I was originally slated to work the 38 all star game. I was looking forward to the prospect of working at "The Joe," until something else came up. My ol' gang from Cooperstown called to ask me to work the Hall of Fame Fantasy Camp games on Saturday. So I was calling balls and strikes while some guy named Niekro threw from the Doubleday mound. Other HoF'ers included Ozzie Smith and Robin Roberts. Other ex big leaguers included Dave Bergman ('84 Tigers), Jon Warden (68 Tigers), Vince Coleman and Enos Cabell. Current big leaguer Lance Niekro was also there (yes, Barry Bonds was a big distraction for the Giants-of course I asked!).
I know this is something that guys in the CDMSBL would love to do, three days of playing Doubleday and hanging out with big leaguers! This was their 3rd year. They had four teams, average age early 40s, ability on parr with the 38's, some guys obviously ball players, some guys wanting to see their card collection come to life. A number of guys play MSBL in Michigan. Next year they plan to expand to six teams. I was there for two games and came away with so many great stories. Anyway, you can check it out at baseballhalloffame.org. If you go the photo gallery you might recognize the fat ass of the guy calling balls and strikes!
