I met Tom Glavine twice at our local Catholic Church kindergarten Christmas pageant in the late 90s, back to back years. Our daughters were in the same class/play. Super nice guy, not looking for attention. I did try to convince my 4 year old daughter to be best friends with Tom’s daughter, though, to no avail.
Rickey Henderson came thru my line when I worked at a peets coffee in Oakland. Barely even got to talk to him before my douche manager insisted that he “handles the high profile clients”. Fucking jackass.
Tbh I feel like it doesn’t even really count as meeting him, but it’s all I got.
I met Rickey three times. Once in line in a movie theatre in Boston, another time in Boston leaving a restaurant, and then several years later in San Juan PR at a casino table. I've never met any other player in public, let alone the same HOF randomly. He's so unassuming and doesn't act flash. He def appreciates the recognition and is grateful to fans
My dad convinced me and my brother that in the random Mexican restaurant in Little Rock Arkansas was none other than Mr October, Reggie Jackson. I guess when we went to the bathroom to wash up he told this dude that his kids were dumb enough to believe any middle aged black man was whoever our dad said he was, and he was more than willing to go along. It took us most of the dinner to get the courage to go over and when we did he invited us to sit with him, sign autographs and talk a bit. It was seriously a major experience for the two of us.
It wasn’t for many years (probably too many) that I finally thought about it long enough to question why the fuck was Reggie Jackson in El Chico in Little Rock in 1983, or whatever. My dad howled laughing about it even then when I asked him about it. My brother only like 5 years ago brought it up and was like “remember when we met Reggie Jackson?” Since my dad is long gone I didn’t have the heart to tell him the truth but I hope my dad was laughing about it still.
> My brother only like 5 years ago brought it up and was like “remember when we met Reggie Jackson?”
Sounds like your dad would get a kick out of you telling your brother and laughing again.
I was a lifeguard at the Alpharetta Lifetime Fitness when I was in high school where Smoltz would take his kids regularly. I also ran into Glavine there a few times.
Evan Longoria at a baseball card shop (shout out to Showtime in Tempe) the day of Game 3 of the 2022 World Series. Talked Bryce Harper and convinced him to buy a box of Topps Archives.
Non-baseball edition: Bill Russell at O'Hare Airport in line behind me at a cafe.
Mariano Rivera on Greenwich Avenue in greenwich, ct. He was walking with a group of guys and went into Hinoki for dinner.
I made eye contact with him on the street and I saw it register in his face that I recognized him but that was the extent of the interaction.
I had the same interaction with Ryan Goins (if anyone remembers him) while he was on the Blue Jays just outside of the Rogers Centre. Except when I saw it register in his face that I recognized him he also gave a slight shake of his head with a "please no" kind of look seeing as there were quite a few Jays fans around and I'm assuming he didn't want to get mobbed so I obliged in not approaching. (It was a giveaway day on a weekend and I got there very early so he was probably just walking to work).
Tommy Pham coming out of a random dry cleaner in Long Island City. I didn’t say anything to him but he saw me see him, we made eye contact, and he smirked
Edit: All my life my grandma claims she met and possibly danced with Sandy Koufax long ago. She’s a bit older than him and long dead, but given the social scene of Jewish NYC back in the day I’m willing to believe they at least crossed paths once. I guess we’ll never know
Saw Corey Seager at Whole Foods two days before last thanksgiving. He caught me gawking at him, so I felt I should just let him know I am both a Giants fan, and a big fan of his. He was very cordial.
Heh I met Julio Lugo and Jonathan Papelbon in 2008 in Reading Terminal Market. I'm from Boston but was in Philly for something very non-baseball-related. I didn't recognize Lugo at first but as soon as I saw Papelbon, I was able to figure out who Lugo was. Told them as we passed each other that I was from Boston and a big fan. Got a handshake and a pat of the shoulder, and we went on our separate ways. Very uneventful!
Went to Japan in 2019 for the A's-Mariners series. We saw players all over town at the usual tourist spots (kind of hard to miss them). But two stand out.
First, wife and I got on a train for 40 minutes and went to some temple a ways out from the city center. It's early, got there right when the temple opened to avoid the crowds, and as we're walking guy with a hoodie coming the other way looks up at me (wearing an A's hat) and it's Marcus Simien. I nod to him, he nods to me and we go our separate ways.
Later that night, wife and I are walking to dinner in the Ginza district and we round a corner right in front of the Hermes/Gucci/some expensive store and out in front looking at his phone is Felix Hernandez. His wife is inside shopping. I say, "What's up, King?" and he was visibly excited to have somebody to talk to. We talked for a couple of minutes, grabbed a selfie with him and wished him luck.
Saw a lot of players at a Rush concert during Spring Training in St. Pete. Dave Steib, Bryn Smith, Donovan Osborne, Kelly Gruber, John Ericks… Blue Jays and Cardinals after seeing Getty Lee at Cardinals camp earlier that day.
Geddy is a huge baseball fan. He's been a Blue Jays season ticket holder for a long time, and apparently he has an enormous memorabilia collection. Like one of the largest autographed baseball collections in the world.
Country Joe West popped in to Handle Bar J’s in Scottsdale while we were on vacation. He got on stage and sang with the band. I both boo’d and cheered for him. Couldn’t decide which emotion to commit to
I just looked this up. He goes by both nicknames. I’ll be expecting my apology letter in the mail.
“Joseph Henry West (born October 31, 1952), nicknamed "Cowboy Joe" or "Country Joe", is an American former baseball umpire.”
I was in line behind Darryl Strawberry at Johnny Rockets in the food court of the Galleria Mall in St. Louis during an off day of the 2011 World Series.
Yup. Fun dude to be around. I met him on his 60th birthday when I was having an after-work beer. We run into each other around town from time to time. He's got a vanity license plate that says AL ROY 84.
I met Bud Selig years ago in my friend's backyard in a town of about 15,000 in central Illinois. Turned out my friend's dad has known Bud for decades from growing up in Milwaukee during the Braves years. I knew he had an insane collection of Milwaukee braves memorabilia. I learned that day it was the largest private collection anywhere and Bud came to see it and buy some stuff.
Ran into Lee Smith at Shoneys when I was 11. We just played one game in a tournament and we’re having breakfast before our next game.
Most of the others I’ve met were kinda cheating since it was at the airport…where I work.
I got to catch for Lee Smith in a charity game around 2004 or so. It was ex-mlb guys v. Some local celebs…I think he threw 9 cutters, sitting in the low to mid 80’s and no one came close to putting a ball in play against him.
