Robs Networking News and Notes

Robs Networkers and Welcome2URTeam

2005-08-23

Gram, Don't wash that hat!

Good evening friends, glad you are taking the time to read this.

I'm in my usual Tuesday Blogging mode and want to share a

memory from yesteryear with you; if you don't mind.

Right now it's the dog days of August, and NFL training camps

are in full swing. The Pittsburgh Steelers hold their training camps

at a small nearby college called St. Vincents. Back in the glory

days of the 1970's, we had a coach named Chuck Noll who was

instrumental in turning the Steelers from a laughing stock to a

contender. (Not to mention 4 Super Bowls!) Well, my Dad happened

to work at a Golf Course in the area and Mr. Noll visited this course

one day. The course is Oakmont, home of a few U.S. Open

Tourney's. You may have heard of it.....     ;)   ( If you are a golf

fan of course. )  Anyway, you've heard the expression taking your

shirt of your back for someone; well, Mr. Noll took his hat off in this

case. My Dad proudly presented me with an Autographed Chuck

Noll hat and I wore it very proudly and was the envy of many a child...

(and adult!) One day, my grandma says to me...."Robert, look how

nice that hat looks........I washed it for you!!!!!!!!!!"   Oh,

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!

Well, the marker must have not been unwashable, for the dear

Emperor's (a CN nickname) "John Hancock" was gone. Well, it

makes for a great story to this day, and god love, and god watch

over, dear Grandma. Hey, it was only a hat.    :)

Rob 

2005-08-09

MAZ

Dog days of August is what we call them. Where in ML Baseball

teams are fighting for positioning and to make the post season.

The 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates were no exception, but were able

to survive the heat in August to live in September. Then came

the glory in October. The Pirates has a fine second baseman named

Bill Mazeroski. Bill was known for his golden glove versus his bat

which was average. Going up against the mighty Yankees, the

Bucs were a huge underdog. The New York Yankees of that era

featured Mantle, Maris, Berra, ect. The Pirates has a young

Clemente and, yes, MAZ. The series was a slaughter, the combined

score of the 7 games was like 90 - 28. Winning a few close games

helped, which forced a 7th game. Amazingly enough, the score was

tied 9 - 9 in the bottom of the 9th. MAZ was the lead off hitter, and

though not known for his power, promptly deposited one over the

head of Berra in left center field. The BUCS were CHAMPS! The

fans spilled onto the field, and Bill had a hard time crossing home

plate. The wall the ball flew over still stands, as part of the University

of Pittsburgh. Forbes field is gone, but the memories remain. I

touched that wall the other day, maybe I'm due up in the 9th as

well. Keeping fingers crossed.

Rob

2005-08-02

Thanks Coach!

The dog days of August are here, and for Little League Baseball;

things are wrapping up. My son Jake has his awards picnic at

the end of the month....brings back some memories.

(Cue Field of dreams music.......fade away...............)

The year is 1977 and it is the spring time. As a 9 year, this was

my first exposure to organized baseball....though I had alot

of unorganized experience (more on that in a future Blog).

I guess I had no way to guage my skills (or lack of) until I

went for the tryout. Balls flew left, Balls flew right...........not many in

that old glove that wasn't even broken in correctly. As for the

hitting, I don't think that was too stellar either.........and I figured

it would be wait till next year to play. Well, the draft commensed

and I was to be notified what team I was on, if any. Hey, I was

just glad to get down to the field; for my mom wouldn't sign the

permission form for fear of me getting hurt....so Grandpap snuck

me down to the park. Not sure who ultimately signed that form ---

small details I guess. So, back to the phone call; or lack thereof.

I had my mom (who was going along, but protesting) call the head

of the league. Did he make it? The answer was......."Honey, everyone

gets picked!" So much for competition, but I'll take it. I made the

Braves, the coach said he liked my spunk. Not sure what that meant,

but I took that as well. Coach was the manifestation of everything

that Little League is supposed to be. He never yelled, was always

kind, and above all always found the right thing to say. Glass half

full ya know........like, "You did good fouling those balls off so

many times; good swing; forget that you struck out". Or, "Hit

it like you do when your Grandpap is pitching, like I saw when I

was going past your house the other day." Or, "Just like batting

practice, you remember, when the ball bounced twice before hitting

the fence." It wasn't about winning or losing, it was about self

esteem, and giving it your all. Win or Lose did you do your best?

Are you going to quit or keep working at it? Keep that positive

attitude! Words to live by in any realm. Well, in my fourth year

I made the All-Star Team. I never made the big leagues but

became a solid player. Thanks coach, couldn't have done it with

out you. Much of what you taught me has carried thru to this day.

Even more gratifying was watching my son's coach this year, who

really followed the same guidelines.....almost carbon copy of 28 years

ago. Be sure you thank your kids coach today.....real hero's

personified.

Rob

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