Boys of Summer Book - Entry #106

You can see the complete film "Boys of Summer" for free by clicking here. 

Aug. 20, 2004 - Dad 

San Francisco, CA 

We are off on our last leg of our tour, the 850 mile return trip to the Bay Area. We allow two days so it's not too strenuous.

Our last ball game is in San Francisco at SBC Park. A beautiful park in a beautiful city. We had a small group which I think reflected the amount of energy we had left. But all of a sudden it was over. I was very tired and a bit disoriented and happy to have someone as young and energetic as Bob to complete the project.

Bob, I don't think I have ever thanked you for the experience of a life time. It was great to watch you grow and to just spend time with you. I thank you and I love you very much.

Aug. 20, 2004 - Bob

San Francisco, CA

SBC is beautiful. We parked in one of the lots across the footbridge and were able to tailgate with a good group of friends. It was weird being home in a way. Very matter of fact. Very much a feeling of, “well of course you made it” when so many times on the road it felt like anything BUT matter of fact. 

But here we are. Game #30.

We got interviewed by the local NBC affiliate’s, Vernon Glenn (“Mr. Involvement”). At one point after we’d reeled off answers we’d gotten quite used to answering, he said, “You guys really know what you’re doing.” After twenty-nine other parks and a good deal of media (and we were thankful for every last question!), yeah, we did have an idea of what we were doing. It was nice for me to see how comfortable dad had become in front of the camera. In Phoenix, at our first MLB game Dad was quite up tight. But now, he’s an “old” pro. 

It was great to share the game and the stadium with my Bella as she’d never been to a game at SBC. Dad and I had both been before, but not together. As we looked over the Bay, I was reminded of the beauty and the majesty of the place I am fortunate enough to call home, even though I haven’t lived here for quite some time. 

Park Number 30 (of 30), PacBell Park

San Francisco 7, New York Mets 3

 WP: N. Lowry (3-0)   LP: S. Trachsel (10-10) 

Oakland 9, Tampa Bay 5

Boys of Summer - Entry #50

Park Number Four (of 30) at Tropicana Field

Toronto 14, Tampa Bay 0 -- PEEEEEEEE EWWWWWW!

WP: M. Batista (7-5)   LP: M. Hendrickson (5-6)

Oakland WINS 7-3 over Anaheim!

LATER...

Dad and I did get up to go pee at about 3 AM. No ‘gators. Not much sleep afterward either, though.

July 2, 2006 - Bob

Oscar Scherer Campground, FL

I’ve said it before - countless times, though I don’t know how much (if at all) I’ve put it in writing. So in Ruthian, calling-my-shot terms, I’m doing so right now: Stephen King and I are connected, I believe. 

I’ve come a long way as an artist and in many ways I’ve been brought along or at least guided by his works. These Dark Tower works (I just completed the sixth, “Song of Susannah”) touch my soul deeply and meaningfully. So what will I do now? Have I, with having made my little video and having met him, served my term? Have I done my complete tour with Ka? My mind (pray not it be my ego alone) says not. 

Methinks there is more work to do. Me feels there is more life and love to share. Earn his trust and respect, treat his words with caution and respect -- for his life is held within them I know that -- I’ve felt that and...I am here.

I am working on a spec script for “The Long Walk”, a story he wrote back in the 70’s under the pen name, Richard Bachman. When I met him in June, he gave me the go-ahead to write a spec version for him. I look forward to getting it to him...and I dread it at the same time. What if he hates it? Oh well...you do your best, kid. 

I am hopeful, too, as we talked a fair bit of baseball at that time. I told him about this journey and he was intrigued. He gave me his contact number in Boston as he is making a particular effort to be at as many games as possible for an upcoming book project he is working on. My hope is the wheel of Ka turns our way and we can meet him for dinner when we’re there next week. 

July 2, 2004 - Dad

Miami, FL

We went to sleep last night to the sights and sounds of very loud thunder and flashes of lightening, followed by very heavy rain.

We are up this morning and on the road early on our way south to Miami where we have a tailgate scheduled.  The National Parkinson Foundation was kind enough to arrange for two rooms for us at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Miami.  This is very nice, especially after our adventure last night.  

At the hotel, we relax until about 4 p.m. when it is time to go to Pro Players Stadium (where the Marlins play). We arrive after stopping at Costco to pick up a cash card donation -- they’ve been great everywhere we’ve been. We have a head count of 29 at our tailgate party -- more than half of them were from NPF.  Pro Player is our first dual purpose facility.  It is also home to the NFL Miami Dolphins. 

