If you don't know what that title refers to above, then you should be ashamed yourself. No, really, you should. Everyone should know that refers to the greatest third baseman of all time, Brooks Robinson.
I had the great opportunity tonight to pay homage to two of my heroes...Brooks Robinson and my Dad. I went to the O's game tonight with my Dad and m wife and had just an awesome time. Not only is this weekend full of Fan Appreciation events at the park, but today was the unveiling of the Brooks statue in center field. The ceremony that went along with the unveiling was truly touching, and I think I even may have noticed a tear from my father's eye. Brooks is perhaps the most humble man of stature I've ever met. I first met him when I was very young. My maternal grandfather was a plumber, and the company he worked for had part of the job of renovating the locker rooms at the old Memorial Stadium. This was in the early 80's, I think 1981 or '82. I remember my grandfather taking my brother and me to work with him. We would watch him work from afar, and then eat lunch with him. He was able to take us a few times, and it was awesome. Although Brooks was retired by then, he still came to the park from time to time. I don't know if he worked for the organization in some capacity or not. But I was able to meet him and he actually shook my hand. I didn't have anything for him to sign, and that was okay because the memory lasts forever. We ended up meeting a few other O's as well, Jim Palmer, and I think Lee May was the other. Fast forward a few years to when my Mom used to take my brother and me to the Dental School downtown for our check-ups. Who ends up coming off of the elevator? Well it was Brooks Robinson and Jim Palmer. This time I was able to get both of their autographs on a scrap of paper from my Mom's purse. I've gotten Brooks a few other times since that day. I can truly say I have just not met a nicer human being that was famous. Each time he has been gracious and kind. This is something you don't always see out of professional athletes, and that is truly a shame. Brooks had a great career, one that really can't be surpassed. Beyond that though, he is a great person, and has always been someone a kid can look up to. You've never heard anything about him getting into trouble with the law, or being unkind or rude to fans (or anyone else for that matter). Something else you don't hear a lot about these days. I truly think a lot of those times have come and gone. I could go on and on about Brooks. More importantly, I feel the same about my Dad, but even more. And besides my wife, I couldn't think of a better person to take to this game. Brooks was my Dad's favorite player, especially of the ones that he witnessed play the game of baseball. It was truly a great evening, and I had a wonderful time. I will cherish this night spent with my Dad for the rest of my life...
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I had a great time last night with my Dad at An die Musik Live in Baltimore. We saw the Fred Hersch Trio and they were great! I mean, you can't beat going to hear live jazz, by a premier pianist and his trio for only $20. It was a great night, with great company (with my Dad). If you ever have the opportunity to hear live music, especially jazz, please do so. Luckily jazz has a capability of staying around, and evolving at the same time. Unfortunately it is more popular in Europe and Asia, than it is here, where it began. It's a true American art form and I worry that it may not be around when my kids are my age. Please go and support it where ever and whenever you can!
I have to admit that things are off to a good start thus far this year. Having another teacher with me is working out extremely well. It alleviates my schedule a bit to a point where I can plan a lot more activities and have some extra time to work with students one on one. I'll even be teaching some social studies in 4th grade when they start their studies of Native Americans. I'll be able to share a lot of what I learned and was able to see over the summer in New Mexico. I have plenty of pictures, information, and primary sources to share. It should be great fun!
I also wanted to let you in on a new television series that I've been watching recently. By accident one day, I found a show called The Artist Toolbox. I have to admit that I stumbled across it while trying to find some cartoons to DVR for my children on PBS. It seems to only show up on the WETAhd channel. If you have Comcast, I believe this can be found in the 260's. If you have Verizon, DirectTV, or another system, you'll have to search around, and check availability. However, I have to say the show has been a breath of fresh air. Each episode features an artist of some sort; could be musician, visual artist, designer, dancer, etc. They span far and wide thus far. The episodes are only 30 minutes each, and normally give a little background about the featured artist. Then the rest of the episode is a Q & A between the artist and interviewer John Jacobsen. They have all been very interesting, entertaining, and informative. I recommend catching some if you can. I guess you can even check On Demand as well. I truly look forward to watching them each time they get recorded (I have the DVR set up to record each episode). |
B.D.SchmittHusband, Father, Archives
November 2015
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