I'll never forget it
 

One of the best experiences I've had at these last two Nationals (my only two Nationals) was meeting Bart Starr. My friend and I were leaving Embassy Suites, bags in hand, heading to the Cubs game. When we got on the crowded hotel elevator, I found myself staring at the University of Alabama and Green Bay Packer great. I reached out my hand and introduced myself. He kindly shook my hand and, hearing my Southern accent, asked "Where do you call home, son?" I proudly said "Alabama!", which is where I grew up. He replied, "We live in Birmingham." I don't know why, but I didn't take a picture nor did I ask for an autograph, but no matter. I'll never forget it.

A few weeks ago, I was at a Spokane Indians game. I'm a season ticketholder, so this was nothing unusual. What WAS unusual was the guy I ran into while I was there:

http://s94991397.onlinehome.us/Gretzky-smaller.jpg



(hint: it's the dude on the right)

Thrill of a lifetime for me as a sports fan. Wayne Gretzky? Out of the blue at a baseball game? No way! Only bigger thrill would be meeting Steve Yzerman.

Gretzky was in town meeting with officials of the Boise Hawks, an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, who had drafted his son Trevor. Pretty sure it was Trevor that took the picture. I honestly wasn't paying much attention to that :)

Truly an experience *I* will never forget.

Tabe

That's awesome!

You guys kind of look like brothers. And the park to your selves.

Well, it was 30+ minutes before game time. Spokane normally draws about 5000 fans, this night maybe 3500. There were actually a fair number of people already in the park, just none right there :)

Gretzky was very gracious to all who approached him. Thanks to foul-ups with my cell phone camera, I actually had to ask him 3 separate times for the picture. The Indians staff asked him if he wanted people kept away and he said no. There was never a huge line of people around him or anything, he was mostly left alone and just watched the game. The first picture I asked him for, he was wearing sunglasses. Before the picture, he made sure to take them off - what a nice touch.

Anyway, he was really nice and it was a HUGE thrill to this longtime hockey fan.

Tabe

That's a super photo!

Daryl & Chris
 

Great stories, and a great picture. Gretzky looks like a real nice dude.

Again, wonderful stories.