Spahn is gone

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Posted By: jay behrens 

Just heard Warren Spahn passed away. Guess we'll see a flood of Spahn material on eBay for the next week or 2.

Too bad it takes a player's death to really start generating some interest that player, no matter how famous they are.

Jay

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Posted By: Hankron

Don't dispair. His body and mind may be no longer be with us, but his memorabilia memorabilia will be featured on eBay for about a week. It's a natural right of passage for all sports stars.

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Posted By: JC

To Bad, he was a very nice person who always supported the local shows here in Atlanta. He was the best left hander to ever pitch the game and he did not get his first win until he was 25 years old...

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Posted By: Peter Thomas

He like many players of the 30's, 40's & 50's lost 3 years in the war. No complaints just came back and did his job for 20 more years, 23-7 at 42. Certainly would have had over 400 wins if he had not missed those three years.

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Posted By: B Kaz

He didn't just serve the war, he fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Probably the coldest, harshest, hardest time any soldier had in WWII. He is/was a true treasure.

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Posted By: warshawlaw

The best ever LHP, IMHO.

I've had a beautiful 1959 edition of "The Warren Spahn Story" by Milton Shapiro but haven't cracked it open yet; I guess I will now. Great DJ on it; nice photos

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Posted By: Roy Miller

I hosted Spahnie at a card show here in Texas in 1992 and it was a great day for both of us: I got to meet a hero and he got paid! Anyway, I told him that I had once read the Shapiro book when I was a boy and boy did he swell up. He said that Shapiro never had talked to him and he never got paid anything for the book. (Spahnie always liked to get paid).

Hope you enjoy the book.
Best wishes,
Roy Miller
Arlington,TX

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Posted By: warshawlaw

As I understand it, the court ruled that first amendment considerations denied celebrities as public figures control over unauthorized biographies.

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Posted By: jackgoodman

Saw him at many shows in California. Always a gentleman, always appreciative of his fans and always willing to tell stories and answer questions. He'll be missed.

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Posted By: Scott Forrest

Wow, hard to believe it's been two years!

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Posted By: RP60

The only man who played for Casey 'before and after he was a genius..'

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Posted By: J Levine

Spahn was a class act. Met him several times over the years. I think it was the third or fourth time I met him, he saw me approach, smiled and said something like, "uh oh, here comes the Carlton fan." I think Spahn was the greatest lefty to pitch with Carlton a close second. The game and hobby misses him dearly.

Joshua

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Posted By: Steve K

<<< (Spahnie always liked to get paid). >>>

Roy - nothing whatsoever against you but I always hate comments such as this that are seen in articles and in books, especially about the old timers. These comments are made all the time about Dimaggio and others. I say "So What!" if they liked to get paid or made some money from their autographs, etc. Any one of us would do the exact same thing if we were in their shoes. I remember reading a sportwriter's comment one time about he and Dimaggio sat down for dinner and the sportswriter complained in the article quote, "that Dimaggio never picked up a check." The sportswriter of course didn't complain to Joe. Why should Dimaggio pickup a check for a stinkin' sportswriter who should have been honored that Dimaggio would have dinner with him and I'm sure the sportswriter most likely used the dinner as a way to glean information from Joe! (well - that's my vent for today - LOL)

Thanks for posting that about Warren Spahn - I had not yet heard it. Warren was a super class guy and he will be missed.

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Posted By: Howard W. Rosenberg

http://espn.go.com/classic/obit/s/2003/1124/1670072.html?partnersite=espn

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Posted By: Hal Lewis

Look at the ORGINAL date of the first post of this thread:

11/24/2003

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Posted By: DJ

I worked with Spahn on a couple of charitable projects and I honestly hated my time spent with him. I found him to be rude and easily aggitated. I could go on and on and write several paragraphs and clutter this thread but why this thread has come to be is beyond me. Can we start a thread about Buck Leonard's passing shortly? (who was an amazing man!) How about Stan Coveleski?

DJ

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Posted By: davidcycleback

Says something about my memory. When I saw this post today, I assumed Spahn had just died-- and I was one of the original posters to this thread in 2003!

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Posted By: tbob

my list is:

1. Brooks Robinson
2. Ernie Banks
3. Andre Dawson
4. Lou Brock
5. Warren Spahn
6. Enos Slaughter

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Posted By: J Levine

The six nicest players I have met in person...