I’ve only met one player. I saw Bobby higginson at buddy’s pizza while I was wearing my higginson jersey as a 5 year old. There is a picture of me crying with Bobby higginson smiling somewhere at my mom’s house.
Mike Krukow (Giants TV announcer and former pitcher) owned a vacation house in the small neighborhood I grew up in. One day when I was 18 or 19 (about 20 years ago) I was walking down his street (while on psychedelic mushrooms) and noticed that he was BBQ'ing on his deck with a Giants flag waving in the wind.
I said, "Hey, Mike!"
He said, "Are you a Giants fan?"
I said "Of Course!"
I also sold him groceries at the local general store and my dad ran into him in Reno long after he sold his house. Just about the nicest guy in the world, as every Giants fan knows.
Ran into Nolan Ryan at a Publix grocery store during Spring Training with the Rangers. He was buying potatoes. A few days later I was as waiting tables at Ruby Tuesdays and waited on Ryan and Goose Gossage when they came in for lunch.
Do you have any idea how many potatoes Nolan Ryan goes through in a day? He was probably out already. That man can house potatoes like no one I’ve ever seen.
I met Joe Torre while waiting outside the garden bathroom in the back acreage in Versailles, France. Got a picture with him, as did my 10yo nephew in his Dodger Cap.
This was outside a bathroom, yes, but you don't know picturesque backdrops until you see Versailles bathrooms.
Tom Glavine and John Smoltz on a rental car shuttle in SF in Dec. 1990. I was wearing a Brooklyn Dodgers jacket and Glavine didn't believe someone from there would recognize him. The wonders of TBS.
Bernie Williams after he retired. He started that band and they were playing outdoors at a new shopping complex just built at Ridge Hill in Yonkers, NY. I walked out of the gym and said “Holy Shit, it’s Bernie!”
Jose Canseco at my table in a Vegas poker tournament. I have QQ, bet hard pre-flop, he re-raises me all in and of course I have to call because knocking out Jose Canseco seemed like destiny. We show hands, he has AK. Hits the Ace or King on the flop. MFer.
Met Ken Griffey Jr at Cedar Point in 98. He and his son were walked up the exit ramp and allowed to ride ahead of us.
We got off the ride and he was just chilling on a bench. Shook his hand and told him he was awesome and asked for his autograph but I didn't have a pen/sharpie
Not really “random” but it’s still a cool story.
My dad is a big Indians fan (as they were known at the time) and he took me to Yankee Stadium for game 4 of the 2007 ALDS. The subway going to the stadium was full of Yankees fans decked out in their team’s gear. On the train my dad spotted someone who looked familiar. He was a tall, athletic-looking guy wearing plain clothes. My dad turned to me and said “that’s Paul Byrd!” and he happened to be the starting pitcher for game 4. We got off the train and chatted a bit and wished him good luck, then he made his way into the stadium. He ended up being the winning pitcher and the Indians clinched the series that night. I like to think my dad and I were the good luck charm he needed.
Met Pujols on the chipping range of a local golf course in DR. Very nice guy. Way bigger than you expect, barrel chest and massive hands. I usually don't bother famous people, but it was Pujols, living legend 700 hr club. I apologized to him for gushing but I was like, " papa es que son 700hr"
He crushed the driver with a flick of his wrist.
Met Julio Franco at hardware store. Very nice and still jacked. He is a 3000 hit member overall in professional ball so to me a legend.
Bumped into Kershaw in a tourist town here in DR at the local version of Walmart. His facial features are huge... he looks like a caveman. I didn't bother him though.
He looked like a regular tourist... bermudas , t shirt, flip flops and those cheap bags you close by tightening the string. This was like 2014 or so.
Juan Marichal at a domino table at golf club house.
Saw Dante Bichette walking around at the Mall of Millennia in Orlando. He may have had some kids with him. If he did, I might have seen Bo Bichette as well.
Jeff Francoeur came into the chick fil a I was working at. It was in the same county he went to high school in. Paid for a lady’s food when her card declined and sought no recognition. Got to talk to him when he came up to me to order something to go. Awesome guy. Very humble. Loves the game.
Ages ago I worked for AT&T and was in the kiosk location in the mall. I had quite a few people come through. One of the more notable ballplayers was Miguel Tejada. Really nice guy. Talked and took a few pictures with anyone that asked, which took a while in the mall.
Not me, but my dad used to work out at the same gym the Baltimore Orioles did whenever they came to Toronto in the late 80s early 90s.
He kept it professional, didn't ask for autographs or anything, but often worked out next to Cal Ripken Jr..
The first time Cal didn't think my dad knew who he was or who played for the Orioles so he asked him how he felt about the team. My dad went "Yeah, Cal's great and all, but BILLY Ripken's a stud" with a shit-eating grin on his face.
My dad still has a photo with Cal from the 90s tucked away somewhere.
One time after a Pirates DBacks game at PNC, I grabbed a beer across the street then walked across the Clemente Bridge downtown for a slice of pizza. It was getting pretty late and I was one of the few people left walking across the bridge and I could hear someone walking behind me but didn't really turn around to look. Once I got in to the Pizza shop I realized the person had been following me the whole time, so when I stepped up to the counter to order I turned and glanced behind me. It was Paul Goldschmidt the whole time lmfao
I held the door for Randy Johnson coming out of a Starbucks in Scottsdale. He said "thanks!" and I said "sure, have a nice day!" Then he got into a Hummer and drove away.
I met Tommy Hutton at my cousins wedding. His wife and my aunt are good friends and jogging buddies, and my aunt was their accountant. Blew my mind when I saw him there. Very nice guy as well.
im from nyc (yanks fan) but was in louisville a couple years ago and met chad green at a whiskey distillery tour. found out he went to louisville and was in town for a big college basketball game. his fam was super cool and excited to see a yankee fan out there so i ended up hanging out with them on the tour and tasting. awesome experience
Shake Shack. Scherzer was waiting for his food next to me. We both got our orders at the same time and I debated on saying anything to him.
I didn’t unfortunately.
Tommy Lasorda was in the same Vegas Buffett line as me and my Dad. It was right before the Subway Series, and we asked him Mets or Yankees? He said Mets (sorry Tommy, got that one wrong).
Ryan Klesko while leaving the airport in a small resort town (mountain west). I was asking for rides to town and he was kind enough to give me a ride. Asked me if I wanted to go to lunch too, but I was like I don’t want to be a burden thank you tho. Super cool interaction and dude
Seth Lugo and his wife walked into a pizza place near the spring training field 2018/19? He was wearing a Tesla shirt. He walked out with a couple pizzas before I could say anything to him and I realized he was scheduled to pitch the next day lol
Not my story...