Despite being the defending world champs, the Marlins don’t draw very well. Tonight the Marlins lost to Tampa Bay.  Bob and I are interviewed on live Fox Sports TV. We hear later that my nephew, Patrick Cochrane, who is watching TV in Seattle, happens to see the interview.  

July 2, 2004 (LATE PM) - Bob

Miami, FL

It was a great game. Miami is a wonderful place -- SOOOPER hot (and muggy like root beer). Pro Player is not a great baseball stadium -- that’s no secret. But it is a great place to watch a game. The small crowd was very passionate (one year after a championship, one would hope so) and there was a fun, family atmosphere. 

Everywhere one looks in Pro Player, there is football. Even looking at the field, I much more expect to see Dan Marino pitching than Carl Pavano. The Marlins mascot (a Marlin, fittingly enough) seems to have a great time buzzing around the warning track on a yacht on wheels with the cheerleaders (oh yes, they have cheerleaders) tossing t-shirts into the crowd. Good work if you can get it. 

We had a pre game party that was small but fun. Whole Foods was excellent -- chips, water, soda, buns, dogs and condiments -- many, many thanks to them for their donations. My only sadness there was that they (the Whole Foods group) didn’t show up to the game -- it would have been nice to meet them and thank them in person. 

We have a long drive tomorrow and I’m tired already. 

Park Number Five (of 30) at Pro Player Stadium

Tampa Bay 4, Florida 2

 WP: J. Colome (2-1)   LP: C. Pavano (9-3)

Oakland loses 7-3 to the Giants

WP: K Rueter     LP: M Redman 

Tailgate in Miami

July 3, 2004, 11:46 am »

We really enjoyed meeting all of you, yesterday. We couldn't think of a better way to celebrate Nicholas' 2nd birthday. Hannah hopes that Dan enjoys his special rock . We will keep checking in to see how the rest of your trip is going. Take care and be safe.

Heather Tavio and family

P.S. We DID love the music too.

Boys of Summer - Entry #49

July 1, 2004

Interviewing Dad

Bob:

What did you hear in the woods?

Dad:

Well, we’re too far south for a Sasquatch. It sounded like it was big and furry and coming at me. But then it didn’t come at me so...I figured it was small and slimy and more like a frog. Probably without teeth. 

Thunder booms above.

Bob:

How do you feel about that thunder?

Dad:

Thunder’s no big deal. It’s always a ways away. The worst I’m going to do is get wet from the following storm.

Bob:

Not worried about the lightning?

Dad:

No. Not worried about the lightning.

Just then, something rattles in the bushes. We look around, but don’t find anything. We agree that’s a good thing. I continue to ask dad questions about Tropicana Field and Enrique when he suddenly stops.

Dad:

There’s another noise back there. (Laughs) Enrique was a really inspirational guy. He’s very enthusiastic and he’s certainly made a wonderful life for himself even though he’s been blind all his life. He sees what a lot of people don’t see who can see. He very much enjoys life and isn’t at all put upon by his condition. It’s a good lesson for me.

Bob:

How are you feeling about your bug bites?

Dad: 

I wish I didn’t have them. They’re pretty aggressive. I was saying earlier I think they’re holding they’re nose and going in for a meal. 

Bob:

How much “Off” do you have on?

Dad:

A double dose and I’ve still been bitten by a couple.

Bob:

How was it being back to baseball today?

Dad:

It’s really good to be back to baseball. I enjoyed the time off, but it’s good to be back to baseball. Today it seemed like it was kind of a blessing that we weren’t distracted by a pre-party, we were just able to enjoy the game. The only distraction and it wasn’t much of one was the television crew who were following us around for a third or half the game. They were very gracious and thorough. It was a bit of a distraction, but a worthwhile one. 

BOB’S TAKE on Tropicana’s All-Access Press passes

Getting to walk through the tunnel, is pretty special. When you walk through the area where the players are right before they take the field, it’s this dark, concrete, enclosed place -- almost tomblike (thunder booms overhead)...and that’s some serious thunder...and as you’re walking through this tomb, you hear the echoes and footsteps. Then you go a little further, you’re looking down at the steps and as you step up, all of a sudden, the field opens up before you. And in my mind, I hear the big dramatic theme music, like from “The Natural” when Robert Redford knocks the stadium lights out. It’s pretty special. 

