I am getting older and my heroes are passing away. The passing of Willie has hit me hard, just about as much as when my all-time baseball hero Harmon Killebrew passed away in 2011. Willie and Harmon are two of the greatest ever to play the game. The best thing about the two of them they were such true gentleman, role models. I was blessed to meet Harmon at least half a dozen times and interview him on the radio. Sharon and I have become friends with Harmon’s wife Nita. We talk on the phone to this day!
The catch in centerfield that Willie made with his back to the field is forever etched in my mind. Interviewing Harmon on the Sports Animal radio station in Albuquerque for almost two hours with him sitting right next to me, still leaves me in awe. Willie and Harmon where very gifted athletes, more importantly they were such good men.
A huge piece of baseball has left America for heaven. Willie will be sorely missed, my heart aches today. We need men like Willie and Harmon badly in our country. Baseball is changing very fast for this old man, and not for the good. They are changing a great game into what? A video game? I am blessed to have grown up in a era where they did not mess with the game that much. Did you know that Willie played in Minnesota at one time? Story Here
Home Run Derby, Episode 20, Harmon Killebrew vs. Willie Mays