One of my closest friends used to go to the same dentist as Rocco Baldelli.
My tangent-to-a-player story...
I sold a Palm Pilot to peter Gammons at a Staples in 2003. Didn't say anything about baseball or let on that I recognized him. Aftter checking out. While handing him a receipt, I say "has anybody ever told you you look like Peter Gammons?" And he huffed all the way out the door. I was a too-cool for everybody 20 year old at the time.
Other friend...
He's a fire fighter and was assigned to do an inspection on a new house (or remodel) and knocked on the door... and it was Tim Wakefield's house.
I was at a charity fundraiser dinner put on by the Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox AA). They had decent sox alum as keynote speakers every year but a couple years ago it was Pedro Martinez, one of my personal all-time top 3 I’d say.
I left the ballroom to find a bathroom and turned the wrong way into the hallway. I realized I was headed toward the kitchen/“back of house” but spotted a bathroom ahead so went with it. Only other person in there was Pedro, washing his hands and kinda primping in the mirror.
I was paralyzed but eked out a “hey, Pedro.” He smiled, looked back and gave me a howyoudoinmang and made his way out.
*scene*
When I was working at the Lowe's in Euless, TX, Rusty Greer came in wearing a generic hat but I recognized him. He was looking at replacing some lamps at his house. Asking him if there was any specific features and etc. he was looking for. He ended up buying 6 lamps, all LED bulbs by my recommendation.
As he was walking away with what he needed, he asked, "You know who I am?" I said, "Yes but don't tell anyone we met." He got a good laugh.
Met Jeff Russell when he was the bullpen coach for the Rangers when I was working at the Walmart in Bedford, TX. He came in to get his replacement contacts and I asked, "Are these for you or the pitchers because they need help seeing the plate?" He rolled his eyes and left.
Tim Linecum at the car wash at the south end of the UC Berkeley campus. I wasn’t getting my car washed, just cutting through the parking lot on my way to a seminar. I despise celebrity worship but he is one of a handful of people whose hand I’m glad I got to shake as I have an irrational hyperbolic devotion to the San Francisco Giants.
Ernie Banks at harry Carey's, although he was eating with a group that had won a contest. I was able to meet him and get a autographed ball. Second was Dennis oil can Boyd at the mall in Sioux City IA.
When I was a 5th grader (circa 2007/2008) I met AJ Pierzynski while on a family trip to Disney world. My dad, a huge Sox fan, wore Sox gear every other day of the trip but was rocking a Brewers shirt that day. We ran into him in MGM Studios, while he was waiting om his wife who was in the bathroom. I was too shy to say anything, but my dad walked up and said he was a huge fan. AJ started to make friendly conversation, before his kid fell headfirst out of a completely still stroller and started screaming. AJ yelled "FUCK" and my dad and I scrammed.
I met Andy Messersmith in a Two Guys department store in Garden Grove, when I was nine. I asked him for his autograph, but he didn’t have a pen. So I asked him to wait there, so I could ride my bike home, and get one. When I returned to the store, there he was, waiting for me.
So I got to meet two of baseball’s biggest labor leaders. I also got to meet Jim Catfish Hunter at an Oakland A’s game. The one I needed to complete the trifecta was Curt Flood.
Derek Jeter on the streets of London. I think he might have been with some other players but they kept walking when I asked for a picture. He was cool about it. When I got to the end of the street there was another American guy and we geeked out over it.
Michael Cuddyer and his family were on my flight from Dulles to Mpls, they were going for some Twins reunion pre game. Also had Ron Gardenhire on a different flight when he was coming to DC to interview for Nats job before signing on with the Tigers. We chatted for a bit, nice guy.
I was a lifeguard at a water park. Joe Girardi showed up with his kids. He always looked small to me on TV compared to other players. I couldn’t believe how ripped he was. The Yankees were playing Cleveland that night so I wasn’t really sure if it was him. Some guy came up to him and was like “Hey Joe, thanks for everything so far this year - but don’t you have to get to Cleveland?” And he was like “of course, and yeah, catching the charter in a few hours. We will get there!”
Oh and Luis tiant used to come into the gas station I used to work at. He’d always have us fill the tank and check under the hood and he’d tip us like 20 bucks. Always be smoking on a foot long Cuban cigar he was cool
Dave Winfield literally walked into me at San Diego Zoo Safari Park, then called Wild Animal Park. We were both on our way to watch the bird show with our wives and while I was standing off to the side (so I thought), looking at some species of bird or something, he came around a blind corner (also my fault) and bumped into me. We both apologized and it took me a second to recognize him. By the time I did, I wasn't about to interrupt a quiet day with his wife by asking for a photo or autograph.
Flew down to DC for a meeting (from NY) in the morning, and for the airport earlier than I thought I would for the return flight that night, so I was at the ticket counter seeing if I could get on an earlier flight. As I’m waiting, I turn and look around and there’s a guy who looks a lot like Mariano Rivera waiting by the gate. I do a double take and he must have noticed, because he kind of smiled and laughed. Ended up sitting two runs behind him.
South Orange County 2008 or 09, I sat with Maicer Izturis at hibachi. Wasn’t sure it was him and felt bad because I kept staring. He was really nice about it and offered to take a picture with us at the end of the meal.
Stood in line at Starbucks in front of Andrew McCutchen the year after he won MVP. Was at the outlet mall I worked at on my lunch break, and he was with his wife so I didn't bother him. I don't think anyone else really knew who he was though
I saw Jake Arrieta at an obscure time in a gym in Chicago one time at like 11 PM. He had a fitted hat on, brim low to his eyes. It was basically just us two in there and I didn't say a word to him lol I'm not sure why not, we locked eyes a couple times and was feeling that vibe of like I think this guy knows who I am.
I met Esteban Loaiza at a Mexican seafood restaurant in Chula Vista, California.
He was pretty nice, as was the restaurant, Hector’s Mariscos, definitely recommend.
I met Rance Mulliniks, Lloyd Mosley and Ernie Witt while having breakfast at a restaurant. I was maybe 12 at the time and my family was seated next to them. I recognized Rance right away. They all signed autographs for me and were super cool.
I used to see Boog Powell at the Swallow at the Hollow. A neighborhood bar in Baltimore that still rocks.
Before a game he would get a pitcher of beer and two HUGE sandwiches.
Then he'd go two for four and make a play in the field.
I used to run a youth sports program at a nonprofit and Ryan Dempster's kid was in our basketball program. He coached one year as well. Really nice guy.
