22: Anyone who knows me well, knows my baseball favorite player: Bill Buckner. I was a left fielder in baseball and in the 70’s Buckner roamed left field like no other. He also had a hot bat and he was a great player. It’s a shame that he is known for the error in the World Series, but it doesn’t take away from his stellar career.
So two years ago I am getting ready for TVCC Chukar baseball game on the radio, and I notice a man wearing sunglasses sitting directly below me. The more I looked at him, the more I think it’s Billy Bucks himself. But then I think it couldn’t be. I finally approach him and what came out of the mouth wasn’t what I had planned. “Has anyone ever told you that you look like Bill Buckner”, I asked. He just said back at me, “I am Bill Buckner.” His autograph now hangs on my den wall.
I went on to tell him he was my favorite player and I asked him why he switched from 22 to 6 when he went to the Cubbies. He told me he just wanted to start over with a new number when he left LA. Very nice man, and it was a thrill to finally meet and talk with my favorite baseball player. OK, is “It’s a Small World” playing in your head right now?
Another notable 22 in my life would be one of my favorite students and players who played baseball for me at New Plymouth High : Derek Kovick. We both share the love of the number 22, baseball, and hunting. And Derek’s positive attitude had never changed, even through his two liver transplants. Love ya, Buddy!
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