I recently paid a trip to Comerica Park to watch the Tigers take on the visiting Texas Rangers. But, even before Jeremy Bonderman could issue his first walk, I briefly met my current FANTASY BASEBALL hero.
Since I wanted to snap some photographs for WaiverSharks.com, I went early so I could watch batting practice - and hopefully land some candid pics of both the Tigers and the visiting Texas Rangers.
Luckily, the “Orange Henchmen” who use to patrol good ol’ Tiger Stadium to ensure you didn’t leave your seating area are a thing of the past. Sorry for my frankness - but many of those old bastards had the personalities of Ty Cobb with a toothache. (Kudos to Comerica Park ’s attendants for the friendly way they interact with fans.)
While batting practice is in session you can literally roam just about anywhere’s throughout this beautiful park – so roam I did.
Much to my surprise - as I walked through the empty pre-game aisles down the first baseline headed towards the batting cage, I noticed a visiting player leaning on the rain delay tarp signing various items for a pack of hungry autograph seeking children.
I thought perhaps it was just some Texas Rangers newcomer trying to make a sweet impression on the home team’s young and appreciative fans.
As I approached, with intense curiosity I gained a closer look at who the sunglass wearing mystery man was.
Then - the giveaway - I noticed the very distinguishable flame tattoos.
No way.
Yes indeed.
Turns out it was actually the current Major League Leader in RBI’s – Josh Hamilton~!
I quickly snapped some close-up pictures, and then, rather nervously (If you’ve ever met an athlete or Hollywood star before – you know that feeling) handed him my game ticket to sign. I wanted to shake his hand and say a few words - but unfortunately he was being hounded pretty vigorously by several other fans who may or may not have known who “Wonderboy” actually was.
But I did.
And although the experience was short-lived – it still managed to remind me of the days when I was a kid growing up - idolizing my favorite major league ball players.
(Smiling to myself)
Now - even at a somewhat more pessimistic thirty-something age – it felt pretty “neato” to get that panicky/anxious awe that only one’s idols seem to conjure up in us. Thanks for making me feel a bit like a kid again Mr. Hamilton!
Now if I can just find me some Lik-m-aid or Big League Chew!