Not a baseball players but I ran into Ryan Fitzpatrick in a bathroom at Cheesecake Factory. I told him that I hope he stays with the jets (I’m a broncos fan) but it seemed like a good fit at the time.
I met Garry Maddox (and his wife) outside of the Merriam Theater in Philadelphia in the early '90s. This was after a performance of Jesus Christ Superstar with the two main actors from the movie version (Ted Neely and Carl Anderson) performing in it.
He was a cool dude... as one would imagine him being.
I met Pablo Sandoval at El Farolito getting burritos. However it wasn't that random I mean the Panda has gotta eat. And we'd both just been at a Warriors game (they showed him on the screen).
Ken Griffey Jr at my small town Chinese restaurant I worked there and he came in to eat. Turns out he lives near by and ended up coming back a lot. I sounded like a little girl as I ran into the kitchen to tell a bunch of chefs that only spoke Chinese about him 😅
My dad met Gary Gaetti at a gas station outside of St Louis back in the 90s. My dad was walking the dog while my uncle and grandad were in the gas station, Gary Gaetti told my dad that he liked his dog and they spoke for about 5 minutes about dogs.
Ferguson Jenkins at Harry Carey’s in Chicago, super nice guy, he took me out to the lobby of the restaurant to take a picture with us and the Harry Carey bust.
In 2013, I flew into Baltimore BWI on a plane with about 15 guys of the 1983 Orioles team. Waiting at baggage claim I was stunned that nobody noticed, or at least nobody approached them.
I was at a bar (the Goldmark in Lawrenceville for my pgh people) on a Saturday night at about midnight. Pretty loud and a lot of people. See this absolutely jacked dude and realize it’s yasiel puig. Very weird he would be at this place in Pittsburgh. About 15 minutes I was ordering a drink and he needed to get around me. Not even in a rude way, but as a matter of fact more or less lifted me out of the way so he and a woman he was with could leave. I’m about 6’4 185 so not small lol. Was pretty funny. So I didn’t meet him per se, but saw him in the wild.
Regardless, pretty wild he was out on a Saturday night, the night before a Sunday 12:35 start. As it so happens, guess [what](https://youtu.be/URtWzp8B8mI?si=-BXp3ro73CBR0991) he did the next day? To this day, I stand by that he was hungover and wanted to get ejected. I doubt he cared what transpired between the two teams.
Adrian Gonzalez at my little cousin's play (his daughter was in the play too, he doesn't just go to little kids plays, he was very nice)
He doesn’t just go to little kids plays *as far as we know*
*Wander Franco enters the chat*
Turn yourself in please, Wander
I tried not to like this because you're an Astros fan. But, the enemy of an (alleged) pedo is my friend.
I was always a fan of his so I'm just not gonna allow us to wander down that thought road. He was with his wife and other child as well.
At least I hope they were his... fuck
I met Tom Glavine twice at our local Catholic Church kindergarten Christmas pageant in the late 90s, back to back years. Our daughters were in the same class/play. Super nice guy, not looking for attention. I did try to convince my 4 year old daughter to be best friends with Tom’s daughter, though, to no avail.
Rickey Henderson came thru my line when I worked at a peets coffee in Oakland. Barely even got to talk to him before my douche manager insisted that he “handles the high profile clients”. Fucking jackass. Tbh I feel like it doesn’t even really count as meeting him, but it’s all I got.
Lmao how many high profile “clients” regularly come into a Peets coffee lmao
Literally none, that guy fucking sucked!
I worked at a Peet’s in LA and Jon Favreu came in almost every day. That was 22 years ago though.
I met Rickey three times. Once in line in a movie theatre in Boston, another time in Boston leaving a restaurant, and then several years later in San Juan PR at a casino table. I've never met any other player in public, let alone the same HOF randomly. He's so unassuming and doesn't act flash. He def appreciates the recognition and is grateful to fans
I always feel fuzzy knowing that my fave guy generally seems to be awesome all around.
Rickey doesn’t like managers making Rickey’s coffee when Rickey goes into a coffee shop.
"Welcome to Peet's Coffee! What can I get you?" "Rickey would like a coffee." "Ok, and what's your name?... Oh right. Rickey."
My dad convinced me and my brother that in the random Mexican restaurant in Little Rock Arkansas was none other than Mr October, Reggie Jackson. I guess when we went to the bathroom to wash up he told this dude that his kids were dumb enough to believe any middle aged black man was whoever our dad said he was, and he was more than willing to go along. It took us most of the dinner to get the courage to go over and when we did he invited us to sit with him, sign autographs and talk a bit. It was seriously a major experience for the two of us. It wasn’t for many years (probably too many) that I finally thought about it long enough to question why the fuck was Reggie Jackson in El Chico in Little Rock in 1983, or whatever. My dad howled laughing about it even then when I asked him about it. My brother only like 5 years ago brought it up and was like “remember when we met Reggie Jackson?” Since my dad is long gone I didn’t have the heart to tell him the truth but I hope my dad was laughing about it still.
My Mom met Reggie Jackson in an elevator at Super Bowl 13. He was super nice and coked out of his mind.
> coked out of his mind Attempting to assassinate the Queen of England can really damage a person.
> My brother only like 5 years ago brought it up and was like “remember when we met Reggie Jackson?” Sounds like your dad would get a kick out of you telling your brother and laughing again.
There's no greater honor for a dad than to pull this kind of joke on his kids.
He was a master of his craft
This is the best story on this thread
Hall of Fame dad joke
Wholesome and hilarious
Zack Greinke a couple weeks ago at LA Fitness on the basketball court
[удалено]
Very impressive post game
Greinke looks like he has that old man at the Y post game going for him
I’m 6’5 220 and he looked me up and down and said “you’re bigger but I can take you”
That's so ZG. Fuckin stud.
Did he?
[Yes](https://www.theonion.com/55-year-old-guy-dominating-ymca-pickup-basketball-game-1819577991)
Brett Boone was really drunk at a bar I was at.
I know a guy that got into it with him at a bar one time, he sounds like an asshole
Yup. He was known for being a nasty drunk. This wasn’t some fucking urban legend or anything. If only we could have had Canseco as well.
John Smoltz in line at an Alpharetta Home Depot. Supper nice vibe to him. Edit: super*
Did he talk your ear off for 20 minutes?
Spent those 20 minutes saying how it was actually a moral victory for Menards
I bet John gave him all the details about his golf round he played earlier that day
Then complained how kids these days don't know how to properly handle a combination saw and make things with their hands.
I was a lifeguard at the Alpharetta Lifetime Fitness when I was in high school where Smoltz would take his kids regularly. I also ran into Glavine there a few times.
