As Good As Preaching!

With a full moon imminent, it seems some of the craziest coincidences happen wherever I go. I begin by wishing my dear sister a happy birthday. I mistakenly kept saying 37 when in actuality she is 38. That kept her in stitches all day. Seems each year her day falls on a Ranger home game in Arlington. Each year I set her up with some tickets and I try to be as accommodating as I can. This year I would receive an added assist...

Having run to the store to by a birthday card, I get a call from Barbara informing me that she was already in her seat. I was just about to reach her seat when my ticket guy Chad passes me by. I say a quick hello. Next thing I know I am given a pair of tickets to sit closer to the game. What would have been right field foul line seats became RIGHT NEXT TO THE ANGELS DUGOUT! There's some irony here...

Prior to moving to Seattle in 1993, I had spent 12 very memorable years in the OC. During the period of 1982-1987 I probably hit Anaheim Stadium a good 90-100 times to watch the Angels and the Rams. I had many fond memories there. I also had many a drunk time there too. The last time Barb and I watched Anaheim play was a game against the Yankees 8/26/87. Remember that number-87...

I didn't bring my camera. Every time I fail to bring the clicker some great thing is about to go down. Sure enough, I had the Angels team ten yards away from me! Back in my day it was men like Grich, DeCinces, Jackson, Witt, Mauch, Pettis, Wilfong, Howell, Lazorko. Today it's Cabrera, Vlad, Gary Jr, Casey K, and on and on.

In the second inning I notice a man sitting next to me. I did a double take. Back on Labor Day fatigue denied me a chance to get a picture with a self made billionaire-Mark Cuban. Another opportunity was about to present itself, and I was not going to be denied! I recognized this man. Very successful and very good at buying talent. I expect A-Rod to go there in 2008. Before I proceeded with camera-phone, I inquired with an assistant. I was given the okay. In case you wonder what I say when I approach someone famous, this is my approach.

'Good day sir. I recognize you, and will respect your anonymity. Rather than bother you with an autograph, permission to have a picture taken with you?' I have yet to be told no. I am friendly and to the point.

Barbara was in shock, calling me a celebrity whore. I really wish I had a camera back in the 80's. I would have gotten thousands of pics from everyone on the Rams Angels all baseball and football opponents, even George Thorogood and Hypnotist Marshall Silver! In this case, I was shaking the hand and getting a picture with Angels owner Artie Moreno! What a thrill! And what a nice nice man. He actually asked me to wait until the top of the 5th inning while he conversed with Ranger prez Jeff Cogen. Sis took the pic and now you see the profile shot.

It was 4 years ago today I got my current camera. I am going to need to get a newer camera, one that isn't as heavy, so I can cart that sumbitch everywhere...

Michael Young had two more hits, including a three run bomb. Now at 197 for the season, and 10 ribbies short of 100. What a year and what a career for Mr Young. Rangers won on Barbie's birthday 8-7. That's right the same two numbers that figured into the last time Sis saw an Angel game. 1987.

Special thanks to Chad Wynn for the seat upgrade. Special thanks to Artie Moreno and staff for their friendliness and courtesy. Barbara said it best when she said, 'Big Brother, don't need church. Every time a game starts, you're as good as preaching!' Like I said, Sis was born with the looks and the brains:)

Over and out in Big D

Mr Will