It is always sad hearing about the passing of an old friend. Old friend does not mean they were old, just that they have been friends for a long time.Unfortunately, each year more of that occurs, and the same response comes, "Way too young." Some of those that die elicit a few memories and others many more. Some deaths hurt more than others. This past week a friend left that brought a torrent of things. The memories made me smile; the tears were for his life ending and the prayers were for his family and close friends.
A while back, a good childhood friend wrote to me, "Jack, your dad was a great leader, coach, and gentleman. I can remember him from Joliet Little League, along with your fastball. Please write about him." His note had me thinking about what it was about my dad that my friend felt made him a leader. It sent me on a quest for, "What are leadership qualities?" His request also had me realize that leaders are often right in front of us, without our knowing.
It's that time of the year when players' seasons have been going for some time. By now, players have a good indication of what type of year it is with batting the ball? Whether it's been a solid season, mediocre or poor one, it's important that players learned from their experiences.
I have come to realize that it would not have been a shame if I had not made it to the major leagues. It would have been a shame if I hadn't found this in my life.
The year was 1980. Long before the current system where the wild card teams meet in a one-game winner take all game, I want to tell you about the MLB playoffs and me experience. Pressure? Yes, Fun? Only for the winning team. Also, I had my G.O.A.T. plays in one of the games leading up to it greatest of all time. If I don't make the play, take out the periods after each letter, and that is what I would be to this day, at least to Dodger fans.
The professional baseball life is like every other job. It has its good days and bad ones. Maybe the biggest difference is that one cannot just disappear at work, as one maybe can in the "real world" of non-professional sports. Or can you? Right out of a scene in an Indiana Jones movie, here is how things went down one night in Dodger stadium.