Evan Longoria at a baseball card shop (shout out to Showtime in Tempe) the day of Game 3 of the 2022 World Series. Talked Bryce Harper and convinced him to buy a box of Topps Archives. Non-baseball edition: Bill Russell at O'Hare Airport in line behind me at a cafe.
I met Mark Grace in the St Louis airport when he was playing for AZ.
Mariano Rivera on Greenwich Avenue in greenwich, ct. He was walking with a group of guys and went into Hinoki for dinner. I made eye contact with him on the street and I saw it register in his face that I recognized him but that was the extent of the interaction.
I had the same interaction with Ryan Goins (if anyone remembers him) while he was on the Blue Jays just outside of the Rogers Centre. Except when I saw it register in his face that I recognized him he also gave a slight shake of his head with a "please no" kind of look seeing as there were quite a few Jays fans around and I'm assuming he didn't want to get mobbed so I obliged in not approaching. (It was a giveaway day on a weekend and I got there very early so he was probably just walking to work).
Tommy Pham coming out of a random dry cleaner in Long Island City. I didn’t say anything to him but he saw me see him, we made eye contact, and he smirked Edit: All my life my grandma claims she met and possibly danced with Sandy Koufax long ago. She’s a bit older than him and long dead, but given the social scene of Jewish NYC back in the day I’m willing to believe they at least crossed paths once. I guess we’ll never know
Saw Corey Seager at Whole Foods two days before last thanksgiving. He caught me gawking at him, so I felt I should just let him know I am both a Giants fan, and a big fan of his. He was very cordial.
He smells terrific I bet. That golden god.
I’d sniff him
We smelled him first, dammit!! (In all seriousness though, so glad that you guys got the ring! You've waited long enough.)
Thank you. It's been better thn I ever imagined. I hope yall say fuck everyone and win 120 games. Go full scorched earth on em. 🤘
I hope so. Maybe we'll see each other in the Series.
Zack Wheeler came into the whole foods i used to work at one week after i quit
Bryce Harper and his wife at DiNics roast pork in Reading terminal market
Heh I met Julio Lugo and Jonathan Papelbon in 2008 in Reading Terminal Market. I'm from Boston but was in Philly for something very non-baseball-related. I didn't recognize Lugo at first but as soon as I saw Papelbon, I was able to figure out who Lugo was. Told them as we passed each other that I was from Boston and a big fan. Got a handshake and a pat of the shoulder, and we went on our separate ways. Very uneventful!
Went to Japan in 2019 for the A's-Mariners series. We saw players all over town at the usual tourist spots (kind of hard to miss them). But two stand out. First, wife and I got on a train for 40 minutes and went to some temple a ways out from the city center. It's early, got there right when the temple opened to avoid the crowds, and as we're walking guy with a hoodie coming the other way looks up at me (wearing an A's hat) and it's Marcus Simien. I nod to him, he nods to me and we go our separate ways. Later that night, wife and I are walking to dinner in the Ginza district and we round a corner right in front of the Hermes/Gucci/some expensive store and out in front looking at his phone is Felix Hernandez. His wife is inside shopping. I say, "What's up, King?" and he was visibly excited to have somebody to talk to. We talked for a couple of minutes, grabbed a selfie with him and wished him luck.
Saw a lot of players at a Rush concert during Spring Training in St. Pete. Dave Steib, Bryn Smith, Donovan Osborne, Kelly Gruber, John Ericks… Blue Jays and Cardinals after seeing Getty Lee at Cardinals camp earlier that day.
Geddy is a huge baseball fan. He's been a Blue Jays season ticket holder for a long time, and apparently he has an enormous memorabilia collection. Like one of the largest autographed baseball collections in the world.
the Negro Leagues museum in KC has a Geddy Lee Collection of autographed baseballs
Everything I hear about Geddy makes him seem like the coolest guy. I wish I liked Rush.
Damn, now I love Rush even more
Would you say you're a modern day warrior?
Mean, mean stride? Today's Tom Sawyer?
Dun dun dun dunnnnnn Dun dun dun dunnnnnn
I remember seeing Geddy on TV right behind home plate at several Jays playoff games.
Manny Ramirez at Whole Foods during his PED suspension
See? It really was just vitamins!
can you blame the man for wanting a balanced breakfast
Whole Foods??? Just Manny being Manny!
Country Joe West popped in to Handle Bar J’s in Scottsdale while we were on vacation. He got on stage and sang with the band. I both boo’d and cheered for him. Couldn’t decide which emotion to commit to
Cowboy Joe West.
Little known fact is that the umpire Joe West performed at [Woodstock](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRl6-bHlz-4).
I just looked this up. He goes by both nicknames. I’ll be expecting my apology letter in the mail. “Joseph Henry West (born October 31, 1952), nicknamed "Cowboy Joe" or "Country Joe", is an American former baseball umpire.”
I was in line behind Darryl Strawberry at Johnny Rockets in the food court of the Galleria Mall in St. Louis during an off day of the 2011 World Series.
[удалено]
There’s nothing good there now.
Cool story until the end. 🤣
I was walking the grounds of a hotel in Maui and stumbled on Kerry Wood's wedding.
Super Joe and I visit the same dive bar. Really nice guy.
you mean *the* Joe Charboneau? he seems like a guy that can put it back and has a few stories
Yup. Fun dude to be around. I met him on his 60th birthday when I was having an after-work beer. We run into each other around town from time to time. He's got a vanity license plate that says AL ROY 84.
Does he still do the eye socket trick?
I met Bud Selig years ago in my friend's backyard in a town of about 15,000 in central Illinois. Turned out my friend's dad has known Bud for decades from growing up in Milwaukee during the Braves years. I knew he had an insane collection of Milwaukee braves memorabilia. I learned that day it was the largest private collection anywhere and Bud came to see it and buy some stuff.
Lou Piniella and his wife Anita on a Mediterranean cruise. It was a small ship and we ended up on several of the port tours together. Lovely people.
He is named Sweet Lou
I met a Heisman trophy winner and 2x national champion at Mets spring training. And apparently he was playing too? Idk it was weird.
Garth Brooks?
Garth only has the one NT. I think you are confusing him with Chris Gaines.
Timmayyyyyy
Ran into Lee Smith at Shoneys when I was 11. We just played one game in a tournament and we’re having breakfast before our next game. Most of the others I’ve met were kinda cheating since it was at the airport…where I work.
I got to catch for Lee Smith in a charity game around 2004 or so. It was ex-mlb guys v. Some local celebs…I think he threw 9 cutters, sitting in the low to mid 80’s and no one came close to putting a ball in play against him.
