brother also! Enjoy your break!

carct
01-09-2010, 07:52 PM
Don't really post much on this site but enjoy reading every day. I feel like I know some of you even though I've never talked to you. My Dad passed away today and although we never were really that close I have one small memory to share. I'm from Wisconsin and my Dad lived in Green Bay about a mile from Lambeau Field. Back in the 80s and early 90s he used to get tickets to the Packer games from his work and he would leave them in his mailbox for me and my brothers to go to the game. One game really stands out. I was in college and he really wanted me to take a break and go to the game. I still have the ticket stub as I saved them all from the games I attended. It was a Thursday night game against the Bears, October 17th 1991. It was a much needed break for me and I'm glad he insisted I go.

JasonBanz
01-10-2010, 11:36 AM
Don't really post much on this site but enjoy reading every day. I feel like I know some of you even though I've never talked to you. My Dad passed away today and although we never were really that close I have one small memory to share. I'm from Wisconsin and my Dad lived in Green Bay about a mile from Lambeau Field. Back in the 80s and early 90s he used to get tickets to the Packer games from his work and he would leave them in his mailbox for me and my brothers to go to the game. One game really stands out. I was in college and he really wanted me to take a break and go to the game. I still have the ticket stub as I saved them all from the games I attended. It was a Thursday night game against the Bears, October 17th 1991. It was a much needed break for me and I'm glad he insisted I go.

I'm sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I hope these memories that you have help you through your greiving process!

JasonBanz
01-12-2010, 10:44 PM
I thought it would be pretty cool if you guys posted photos of you with your Dad to honor him! This photo has been posted a few pages back, but I'll throw it back on because its the only one I can find right now. My Dad, Brother, and Myself before going to the Fins game!

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jobathenut
01-13-2010, 01:53 AM
JASONBANZ-I just had to come back and post this.As i think that's a great idea to do this.As that ties in great to the spirit of this thread of yours.To have us post pictures of our dads.Infact i was even thinking of doing it myself-evil minds think alike i guess.And i just have to say thats a great photo to start this off with-a dad and his two boys.Getting ready to see thier team play.Thanks for posting that my friend.:)
I thought it would be pretty cool if you guys posted photos of you with your Dad to honor him! This photo has been posted a few pages back, but I'll throw it back on because its the only one I can find right now. My Dad, Brother, and Myself before going to the Fins game!

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jobathenut
01-13-2010, 02:56 AM
JASONBANZ-You posted a picture of you and your dad.So i thought you deserved me posting a picture of me and my dad.It's a very old picture so i am sorry for the quality.But it's a picture that has always been my favorite.It's my dad and little boy at the drag races.As my dad used to be a drag racer when there was a track here.And the whole family would go every weekend to see him race.And in the picture you can see his car in the background.And my mom took the picture as you can her foot in the corner of it.Well anyway,jason this picture is for you and the greatest thread you started.

JasonBanz
01-13-2010, 09:42 AM
JASONBANZ-You posted a picture of you and your dad.So i thought you deserved me posting a picture of me and my dad.It's a very old picture so i am sorry for the quality.But it's a picture that has always been my favorite.It's my dad and little boy at the drag races.As my dad used to be a drag racer when there was a track here.And the whole family would go every weekend to see him race.And in the picture you can see his car in the background.And my mom took the picture as you can her foot in the corner of it.Well anyway,jason this picture is for you and the greatest thread you started.

Joba,
Great picture! That is one great Father Son photo! Can't see a face, but it certainly captures a true Father Son relationship! Thanks for the kind words and posting the photo! That photo is great for the thread "WE" started! ;)

jobathenut
01-13-2010, 09:53 PM
JASONBANZ-Thanks jason as that means alot coming from you.Believe me you don't want to see this face,it was'nt made for cameras.And again evil minds think alike as i love this picture for that reason.It to me shows a great dad and son picture.Thats why this picture has always been my favorite picture of me and my dad.And right back at you with the thanks for the kind words and posting of your great dad and you photo.And thanks again for giving me partnership in this thread.As "WE" started the greatest thread on here.:) ;)
Joba,
Great picture! That is one great Father Son photo! Can't see a face, but it certainly captures a true Father Son relationship! Thanks for the kind words and posting the photo! That photo is great for the thread "WE" started! ;)

JasonBanz
01-14-2010, 12:29 PM
JASONBANZ-Thanks jason as that means alot coming from you.Believe me you don't want to see this face,it was'nt made for cameras.And again evil minds think alike as i love this picture for that reason.It to me shows a great dad and son picture.Thats why this picture has always been my favorite picture of me and my dad.And right back at you with the thanks for the kind words and posting of your great dad and you photo.And thanks again for giving me partnership in this thread.As "WE" started the greatest thread on here.:) ;)

Joba,
No problem! I'm glad you posted! Definitely a great picture!

I know there are some other people holding out! Lets see some more photos!!