Who You Know
I’m a bit late posting today. I had arranged weeks ago for my son and me to head to the Rogers Center today to see the Blue Jays take on the White Sox. We were going to meet a new friend (and reader of this site who just so happens to have served as chaplain to the Blue Jays for decades) at the stadium and take in the game with him.
Early in the day I got a call from this friend and he told me that he had arranged passes for us to go down to the field during pre-game. So we hurried off and met up with him at the Rogers Center. And sure enough, we made our way through the dark recesses of the stadium and emerged in the Jays’ dugout. Now I’m too old to be too overly impressed by such things, but it was as if my son had touched the moon. He was thrilled. And I know I would have been too at his age.
Best of all, John Gibbons (the coach) came over, chatted with him for a bit, and gave him a couple of balls. Then we headed towards the Jays’ clubhouse and met up with Alex Rios, one of Nick’s favorite players. We got a photo with him and he signed one of those balls. And then, late in the game, he smashed a three run homer that put the final nail in the coffin for the Sox. We also met Jerry Howarth who calls the games on the radio. I listened to Jerry every night on the radio when I grew up and my son listens to him most nights now. It was great to finally meet the guy after hearing him talk for so many years.
So all-in-all it was a pretty good day. I’ve been to a lot of ball games in my time, but this one, well, it stands out.
Comments (5) »
1. John
June 2, 2007
7:02 PM
Hmmm… reminds of my kid days, when my dad would let me stay up in bed with my head phones on listening to Denny Matthews play-by-play the Kansas City Royals. Which reminds me, it has been a long time since 1985.
2. Randy
June 2, 2007
10:49 PM
Ahh, is there any sport greater than baseball? Even if it isn’t the the great Canadian pastime.
3. JeffO
June 3, 2007
12:04 AM
Will we get to see the pictures Tim?
4. Charity
June 3, 2007
11:43 AM
Tim,
That IS exciting. I met Matt Nokes a few weeks ago when he was at my school to do “something” with the baseball team and speak to the student body about using thier talent for Christ ( I teach at a Christian high school). It was really refreshing to see someone who uses their life to impact students who might not think about athletic skill as an outlet to glorify Christ. MLB has always had some really grounded and well educated athletes that are so much fun to watch simply becuase they have so much integrity.
5. susanna
June 3, 2007
10:47 PM
Tim,
That’s amazing! I honestly can’t believe you and Nick were able to meet all those people! I would have been over the moon at Nick’s age too and probably still would be now!;) We took Micah to his first ball game a few weeks ago and it was very nice because a friend of Rick’s whom we met up with had caught a ball during the Brave’s warmup time and gave it to Micah! It brought back memories of when you gave me that ball you caught! What a special gift!:)