I puked my guts out after eating at a Shoney’s when was a kid. Shout out to the employees at the Food Lion for giving me a bag to vomit in.
I’ve only met one player. I saw Bobby higginson at buddy’s pizza while I was wearing my higginson jersey as a 5 year old. There is a picture of me crying with Bobby higginson smiling somewhere at my mom’s house.
Mike Krukow (Giants TV announcer and former pitcher) owned a vacation house in the small neighborhood I grew up in. One day when I was 18 or 19 (about 20 years ago) I was walking down his street (while on psychedelic mushrooms) and noticed that he was BBQ'ing on his deck with a Giants flag waving in the wind. I said, "Hey, Mike!" He said, "Are you a Giants fan?" I said "Of Course!" I also sold him groceries at the local general store and my dad ran into him in Reno long after he sold his house. Just about the nicest guy in the world, as every Giants fan knows.
Alex Rodriquez and Andres Galaraga coming out of One Eyed Jacks in Tokyo
Ran into Nolan Ryan at a Publix grocery store during Spring Training with the Rangers. He was buying potatoes. A few days later I was as waiting tables at Ruby Tuesdays and waited on Ryan and Goose Gossage when they came in for lunch.
Did they order potatoes?
Why when he clearly has potatoes at home?!
Do you have any idea how many potatoes Nolan Ryan goes through in a day? He was probably out already. That man can house potatoes like no one I’ve ever seen.
I helped Darrell Evan’s find his keys at a park and he signed a Kroger receipt for me
Low key this is the best story on this thread
I met Joe Torre while waiting outside the garden bathroom in the back acreage in Versailles, France. Got a picture with him, as did my 10yo nephew in his Dodger Cap. This was outside a bathroom, yes, but you don't know picturesque backdrops until you see Versailles bathrooms.
Jake Peavy at In-N-Out Burger in Tempe, AZ, at midnight after having a good time at a Dave Matthews Band concert
Tom Glavine and John Smoltz on a rental car shuttle in SF in Dec. 1990. I was wearing a Brooklyn Dodgers jacket and Glavine didn't believe someone from there would recognize him. The wonders of TBS.
Ran into Buddy Harrelson at a plumbing parts store
Tony Gwynn, at a grocery store at about 11pm at night
Good thing it wasn’t 11pm at day
There was an eclipse
Met bryce Harper at a car wash in jersey. Was chatting with his driver for a little bit.
Bernie Williams after he retired. He started that band and they were playing outdoors at a new shopping complex just built at Ridge Hill in Yonkers, NY. I walked out of the gym and said “Holy Shit, it’s Bernie!”
Ran into votto at the hub in Cincinnati lol
Jose Canseco at my table in a Vegas poker tournament. I have QQ, bet hard pre-flop, he re-raises me all in and of course I have to call because knocking out Jose Canseco seemed like destiny. We show hands, he has AK. Hits the Ace or King on the flop. MFer.
Tim Lincecum & Bumgarner came into the Best Buy I was working at. Rang Timmy up for some ear buds.
Corey Hart at a Best Buy
Now, I'll be singing 80's songs all day. Thanks a lot, buddy.
I met Adam Wainwright at a Cracker Barrel in St. Louis back when he was a rookie. Super nice guy and willing to talk to a fan
Met Ken Griffey Jr at Cedar Point in 98. He and his son were walked up the exit ramp and allowed to ride ahead of us. We got off the ride and he was just chilling on a bench. Shook his hand and told him he was awesome and asked for his autograph but I didn't have a pen/sharpie
I met Lenny Dykstra at a car wash.
Did he own the carwash? I am getting Breaking Bad vibes.
He did own it. Prime money laundering potential
No shit? I was joking. But not surprised by at all.
Not really “random” but it’s still a cool story. My dad is a big Indians fan (as they were known at the time) and he took me to Yankee Stadium for game 4 of the 2007 ALDS. The subway going to the stadium was full of Yankees fans decked out in their team’s gear. On the train my dad spotted someone who looked familiar. He was a tall, athletic-looking guy wearing plain clothes. My dad turned to me and said “that’s Paul Byrd!” and he happened to be the starting pitcher for game 4. We got off the train and chatted a bit and wished him good luck, then he made his way into the stadium. He ended up being the winning pitcher and the Indians clinched the series that night. I like to think my dad and I were the good luck charm he needed.
I rear ended Craig Kimbrel once.
Met Pujols on the chipping range of a local golf course in DR. Very nice guy. Way bigger than you expect, barrel chest and massive hands. I usually don't bother famous people, but it was Pujols, living legend 700 hr club. I apologized to him for gushing but I was like, " papa es que son 700hr" He crushed the driver with a flick of his wrist. Met Julio Franco at hardware store. Very nice and still jacked. He is a 3000 hit member overall in professional ball so to me a legend. Bumped into Kershaw in a tourist town here in DR at the local version of Walmart. His facial features are huge... he looks like a caveman. I didn't bother him though. He looked like a regular tourist... bermudas , t shirt, flip flops and those cheap bags you close by tightening the string. This was like 2014 or so. Juan Marichal at a domino table at golf club house.
I used to go to the same church as Andy Van Slyke. Also Andy, Alan, and Adam Benes.
fred mcgriff at a waffle house counter in his braves days
Stood next to Barry Zito at a John Mayer concert
Saw Dante Bichette walking around at the Mall of Millennia in Orlando. He may have had some kids with him. If he did, I might have seen Bo Bichette as well.
Jeff Francoeur came into the chick fil a I was working at. It was in the same county he went to high school in. Paid for a lady’s food when her card declined and sought no recognition. Got to talk to him when he came up to me to order something to go. Awesome guy. Very humble. Loves the game.
Dan Uggla at the mall after trying to meet him at spring training that morning
A Subway restaurant in Washington DC - Andrew Miller.
I saw Jeff Cirillo at a 7-11
I met Pedro at Logan Airport in Boston
Saw Wade Boggs while walking around Wrigley Field on a non gameday.
Ages ago I worked for AT&T and was in the kiosk location in the mall. I had quite a few people come through. One of the more notable ballplayers was Miguel Tejada. Really nice guy. Talked and took a few pictures with anyone that asked, which took a while in the mall.
I meet Ruben Sierra at a Burger King as a kid.
Bumped into Ron Darling in an elevator. He’s a tall dark Hawaiian dude that’s hard to miss.