1. Frank Thomas (the original)...Frank lost his collection in a fire and a trading group I am in has helped him recover most of it. I met him in person at a mall show about four years ago and he not only gave my friend and I free autographs but had coffee with us and talked baseball for nearly an hour while his wife shopped at the mall. Great guy, great stories, and two of the biggest hands I have ever seen.

2. Feller. Everyone has met him, he has signed everything and anything. Met him the first time at a spring training game in arizona. Saw him again about six months later at a show. Talked baseball both times and managed not to get anything signed. The third time I met him was at the HOF. He even remembered me from before and again we had a blast talking baseball and history. If you get a chance, ask him who the best player was from every era. The guy knows his stuff.

3. Spahn...as said before, knew I was a Carlton fan but did not hold it against me.

4. Banks...lets play two! The guy is just great. Big smile, big baseball knowledge, and very funny. Great guy.

5. Buck Leonard...met him at many shows, the HOF, and a book signing. The guy was an endless source of baseball stories and legends. Loved listening to him. I think the last time I saw him he was something like 99 years old.

6. Berra. Yep, old Yogi. Still a strong handshake a couple of years ago at the HOF. When I commented on his hands, he told me to come around the table and talk with him. We chatted about how he broke every finger (twice). He may come across as a little daffy but he really is more savvy than he gets credit for.

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Posted By: Lyle

but I think Lefty Grove was the best southpaw in history . He was, however, at least by reputation , pretty surly and obnoxious but his winning percentage (.680!) and leading the league in strikeouts for seven straight years would be statistical support for my opinion .

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Posted By: Mike Campbell

Nicest players I have ever met: Harmon Killebrew. Not an unkind bone in his body. He doesn't have the slightest idea, how to be a jerk. Total class.

Tom Brunansky former Twin and Red Sox. Stood and talked and signed autographs for over an hour, before his all star game appearance. It was around 1985. Dressed in shorts, tea shirt. Signed and talked until everybody was taken care of. Not a star, but a class guy. Couldn't have been nicer.

Paul Moliter. Another class guy. A local guy, so he is around quite a bit. Always has time for everyone. Very friendly.



Least Nicest players I have ever met: Dave Winfield. This guy got out of his limo, in a three piece suit, and walked through a group of 10 or 15 kids under 10 or so, did not make eye contact, did not acknowledge their presence, did not shake a hand, brushed them all aside as if he was godlike. It was quite a scene. "he just kept repeating "I'm going to lunch, I'm going to lunch". You had to see it to believe it. An ego the size of the Eifel Tower. Quite disgusting.

Reggie Jackson: I was going through a revolving door with him, and his strap on his handbag got caught in the revolving door. No ones fault. This guy went beserk. Swearing and causing a scene. Again, it had to be seen to be believed. Another ego issue.

Kirby Puckett: This guy had a lot of people fooled for a long time. I won't go into it.


I have met many others but these are the ones that come to mind.

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Posted By: Daniel Bretta

Being stuck here in Nebraska with no major league team I haven't met many players, but the nicest that I have met were Ozzie Smith, Bret Saberhagen and Tom Gordon. The biggest jerk was Don Sutton.

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Posted By: DJ

My Nicest List:

1) Luke Appling
2) Ernie Banks
3) Buck Leonard
4) Bobby Thomson
5) Harmon Killebrew

My Least Favorites:

1) Willie Mays
2) Warren Spahn
3) Barry Bonds
4) Hank Aaron
5) Bob Feller

Had a number of "bad experiences" with both Warren Spahn and Bob Feller and I guess others had different experiences. I spent two hours with Buck Leonard and it was one of my favorite memories.

DJ

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Posted By: jay behrens

The nicest players I've met:

Killebrew: exchanged many great stories with and gave him all my wire photos I had of him when I got out of the hobby in 1991.

Lou Dials: spent many shows cahtting with him and he always loved it when I had my son with me. Unfortunately, my son was an infant, he does't remember any of it.

Maury Wills: took the time to to write a really neat personalization on a ball he signed for me.

Ray Dandridge: met him a couple of times and always loved talking about his days with Minneapolis Millers.

Earl Battey: I loved the look of utter horror as I showed him a wire photo taken of him in spring training swinging at a ball on a string. His pants were unzipped with his shirt hanging out looking at if he had exposed himself. He asked if that actually got published. I couldn't confirm it, but told him that more than likely it was since it had a caption, etc. We got a good laugh and he ultimately ended up with photo when I got out of the hobby in 1991.

