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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B.D.SchmittHusband, Father, Archives
November 2015
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