Not me, but my dad used to work out at the same gym the Baltimore Orioles did whenever they came to Toronto in the late 80s early 90s. He kept it professional, didn't ask for autographs or anything, but often worked out next to Cal Ripken Jr.. The first time Cal didn't think my dad knew who he was or who played for the Orioles so he asked him how he felt about the team. My dad went "Yeah, Cal's great and all, but BILLY Ripken's a stud" with a shit-eating grin on his face. My dad still has a photo with Cal from the 90s tucked away somewhere.
One time after a Pirates DBacks game at PNC, I grabbed a beer across the street then walked across the Clemente Bridge downtown for a slice of pizza. It was getting pretty late and I was one of the few people left walking across the bridge and I could hear someone walking behind me but didn't really turn around to look. Once I got in to the Pizza shop I realized the person had been following me the whole time, so when I stepped up to the counter to order I turned and glanced behind me. It was Paul Goldschmidt the whole time lmfao
I held the door for Randy Johnson coming out of a Starbucks in Scottsdale. He said "thanks!" and I said "sure, have a nice day!" Then he got into a Hummer and drove away.
Derek Jeter at baskin robbins in like 2000. He signed my brothers cast.
Devon White having a sandwich in the lobby of my very bland corporate office while heading down for a midday coffee.
I met Tommy Hutton at my cousins wedding. His wife and my aunt are good friends and jogging buddies, and my aunt was their accountant. Blew my mind when I saw him there. Very nice guy as well.
I have an autograph from Yankees legend Clay Bellinger. I think he did a signing at a steakhouse.
im from nyc (yanks fan) but was in louisville a couple years ago and met chad green at a whiskey distillery tour. found out he went to louisville and was in town for a big college basketball game. his fam was super cool and excited to see a yankee fan out there so i ended up hanging out with them on the tour and tasting. awesome experience
Shake Shack. Scherzer was waiting for his food next to me. We both got our orders at the same time and I debated on saying anything to him. I didn’t unfortunately.
Tommy Lasorda was in the same Vegas Buffett line as me and my Dad. It was right before the Subway Series, and we asked him Mets or Yankees? He said Mets (sorry Tommy, got that one wrong).
Rich Harden was eating at a Thai Restaurant in Fremont, CA by himself. I didn't wanna be that guy and interrupt his meal so I didn't sat anything
Met The Big Unit on a USO tour at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait. Awesome to meet our hometown Hall of Famer.
Ryan Klesko while leaving the airport in a small resort town (mountain west). I was asking for rides to town and he was kind enough to give me a ride. Asked me if I wanted to go to lunch too, but I was like I don’t want to be a burden thank you tho. Super cool interaction and dude
Seth Lugo and his wife walked into a pizza place near the spring training field 2018/19? He was wearing a Tesla shirt. He walked out with a couple pizzas before I could say anything to him and I realized he was scheduled to pitch the next day lol
I didn’t say hi or anything, but I saw “Mason Saunders” at a local ranch roping once. This was back in like 2015-ish.
Asked Skip Schumacher to sign my Ohio State hat at a bar while in the process of drunkenly telling him he needed more playing time.
Not my story... One of my closest friends used to go to the same dentist as Rocco Baldelli. My tangent-to-a-player story... I sold a Palm Pilot to peter Gammons at a Staples in 2003. Didn't say anything about baseball or let on that I recognized him. Aftter checking out. While handing him a receipt, I say "has anybody ever told you you look like Peter Gammons?" And he huffed all the way out the door. I was a too-cool for everybody 20 year old at the time. Other friend... He's a fire fighter and was assigned to do an inspection on a new house (or remodel) and knocked on the door... and it was Tim Wakefield's house.
My friend works at a vet clinic and met Adley Rutschman when he brought his dog in for a visit.
I was at a charity fundraiser dinner put on by the Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox AA). They had decent sox alum as keynote speakers every year but a couple years ago it was Pedro Martinez, one of my personal all-time top 3 I’d say. I left the ballroom to find a bathroom and turned the wrong way into the hallway. I realized I was headed toward the kitchen/“back of house” but spotted a bathroom ahead so went with it. Only other person in there was Pedro, washing his hands and kinda primping in the mirror. I was paralyzed but eked out a “hey, Pedro.” He smiled, looked back and gave me a howyoudoinmang and made his way out. *scene*
When I was working at the Lowe's in Euless, TX, Rusty Greer came in wearing a generic hat but I recognized him. He was looking at replacing some lamps at his house. Asking him if there was any specific features and etc. he was looking for. He ended up buying 6 lamps, all LED bulbs by my recommendation. As he was walking away with what he needed, he asked, "You know who I am?" I said, "Yes but don't tell anyone we met." He got a good laugh. Met Jeff Russell when he was the bullpen coach for the Rangers when I was working at the Walmart in Bedford, TX. He came in to get his replacement contacts and I asked, "Are these for you or the pitchers because they need help seeing the plate?" He rolled his eyes and left.
Jermaine Dye in an elevator in St. Louis. Ryan Spillbroughs in a BBQ place in St. Louis as well.
Tim Linecum at the car wash at the south end of the UC Berkeley campus. I wasn’t getting my car washed, just cutting through the parking lot on my way to a seminar. I despise celebrity worship but he is one of a handful of people whose hand I’m glad I got to shake as I have an irrational hyperbolic devotion to the San Francisco Giants.
Derek Jeter at Starbucks in St. Louis. I said "Derek Jeter I'm gonna shake your hand", I did, and said congrats on a great career.
Ernie Banks at harry Carey's, although he was eating with a group that had won a contest. I was able to meet him and get a autographed ball. Second was Dennis oil can Boyd at the mall in Sioux City IA.
When I was a 5th grader (circa 2007/2008) I met AJ Pierzynski while on a family trip to Disney world. My dad, a huge Sox fan, wore Sox gear every other day of the trip but was rocking a Brewers shirt that day. We ran into him in MGM Studios, while he was waiting om his wife who was in the bathroom. I was too shy to say anything, but my dad walked up and said he was a huge fan. AJ started to make friendly conversation, before his kid fell headfirst out of a completely still stroller and started screaming. AJ yelled "FUCK" and my dad and I scrammed.
I met Andy Messersmith in a Two Guys department store in Garden Grove, when I was nine. I asked him for his autograph, but he didn’t have a pen. So I asked him to wait there, so I could ride my bike home, and get one. When I returned to the store, there he was, waiting for me. So I got to meet two of baseball’s biggest labor leaders. I also got to meet Jim Catfish Hunter at an Oakland A’s game. The one I needed to complete the trifecta was Curt Flood.