Total Jerks:

Mantle is in a class by himself. Calling him a drunken sot is being kind. I never had a nice experience even though I set up at 10 or so shows that he was at.

Jose Canseco: a guy I knew had been getting a team ball signed by all the A's in 1987. He was saving the sweet spot for for Canseco and it was the last sig he needed. We ran into him at the Black Angus in San Leandro. My friend asked him to sign the ball on the sweet spot (there really wasn't anyplace else to sign) and he said sure. He took the ball, turned and signed his across about 6 or 7 other names on a panel and handed the ball back to him.

Jay

My place is full of valuable, worthless junk.

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Posted By: Jerry

DJ, you may have just caught Spahn on a bad day. My dad knew him very well and he knew I was his son. The first time I met him, he was gracious, kind, patient and very friendly. The second time he was very gruff and curt. I wrote it off to an older person having a bad day.

My list of nicest baseball players:

Ernie Banks-one of the nicest, friendliest people I've ever met
Brooks Robinson-see Ernie Banks
Lou Brock-a quiet gentleman
Harmon Killebrew-see Lou Brock
Ferguson Jenkins-Mr. Personality-I LOVE his cowboy hat!
Robin Roberts-remembered a college game I coached against him years earlier
Sandy Koufax-another real gentleman
Fernando Valenzuela-very nice and accomodating

My list of obnoxious baseball players

Willie Mays-just a miserable human being
Barry Bonds-saw him push his way through a crowd of 10 year olds-AT SPRING TRAINING!
Bob Gibson-along with Mays, by far the rudest I was ever personally treated while paying them to sign
Bob Feller-gruff and rude
Hank Aaron-a chip on his shoulder the size of Mt. Everest



Some very pleasant surprises for me included Mickey Mantle (post-drinking), Tom Seaver (very nice to me, we talked skiing) and Steve Carlton (extremely nice, cordial and a real gentleman). I had heard bad things about all three, but found them to be very nice.

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Posted By: DJ

I think with guys like Feller and Spahn, there are two sides to them. The one where they are hamming it up for the public and the ones I met and I see with your description of Feller, had a smiliar experience with him whom the public adores.

I worked with Spahn three times for charitable functions and what some perceive to be "Spahn being Spahn", I found his demeanor obnoxious and very rude. He was "hands on" with the females if you know what I mean.

When I was a kid, I approached him for a signature at the Hall Of Fame and he told me that he wasn't in the mood to sign. He then asked me to tell him that he was the Greatest Pitcher that ever lived. I told him that and he said "I'm still not giving you an autograph".

And I have met Jose Canseco six-seven times and found him to be one of the coolest celebrities I ever met. One night we actually had a couple drinks at a hotel bar. While in the minors when his career was winding down, he signed every autograph and spent an hour after the game meeting the eager public.

DJ

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Posted By: zach

"When I was a kid, I approached him for a signature at the Hall Of Fame and he told me that he wasn't in the mood to sign. He then asked me to tell him that he was the Greatest Pitcher that ever lived. I told him that and he said "I'm still not giving you an autograph".

-Thats pretty horrible, to say that to a kid just wanting your autograph. He was a great pitcher, but after hearing this, I have lost almost all respect for him....amazing

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Posted By: BlackSoxFan

.

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Posted By: Bryan

Well said blacksoxfan.

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Posted By: Marc S.

"-Thats pretty horrible, to say that to a kid just wanting your autograph. He was a great pitcher, but after hearing this, I have lost almost all respect for him....amazing"


When I was a kid - and the 1989 Donruss set came out - I sent index cards and that 1989 Donruss Warren Spahn card to him for autographs. I know I sent him more than one request. He was always prompt in signing my items [for free] - and he seemed like a really nice guy. Maybe just on the basis of that - but for someone who was just getting to be a teenager - to have a HOF'er give me a bunch of free signatures....man, that impressed me.

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Posted By: Mike Campbell

This type of blathering nonsense is the reason I have always avoided forums and chat rooms. To have to listen to someone ramble on aimlessly about how people should somehow be excused for being rude. To somehow justify or rationalize bad behavior, because of racism, or pressure due to the "profession" is BS. There is never an excuse for treating other people poorly. Especially kids. I will give you two examples of inexcusable behavior that I have witnessed. Though I am sure you can justify it somehow.

