Well, two baseball games in one day and Mac and Cheese for dinner. What could be better?!?!? The A's were back in town for the first time this weekend since the 1940's. It, and the "fuss" made over the Philadelphia A's return, reminded me of a gentleman I knew for two or three years in Greensboro. One who had the pleasure of playing for "Mr. Mack" (as he was referred) and who reminded me so much of my grandfather. His name? How about a hint?

"After 12 years in the minor leagues, I don't try out. Besides, uh, I don't believe in quantum physics when it comes to matters of the heart."

Mr. Lawrence Columbus "Crash" Davis.

Neil just about knocked me off my chair one evening sitting around his apartment my second year in Greensboro. He had just asked me what my favorite movie was. "Bull Durham" (not like you all didn't know that)

"I can introduce you to Crash Davis."
"Haha. Very funny."
"No, I'm not kidding. Crash Davis, the one the movie was based on, lives in Greensboro and comes to all our games."

I couldn't speak. I was so excited. Later that year, during baseball season, I met Crash at our brand new UNCG Baseball Stadium. He was tall, lean, carried himself much like my grandpop does, even wore his hat the same way - flat brim, just barely resting on top of his head. As I would find out, pretty much everyone in Greensboro knew Crash. I guess it was later that baseball season I began working weekends at a local gym. Who emerged every Friday night from the locker room with a big smile on his face? Mr. Davis himself. It seemed the last couple of years he was in many of the same places I was. We talked a little about baseball...about the Spartans, see ya at the game...that kind of thing. Always a smile, and a mischevious little wink and off he went.

The following year, I worked at the Spartan Club. Scott and I decided to attend (and then take over) our Head Baseball coaches coffees he set up for all the older gentlemen in Greensboro who were involved or interested in baseball. They used to show up, chit-chat amongst themselves, and with anyone there. Coach Gaski would show up, talk about our UNCG team and occasionally give the guys hats or shirts. These mornings, maybe a quick side hug (the kind grandpop and I share sometimes), then off to coffee. As that season drew near, Crash was ailing. Neil used to fill me in on the latest updates he received from Coach Gaski. The season wasn't quite the same. Crash would show up when he could. When I didn't see him, I'd worry. But somehow, he would always show up again, even if just for the opening pitch. He threw out the first pitch at our minor league stadium in April of 2001.

Neil called me to tell me Crash had passed away. I believe it was September 1st, when he called. I went with Scott to the memorial service being held at the Presbyterian Church downtown. (Neil accompanied Gaski) Such a beautiful place. It was a sunny day and the church was full of people who had stories mimicing the light-hearted, friendly Crash I knew. It was hard to be sad, knowing the life Crash had lived, the people he had touched, and the happiness it seemed he had in all his years.

The first meeting of the Coffee Club after that was the first one Scott and I hosted. When the gentlemen showed up, we took the first 20 minutes or so relaying stories they all had about Crash. Everyone left and Scott, Gaski and I sat around until 10am in that stadium, on that gorgeous sunny day talking about Crash and baseball...Spartan baseball specifically. It's a day I'll never forget. September 11, 2001. Somehow, I'm glad Crash missed it.

How funny it is. I set out to meet someone I "loved" and wound up meeting someone I loved. Crash loved people. He touched everyone he met. Would tell them the story about how he IS Crash Davis. But nothing like Kevin Costner's Crash Davis, because HE was better looking! :) Then he'd smile, and somehow, he'd go from a "famous figure" to grandpop. And not only mine, he seemed like every grandpop kids think of - the ones who'd tell you a story, slip you some candy, tell you not to tell your parents and wink? - it was Crash.

So, we bought my grandpop an A's history book. Had it signed by the A's guy that was there (Spooky Jacobs) and away we went. Sometime, during the 3 or 4th inning of the second game, I happened across a handsome young man with a gorgeous smile and the sweetest dimples. There, on the left hand page, in the 1940's section of the book, sat Crash. Finally, grandpop and Crash will meet.

I think of him often, and his family and everyone who loved him - meeting him as I did, because of the movie, or in their daily lives. And while I wish I knew him better, got a chance to hear his stories of days gone by, I wonder if it's just him, or my grandfather, as well. The thought of him being gone always tears just a little at my heart. So, Crash, one day we will sit down - my grandfather and me - and record the stories for posterity. And make our own movie to reach out to people.