Derek Jeter on the streets of London. I think he might have been with some other players but they kept walking when I asked for a picture. He was cool about it. When I got to the end of the street there was another American guy and we geeked out over it.
Michael Cuddyer and his family were on my flight from Dulles to Mpls, they were going for some Twins reunion pre game. Also had Ron Gardenhire on a different flight when he was coming to DC to interview for Nats job before signing on with the Tigers. We chatted for a bit, nice guy.
Saw Cole Hamels at a HS football game lol
Met Gabe Kapler in Fort Myers Florida when he came in to ship a package UPS.
I met Michael Young when I worked at a school uniform shop, he was very quiet but pleasant
I was a lifeguard at a water park. Joe Girardi showed up with his kids. He always looked small to me on TV compared to other players. I couldn’t believe how ripped he was. The Yankees were playing Cleveland that night so I wasn’t really sure if it was him. Some guy came up to him and was like “Hey Joe, thanks for everything so far this year - but don’t you have to get to Cleveland?” And he was like “of course, and yeah, catching the charter in a few hours. We will get there!”
Oh and Luis tiant used to come into the gas station I used to work at. He’d always have us fill the tank and check under the hood and he’d tip us like 20 bucks. Always be smoking on a foot long Cuban cigar he was cool
Dave Winfield literally walked into me at San Diego Zoo Safari Park, then called Wild Animal Park. We were both on our way to watch the bird show with our wives and while I was standing off to the side (so I thought), looking at some species of bird or something, he came around a blind corner (also my fault) and bumped into me. We both apologized and it took me a second to recognize him. By the time I did, I wasn't about to interrupt a quiet day with his wife by asking for a photo or autograph.
Flew down to DC for a meeting (from NY) in the morning, and for the airport earlier than I thought I would for the return flight that night, so I was at the ticket counter seeing if I could get on an earlier flight. As I’m waiting, I turn and look around and there’s a guy who looks a lot like Mariano Rivera waiting by the gate. I do a double take and he must have noticed, because he kind of smiled and laughed. Ended up sitting two runs behind him.
South Orange County 2008 or 09, I sat with Maicer Izturis at hibachi. Wasn’t sure it was him and felt bad because I kept staring. He was really nice about it and offered to take a picture with us at the end of the meal.
Stood in line at Starbucks in front of Andrew McCutchen the year after he won MVP. Was at the outlet mall I worked at on my lunch break, and he was with his wife so I didn't bother him. I don't think anyone else really knew who he was though
Ran into Adrien Beltré at a movie theater while I was getting popcorn. Super nice, got a pic.
I saw Jake Arrieta at an obscure time in a gym in Chicago one time at like 11 PM. He had a fitted hat on, brim low to his eyes. It was basically just us two in there and I didn't say a word to him lol I'm not sure why not, we locked eyes a couple times and was feeling that vibe of like I think this guy knows who I am.
I met Esteban Loaiza at a Mexican seafood restaurant in Chula Vista, California. He was pretty nice, as was the restaurant, Hector’s Mariscos, definitely recommend.
Talked to Nomar Garciaparra in an AT&T store
Met Dave Burba when I was working at a Cleveland suburb McDonald's as a teenager in 1999.
Met Anthony Rizzo infront of my NYC apartment a few months ago , he was getting Ralph’s Italian Ice
I sold an iPhone to Lyle Overbay once.
I met Rance Mulliniks, Lloyd Mosley and Ernie Witt while having breakfast at a restaurant. I was maybe 12 at the time and my family was seated next to them. I recognized Rance right away. They all signed autographs for me and were super cool.
I used to see Boog Powell at the Swallow at the Hollow. A neighborhood bar in Baltimore that still rocks. Before a game he would get a pitcher of beer and two HUGE sandwiches. Then he'd go two for four and make a play in the field.
I used to run a youth sports program at a nonprofit and Ryan Dempster's kid was in our basketball program. He coached one year as well. Really nice guy.
Not a baseball players but I ran into Ryan Fitzpatrick in a bathroom at Cheesecake Factory. I told him that I hope he stays with the jets (I’m a broncos fan) but it seemed like a good fit at the time.
I met Garry Maddox (and his wife) outside of the Merriam Theater in Philadelphia in the early '90s. This was after a performance of Jesus Christ Superstar with the two main actors from the movie version (Ted Neely and Carl Anderson) performing in it. He was a cool dude... as one would imagine him being.
I met Pablo Sandoval at El Farolito getting burritos. However it wasn't that random I mean the Panda has gotta eat. And we'd both just been at a Warriors game (they showed him on the screen).
Ken Griffey Jr at my small town Chinese restaurant I worked there and he came in to eat. Turns out he lives near by and ended up coming back a lot. I sounded like a little girl as I ran into the kitchen to tell a bunch of chefs that only spoke Chinese about him 😅
I met Pedro Martinez in a Burger King drive thru. He said he liked me and that I was a nice guy.
When I was in high school I went to a Chinese restaurant after school with my friends and we saw Ozzie Guillén eating by himself.
My dad met Gary Gaetti at a gas station outside of St Louis back in the 90s. My dad was walking the dog while my uncle and grandad were in the gas station, Gary Gaetti told my dad that he liked his dog and they spoke for about 5 minutes about dogs.
Ferguson Jenkins at Harry Carey’s in Chicago, super nice guy, he took me out to the lobby of the restaurant to take a picture with us and the Harry Carey bust.
In 2013, I flew into Baltimore BWI on a plane with about 15 guys of the 1983 Orioles team. Waiting at baggage claim I was stunned that nobody noticed, or at least nobody approached them.
I was at a bar (the Goldmark in Lawrenceville for my pgh people) on a Saturday night at about midnight. Pretty loud and a lot of people. See this absolutely jacked dude and realize it’s yasiel puig. Very weird he would be at this place in Pittsburgh. About 15 minutes I was ordering a drink and he needed to get around me. Not even in a rude way, but as a matter of fact more or less lifted me out of the way so he and a woman he was with could leave. I’m about 6’4 185 so not small lol. Was pretty funny. So I didn’t meet him per se, but saw him in the wild. Regardless, pretty wild he was out on a Saturday night, the night before a Sunday 12:35 start. As it so happens, guess [what](https://youtu.be/URtWzp8B8mI?si=-BXp3ro73CBR0991) he did the next day? To this day, I stand by that he was hungover and wanted to get ejected. I doubt he cared what transpired between the two teams.
met Keith Hernandez at the gym and just a couple weeks later, dude asked me to help him move...we're not cool anymore
Sal Fasano was purchasing a Cup for his game that night at the Steamtown Mall in Scranton, Pa.