I gave two tickets to a game, to friends of mine, who's 5 year old son wanted to go the game to see his favorite player. To this kids amazement, he, just by coincidence, happened to end up being about 5 to 6 feet from this player later on in the day. After the game. He politely asked this player for his autograph. The player did not respond by saying "Not today" or "can't right now", or "sorry I am busy" or "maybe next time". No, he told the 5 year old to "F..." off, and walked away. Now this player is a potential hall of famer.

Now I know he may have a bad day, maybe he didn't feel well, maybe he was injured, the list goes on. But is his behavior justified? Not all athletes act like this. I know that, but is it OK for me to think this player is a jerk? The kid and his family were customers. They paid to see him play. I am quite certain my company would not appreciate me, telling one of the children of our customers to F off. No way to justify that behavior.

I know, one example, one player, one incident. still no excuse.

One more example"

A coworker was out with her friends one night. She was standing at the bar, when all of a sudden, she felt someone slide their hand up the back of her dress, into her underpants. Can this be excused? Not a potential hall of famer, but a very good player none the less. I know, I know, just one more player, just one more incident. Was he having a bad day? Did the error he made that day cause this behavior? Was this the only time in his life he did something perverted? Not to mention illegal? He's a jerk. Married at the time as well.

I love baseball. I love the history. I love the game. I am a lifelong collector of memo. Most players don't act like this. But the tiny few that do, certainly can be called rude. Let's call it what it is.

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Posted By: Chris Counts

My encounters with ballplayers and ex-ballplayers have been, for the most part, positive. Most occured when I was between the ages of 9-12 (I'm 45 now), so perhaps these guys just liked kids. Regardless, each of these ballplayers and ex-ballplayers won me over. Here are a couple that stand out ...

1) Joe DiMaggio — I came across Joe in the Angels parking lot before an old-timers' game in about 1972. Since I didn't own any old cards of most players present, I brought along a stack of 3x5 cards to get signed. Joe walked right past me and there was nobody else in sight. I asked him for his autograph, and he was polite, cordial and relaxed. He took the stack of cards and started signing. The whole thing was surreal. By the time he got to the 11th or 12th 3x5 card, I was feeling guilty from my embarrassment of riches and I thanked him for his time, and of course, the dozen or so autographs he left me with.

2) Duke Snider — I met him at a card show in about 1976 in San Diego. I had a table near him at the show. He was so friendly and down-to-earth I quickly forgot he was a famous ex-ballplayer. He signed a photo for me, "To Chris, the greatest pitcher I ever faced, long live Ebbets Field, your friend, Duke Snider."

3) Dock Ellis and Billy Martin — Once when I was a kid, I snuck into a hotel in Anaheim in search of autographs. The Yankees were staying there. At some point, a somewhat ill-tempered security guard cornered myself and a couple other kids. He was reading us the riot act. Out of nowhere, this hulking figure appeared and physically lifted the the guard off the ground. With menace in his voice and a twinkle in eye, Dock Ellis told the guard, "Don't mess with these guys, they are my friends." The same day, I passed Billy Martin. He had a cast on his left hand from punching somebody or something. I figured signing a baseball would be a challenge with just one hand, so I simply said hello to him and kept walking. He turned and asked me if I wanted his autograph. I handed him the ball, which he somehow pinned between his cast and his left shoulder and chin. His signature was perfect and he was a gentleman.

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Posted By: leon

You wrote

"This type of blathering nonsense is the reason I have always avoided forums and chat rooms. To have to listen to someone ramble on aimlessly about how people should somehow be excused for being rude. To somehow justify or rationalize bad behavior, because of racism, or pressure due to the "profession" is BS. There is never an excuse for treating other people poorly. Especially kids. I will give you two examples of inexcusable behavior that I have witnessed. Though I am sure you can justify it somehow"


With all due respect this forum is a microcosim of society. No better no worse. To say you don't visit forums or chatrooms because this forum is the way it is isn't really being fair. I am not totally disagreeing with your other comments but only responding to the one about forums. I think this is the best vintage baseball card forum anywhere and am always looking for others to participate in. There just aren't any decent ones, imo. As for folks saying someone acting totally rude is just having a bad day....it's unfortunate but true, sometimes. No excuse...but true. I know I have many many times wished I could take back something I said or did. Overall I don't think I am a bad person but certainly have said things I shouldn't have. I have never told a child to F off and don't think that can be justified...but having a bad day is human.....again, not taking up for anyone I am just making a point. Have you ever wished you could take back something you said or had a bad day? best regards

