Major League Guy......
We've been attending numerous charity events of late, last night's soiree benefited the West Texas Kidney Foundation. The speaker was Major League great ballplayer, Jay Johnstone, a funny guy with impressive baseball credentials. Like four World Series rings, being named the American League Rookie of the Year during his inaugural season and a record setting pinch hitter. He has written three books about his experiences including the best seller, "Temporary Insanity". He is still involved with baseball, broadcasting for Fox Sports and in a management capacity with the World Champion Anaheim Angels.
Baseball stats not withstanding, however, I was as much impressed with the charity work that he does including the Boy Scouts, the Special Olympics and being named the Big Brother of the Year, not once but twice, in two seperate cities, Philadelphia and Los Angeles. He also has a company, SporThings that provides sports collectibles to charity events. You should have seen the ones last night. Too varied to mention, but how does an autographed picture of Roger Stabauch, Sammy Baugh and Troy Aikman sound......all in one photo.
But most impressive to me, and the subject of a nice conversation with Jay, is the fact that he is a former U.S. Marine, and Vietnam Vet. An accomplishment that in my book is as good as any World Series ring!
We've been attending numerous charity events of late, last night's soiree benefited the West Texas Kidney Foundation. The speaker was Major League great ballplayer, Jay Johnstone, a funny guy with impressive baseball credentials. Like four World Series rings, being named the American League Rookie of the Year during his inaugural season and a record setting pinch hitter. He has written three books about his experiences including the best seller, "Temporary Insanity". He is still involved with baseball, broadcasting for Fox Sports and in a management capacity with the World Champion Anaheim Angels.
Baseball stats not withstanding, however, I was as much impressed with the charity work that he does including the Boy Scouts, the Special Olympics and being named the Big Brother of the Year, not once but twice, in two seperate cities, Philadelphia and Los Angeles. He also has a company, SporThings that provides sports collectibles to charity events. You should have seen the ones last night. Too varied to mention, but how does an autographed picture of Roger Stabauch, Sammy Baugh and Troy Aikman sound......all in one photo.
But most impressive to me, and the subject of a nice conversation with Jay, is the fact that he is a former U.S. Marine, and Vietnam Vet. An accomplishment that in my book is as good as any World Series ring!
