I had been going to games since 1969 without ever coming close to one. Then in 1999 I took my 8 year old son to Arizona for Spring Training. The first day we were at Tempe Diablo watching the Angels when Tim Salmon came to bat. My son loved Salmon and he asked me to catch a foul ball for him. I laughed and told him that it was not that easy. Apparently I was wrong. On the next pitch Salmon hit a high foul ball. I was both shocked and terrified when I realized that it was coming my way. I prayed I wouldn't drop it and shame myself in front of my son. It hit my hand with a sickening thud and bounced. I lunged at it in desperation before it could hit the ground. I stumbled down two stairs and fell to my knees but thankfully managed to save it. My son seemingly unimpressed by my athleticism calmly took the ball from me. He informed me that he needed to get it signed by Salmon. We waited after the game for 30 minutes with no luck. Just as I was explaining to my son that we beat the odds to even catch a ball and that he shouldn't be too disappointed Tim Salmon emerged from the tunnel. My son acting as if this happened everyday handed Salmon the ball and asked him to please sign it for him. Salmon obliged him. Then much to my embarrassment he asked Salmon if he saw my amazing catch. Salmon smiled and said that in fact he had and was very impressed. He asked me where I played organized ball and feigned shock when I told him I hadn't. He then shook our hands jogged away. My son was elated. He spent that evening at the hotel pool bragging about me to anyone who would listen. My boy is now 21 and still tells the story of my heroic diving catch. Over the years "the catch" has taken on Paul Bunyonesque proportions. It was a moment neither of us will ever forget. I will be forever grateful to Mr. Salmon for the kindness he showed to us. If there was a hall of fame for gentleman he gained my vote that day. We have never even come close to another ball since then. I hope that we never do as it could only serve to diminish our magical day at Tempe Diablo.
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06-12-2011, 02:40 AM
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