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Posted By: Ted Zanidakis

Early 1990's at an Atlantic City Show. I am waiting for
the elevator at the show casino along with a many more
people. A young kid ( 8 yrs old) with his Grandfather
recognized Pete Rose approaching the elevator foyer.
The kid, quite excited, asked his Grandad to ask Pete
if he could autograph his BB card of Pete.
The grandfather did and Pete went "wild". He not only
refused, but started yelling at the man. The poor kid
started crying and Rose continued his tyraid after the
kid and his Grandad left. I am paraphrasing here, but
this is what Rose told the rest of us witnessing this
scene: "the nerve of that old fool, expecting me to sign
something for his kid".

Needless, to say the rest of were quite disgusted with
Pete that day.

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Posted By: Bryan Long

Amen to both of you!
Back to the thread . . . I have sent out several requests for autographs over the years. Who responded? Only one man - Duke Snider. Duke sent back a 3x5 index card with his autograph. It is now framed on my wall at home. The others mostly sent me websites where I could BUY their autograph, one even sent me a price sheet for his stuff! It is not like it used to be.

I still wish I could meet my baseball hero - Brooks Robinson - the greatest 3rd baseman to ever the play the game.

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Posted By: leon

That story about Rose is appalling. And to think the only time I have ever seen Rose in person, was at a signing, and he took so much time with the kids, and really made everyone there feel like they were appreciated, it literally almost brought tears to my eyes. That's the only memory I have of him personally. What he did that day in your presence is certainly unforgettable, if not unforgivable, imo.....and goes to show....something....just not sure what...

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Posted By: Mark Clary

My most enjoyable autograph experiences:

Jim Palmer - During a signing he told my Dad and I stories about his playing days as he signed other people's items.

Reggie Jackson - Yeah really. I've gotten him a couple times and he's been very friendly each time. Between autograph sessions in Cooperstown while he was getting his lunch, I watched as a littly boy approached him for an autograph. I thought to myself, "no way this ends well"...but he bent down and signed for him. I know it doesn't make him a saint or anything, but a nice gesture none the less.

Killebrew - A gentleman each time I've seen him.

Buck O'Neil - A great asset to baseball and loves talking to kids.

Not so good:

Seaver - Just a moody guy, it's definitely hit or miss with him.
Mays - Hardly acknowledged that I was spending a mint to have him sign his autograph.

and that's really about it for me, which is nice.

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Posted By: DJ

I would say that 70% of all my encounters with celebrities have been fine. 25% of them have been outstanding and I would say 5% have been miserable. Sure I've had horrible experiences with some, but I like to focus more on the sports celebrities who understand their role and want to give that fan an experience of sorts. The Brooks Robinson's and Ernie Banks' of the world who may perhaps have an unwilling side, or have had a bad day I haven't met, but have treated me and countless folks with a fantastic experience.

We are a society that idolizes false heroes. If you can swing a bat, we suddenly make them a "role model" and we expect them to represent themselves in the manner that we invisioned in our heads. I have heard many people say "I really hope Barry Bonds wins a World Series ring.". WHY exactly? What has he done for you? He's not a nice guy! There is a flawed being that many idolize for his mere ability.

When I plunk down $18 for a Willie Mays signature at a card show (yes, I'm dating myself) and tell him that he's my hero and he doesn't acknowlegde me AT ALL and signs by bat in black sharpie when I clearly ask him to sign it in blue sharpie like the others, is that okay?

DJ

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Posted By: BlackSoxFan

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Posted By: Dan Lundrigan

Just thought I would share my story with someone famous.He`s not a baseball player but I think it`s appropriate for this thread.About six or seven years ago.My wife and daughter were going to Hasbro the toy company to see my wifes brother.When they walked in Muhammad Ali happened to be there with an entourage of people as they were about to enter a room.The champ saw my daughter who was about 4 or 5 at the time looked at her and walked away from his group walked up to my daughter and with a great big smile gave her a hug then stood up stepped back looked at her one more time bent down and hugged her again.I don`t think he ever said a word he then re-joined his group.Someone from his group gave my wife this autograph "see scan".When I came home from work that day the story was told to me by my daughter who was very excited and said she met the CHAMP!Not knowing what she was talking about I asked who? All excited she tells me HAMMAMID MALI!While I didn`t meet him in person I almost felt like I had after hearing the story.He IS A TRUE CHAMPION!with a big heart and it`s a story I will always cherish and never forget!To me his simple act of leaving the people he was with to stop and take a moment to walk up and hug a small child speaks volumes about the man that mere words simply cannot express.



