More From Eddie Robinson

Yesterday I got two really cool packages in the mail.  The first was my membership renewal package for the Pearl Jam Fan Club (AWESOME!) and the second was the book that I ordered from Eddie Robinson when I sent him the check for his TTM auto.

I'm currently reading Eight Men Out, but once that is done, I'll read this book.  I thumbed through some of the pictures yesterday and I am really eager to start this book.

I was happy to see that Mr. Robinson inscribed the book.  The inscription reads as follows: "For your love of the game.  I hope you like my story.  Best wishes, Eddie Robinson."

Really nice inscription from Mr. Robinson.  I hope I do enjoy his book and I hope I get a chance to tell him so.

Trip To Cooperstown - Babe Ruth Edition

I thought I'd spend the evening listening to Hurricane Irene leave town and writing a blog post.

One of the coolest things I realized when I was walking around the Hall of Fame was that I was seeing first hand some pieces of memorabilia that shaped the very foundation of the history of the game that I love so much. There's probably not another player who completely embodies that history than George Herman "Babe" Ruth.
You all know that I am NOT a Yankee fan. I don't pretend to even tolerate them. I downright loathe them. However, I respect them. No franchise in baseball carries as much history as the Yankees. One of the biggest reasons is Babe Ruth. He was IT. A true showman. Whether you believe all of the legends. Did he really call his shot in the 1932 World Series? I don't doubt it, but there are stories that try to bring the legend of Ruth back to Earth somewhat. I love Ruth because of the larger than life aura that still surrounds him, even today. He might not have been the single greatest player ever (some believe that Ty Cobb should have that honor), but he should be player #1A. Ruth saved baseball from the black eye that was the 1919 Black Sox scandal. Ruth's epic home runs captivated crowds and put butts in the seats. They didn't call old Yankee Stadium "The House That Ruth Built" for nothing. So, my point is (because I'm rambling) that whenever I saw a piece of Ruth's memorabilia in the Hall, my heart skipped a beat.

I had to make sure that I, like many other fans before me, touched the bust of Ruth when I saw his plaque. I couldn't even speak when I stood and admired his plaque. In my opinion, the entire thing should be gold or something. Maybe some flashing lights. It is amazing to see in person.

It was really cool to see this book. According to the display case, Ruth signed this book for his nurse the night he passed away. It was one of his final acts and it is very fitting, signing an autograph on his deathbed.

By far, the coolest piece of memorabilia that I was able to get close to was Ruth's jersey. Seeing that big #3 and those pinstripes can take the breath away from even the staunchest Yankee hater. It was almost surreal to walk along the row of artifacts and items and come upon this jersey. Truly an amazing experience that all baseball fans should feel at least once in their lives.

Got my Signed Jericho Book Today!

I posted yesterday that my friend Mike had gotten me a signed baseball during a book signing from none other than WWE Superstar Chris Jericho. Mike also was able to buy and have signed a copy of Jericho's new book: Undisputed - How to Become the World Champion in 1,372 easy steps. I had already read Jericho's first book: A Lion's Tale, Around the World in Spandex when it came out a couple years ago, so when I heard that he was writing another, I was really excited.
When Mike emailed me the pictures of how Jericho signed my book, I was even more excited. Whenever Jericho puts someone into any kind of submission hold, he screams ASK HIM to the referee, indicating that he wants the referee to ask if the other guy gives up. Simple enough. The way he does it, however, is just great wrestling, in my opinion. Jericho plays the role of smarmy bad guy so well, that he will yell ASK HIM ever if he has someone in a submission hold, and a match isn't taking place. It's just funny to me, what can I say. Love it, hate it or be indifferent, I don't care. I have been a fan of wrestling ever since my mom's cousin would pick me up on the weekends starting when I was 3 years old. She's drive me west on I-40, across the Yadkin River, to the trailer that she and my great-aunt shared and I would hang out with them, away from my brothers, you know, have the place to myself, without having to fight over toys, the TV, etc. My cousin and I would watch the old Mid Atlantic Championship (NWA) wrestling on Friday nights. I remember watching Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes, Ricky Steamboat, etc back then. I've been a fan ever since. I understand that a lot of people don't understand wrestling (you know it's fake, don't you?) but that's fine. I enjoy it. I've defended my love for professional wrestling my entire life, so I don't have to go down that road again. I do know that the love runs deep in my family, my great grandfather on my dad's side was a big fan as well. My aunt likes to tell stories of Opa sitting on the couch watching a wrestling show and not saying a word. He'd get so mad at the bad guys, he would clench his fist tight; everyone would think he was having a heart attack.

Anyway, I'm really glad that my buddy Mike understands and shares in my love for this. In anything, it is always nice to be able to share your hobbies with others. That is, of course, why I have this blog.

I will be posting more on wrestling in a little less than a month. Look for my second 'Blog on Location.' COMING SOON!

Virgil Trucks TTM Part 2 - The Book

So, after I got my awesome TTM back from Virgil Trucks (which you can read about here), I thought I should send him a thank you note and a check for $30 for a copy of his book.
The book arrived today, which was a really nice surprise in my mailbox when I got home. Inside the book were two autographed cards, like the one seen below. Since my wife is from Detroit, I'm giving her the other one.

Also, inside the book, Mr. Trucks left me a note thanking me again for ordering the book, wishing me well for the holidays and saying that it was his pleasure to sign the book for me, which he did. So, by my math (courtesy of UNC-Charlotte), that's 7 Virgil Trucks autographs. I'm just amazed at how awesome this guy has been. Words cannot describe what an asset Mr. Trucks is to baseball, and to America. I encourage everyone to send Mr. Trucks a note of appreciation for his contribution to the game. At 93 years old, he is definitely giving back to the game that he loves. Thank you Virgil Trucks for being such a gracious person!!! I hope you all enjoy!