While I don`t know what to make of all the bible references it`s an item that will always be treasured by my family of that day!

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Posted By: BlackSoxFan

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Posted By: jay behrens

Mays always seems to be roundly criticized for his conduct at signing shows, but how many of you have met outside that venue? I've been lucky enough to do so on several occasions. If you know Mays' full story, you would have an understanding why he is the way he is at shows. Away from that scene he, he is a great guy and I always enjoyed talking with him and never saw him act the way talked about the way he acted at shows.

we expect these people to be saints and they are far from it. We don't know the whole the story behind each player's situation. Without that context, we have an incomplete picture of that player.

The absolute worst experience I ever had with a celelbrity while driving limo was with Bill Cosby. I used to think he was a great guy. I still think he is a great comedian, but I have lost all respect for the guy as a person after what I had to go thru because he didn't get something he wanted. And he wasn't acting like a pouting spoiled star, I had to put with remarks directed towards me over a situation I had no control over. I was just the driver. Needless to say, after the 2 hour drive was done, I dropped him off at this destination and told his manager to find another service to pick him up. I was sorely tempted to throw him out of the car and the owner of the limo service even said I could do it if I wanted, but I couldn't bring myself to lower myself to way he was acting.

He may be the truly great guy he passes himself off as in the public eye, but I got to see an extented look at a truly ugly side of this person that would scare many.

Jay



Sometimes when I reflect on all the beer I drink I feel ashamed. Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the brewery and all of their hopes and dreams. If I didn't drink this beer, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. I think, "It is better to drink this beer and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver."-- Babe Ruth

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Posted By: warshawlaw

They simply reflect bad behavior by human beings.

Does a celebrity "owe" you an autograph? Not unless you are paying for a service. If you are paying for a service, however, it is inexcusable for the service to be rendered in a subpar manner. Willie Mays doesn't like people,l doesn't want to cooperate and doesn't like gushing fans? Boo-friggidy-hoo, don't sign the appearance contract and don't pocket the cash. The way these guys conduct themselves at work (shows) shows you who has real class and dignity, who is mature, and who is not. It is very relevant to see how these people treat their customers and a lot of conclusions can be drawn from their behavior as to their personalities. If a guy treats his customers like crap, you can be sure he will treat everyone else that way.

Now, outside the customer arena, should a celebrity be courteous to you? Of course. I don't think it is even debatable that everyone should be courteous to strangers. Beyond that, celebrities including athletes are in the public relations business. You spend money on their sport, movie, etc., because you want to, not because you have to, and part of that very well paying job includes the obligation not to piss off your clientele unnecessarily. Some of it (a lot of it?) also has to do with education and maturity. Many of these athletes are kids with little education and no maturity. They are trained to be spoiled brats and react accordingly.

It also has continually struck me that with the celebrities I meet (and here in LA LA Land I meet quite a few) that the bigger the name, usually the less of a jerk they are to fans.

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Posted By: Bill Stone

The nicest ballplayer I ever met was Dale Long. I first met him in 1953 when I was playing little league baseball in Burbank, California and he was playing for the Hollywood Stars. I got his autograph at the park and followed his baseball career for the next ten years. Ocassionally I would correspond with him and I still cherish the original letter he sent me on Hollywood Stars letterhead from Bobby Bragan dated November 5, 1955 to Dale and Dorothy Long saying he was looking forward to seeing Dale in the spring and to coaching the Pirates. Dale Long had his moment in the sun from May 19-28,1956 when he hit 8 homeruns in 8 consecutive games but he never let his career go to his head . I think he was always greatful that he could make a living playing baseball and he was as kind and generous when he was having a good year or a bad year. Not a Hall of Famer but still #1 in my book !

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Posted By: Dan Lundrigan

I was watching a Red Sox ballgame a while back on NESN and it was a rain delay so they aired a piece with David Wells.I don`t remember how the subject came up but he and Sam Horn when they were High-School players were at Aneheim Stadium for a workout for scouts or something like that and David Wells meets Reggie Jackson in the locker room and asks if he would sign a ball for him.Reggie sitting down doesn`t even look up at him or say anything.Wells starts to walk away empty handed then Reggie says hey kid yeah I`ll sign it.So Wells says thanks Reggie I really appreciate it and Reggie says very arrogantly yeah right!Wells says man I was so PISSED!Next thing Wells says HEY REGGIE!Reggie looks up and Wells whips the ball in the trash!Watching all this coming out of David Wells` mouth was priceless!I was cracking up after that!



Warren Spahnn may be gone but his thread LIVES ON!

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Posted By: identify7

Dale Long, the consecutive games with HRs record - someone tied it, I think, but no one has beaten it. Wasn't he the guy who played some games as a lefthanded catcher? Has anyone else done that since? Pirates and the Cubs, struck out a lot, but had power. Good valued player.

I wonder if any of the above recollections are accurate.

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Posted By: Dan Lundrigan

I wonder if any of the above recollections are accurate.



Are you referring to my last post?

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Posted By: Bill Stone

Dale Long played 2 games in 1958 as the starting catcher for the Cubs,first time since 1906. He also tied a home run record in 1959 when he hit back to back pinch hit home runs.
In 1987 Don Mattingly tied his 8 homerun record as did Ken Griffey Jr. in 1993.

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Posted By: identify7

Dan: Of course not.

I meant my own words only.

Your credibility is obvious to all.

Sorry for the confusion, but no intents offended.

Wait a minute. I was referring to Bill Stone's presentation regarding Dale Long. Your post, Dan, was introduced while I was typing, so I never read it.

I am a one finger typist (but I use my thumb for the space bar), so I really am slow.

So my veracity statements actually apply to Bill.

I will now read your post, but I can tell alrady that you are sensitive about it, so I will tread softly.

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Posted By: Jerry

I'll elaborate on the reason I KNOW that Hank Aaron has a monumental chip on his shoulder. I took my sons to a show where he was signing. Their grandad was a scout for the Braves in the 50s and knew Aaron quite well. They each wanted a ball personalized, so we waited until the ENTIRE LINE was finished, then went up for our turn. I politely introduced us, addressed him as Mr. Aaron, and he replied: "I've never heard of the guy". No problem. I then asked him if he would personalize the balls to my sons, standing beside me, and he pitched a fit! Threw up his hands and said: "I can't do that for you. If I do, I'll have to do it for everybody!". I then pointed out that there WASN'T anybody else in line and that it would mean alot to my sons, for whom it would be a connection to their grandfather. He refused, got up and left, with me standing there with my balls in my hands (so to speak).

Anyway, the promoter, witnessing all of this came over and asked me if he could help. He said Aaron was tired, but that he would be happy to take them in the back and try to get him to sign them. I said sure. He came back out and, unbeleiveably, said that Aaron agreed to sign ONE of the balls. I looked down at my sons, then back at the promoter and said: "which son would YOU pick?". I told him to forget it, but the promoter insisted on trying again. He came back out with both of them signed, but it didn't really mean much at all to my sons at that point. They were old enough to realize what it all meant.

There is NO excuse for that type of poor, boorish behavior. Aaron was more than willing to take my hard earned money, and it wouldn't have been much of an effort at all to accomodate our minor request (in fact, many ballplayers, as we all know, PREFER to personalize so that we're insured not to make any money off it).


I used to collect HOF inscribed balls. I asked Willie Mays, very politely, to put HOF and his year on the balls, one year at a time. I had paid for three EXPENSIVE autographs. He wouldn't look up, but snidely said that I'd have to pay alot of money to get him to do that and then ROLLED THE BALLS back to me, smudging one of them.


Bob Gibson was my childhood baseball hero, stemming from the time he returned from a broken leg to lead the Cardinals to a championship. On the way to the signing, I told both of my sons to think of a question to ask, since celebrities were people just like us, and they shouldn't be afraid to talk to them. My sons were about 6 and 8 at the time. When my six year old asked Gibson what was his favorite pitch, Gibson leaned forward with a NASTY sneer on his face and snarled: "I bet your father told you to ask me that question, didn't he?" My son shook his head yes, and Gibson continued, "Then you tell your father to ask me HIMSELF. But I STILL won't tell him unless he pays me alot of money and even THEN I probably won't tell him". My jaw dropped. On the way home, my 8 year old said: "Dad, Bob Gibson is a big JERK, can we write "JERK" on the ball?"


My sons have absolutely ZERO interest in going to shows now, because of far too many experiences like those above. THAT is what is sad.