July 1, 2005 (LATE PM) - Bob

Oscar Scherer Campground, FL

The thunder rocks tonight in this campground. Wow, what a show! There’s lightning popping everywhere. It illuminates the sky. It was a great time doing a video standup for the documentary with all these conditions going wild. It’s important to capture the moments in the moment and we will reflect on them in due time -- for now we are real and true to what is present and that is good.

I’m thirsty but I don’t want to drink too much water ‘cause I don’t want to go out in this crazy weather. Don’t want to visit any of the creatures around us either -- red eyes or not. Just say no to ‘gators.

Once again my faith is being tested here: “We will be safe inside of this tent. The tent is weather (and lightning and ‘gator) resistant. It is all but nature and we are but part of it.

I breathe and it is good. 100 percent.

Boys of Summer Book - Entry #48

June 30, 2004 - Dad

Newport Richey, FL

We are up and on the road by 9:30 a.m.  One last look at New Orleans and breakfast at Café du Monde – chicory coffee, fresh squeezed orange juice and fresh beignets.  After a long days drive, that takes us from Louisiana through Mississippi and Alabama, we end up in Newport Richey, Florida where we find an inexpensive motel that has air conditioning – all we really care about.

Oakland 4, Anaheim 2

WP: C. Bradford (4-4)   LP: S. Shields (5-2) 

July 1, 2004 (EARLY AM) - Bob

Newport Richey, FL

We’re back on baseball track -- heading to see the D-Rays today. We’ll be at Ferg’s (an awesome sports bar/grill right outside Tropicana Stadium that has given us free drink/eats) early and will do an interview with a local TV station there. From there, we’re on to the ball game. It’ll be nice to go in and enjoy the game -- not worried about the fundraising elements, not worried about the crowd, not worried about anything, really -- just enjoying the game. Nice.

Yesterday was a long day of driving, but quite enjoyable. I feel like the coordination efforts with this trip are really coming together. I know pretty well where everything is and how it works -- we get the tickets, we see where the PD community is, we hit the media up, THEN we check on food, and the group tickets (those are the easy elements). 

By the by, big ups to Qdoba Burritos in Tallahassee for the donation of our dinner burritos. 

Current mood: tired. We’re in an Econo Lodge just about a 1/2 hour outside of St. Pete’s. That lets us sleep easy tomorrow knowing we’re so close to where we need to be. Nice. I’ll probably get up at about 8:45. That’ll work. I’ll try the internet situation -- maybe take a run at the beach. We’ll see. 

July 1, 2004 - DAD

Oscar Scherer Campground, FL

Up at 8:30 and on the road by 10:15. It looks like we are going to be late for our pre game TV Interview.  Bob calls ahead and they say, "No problem."  

We arrive at Ferg’s at ll:40 for our 11:00 interview.  We are greeted by Mark Ferguson, proprietor.  Mark is enthusiastic about our project.  He gives us orange wristbands, which allows us unlimited food and drink at his restaurant.  We order lunch and realize that our TV Interview is ready.  The local CBS affiliate team is very interested in our story and does a complete interview.  

At the game, we are given media passes which allows us to go everywhere except the locker room. Bob is able to get three good interviews, including one with local announcer Enrique Oliu, who is the color commentator for the Spanish radio station. Enrique is blind -- seriously!

Bob:

What makes you unique as an announcer?

Enrique:

I don’t know, they same I’m blind. But I don’t know if that’s unique or out of the ordinary. 

Bob:

What attracts you to baseball?

Enrique:

Sports in general. The fact that my father was a big sports guy. and radio was still king in Nicaragua where I grew up. I’ve always loved sports because it’s not a subjective matter. The numbers are what they are. And it’s the mark of excellence. That’s why I’m drawn to sports. The records...the mark of excellence.

Bob:

Have you been blind you’re entire life?

Enrique:

Yes.

Bob:

When your dad was a player, did you listen to the games on the radio?

Enrique:

No, no. He just played on the sandlots or high schools. I went to his games when he was in the 30 and over or 40 and over leagues -- something like that. 

Bob:

Baseball’s a big deal in Central America?

Enrique:

Yes -- in some areas it’s soccer, in other areas it’s baseball. Wherever there has been an American presence for any length of time, baseball is there.

Bob:

So how did you start calling games?

Enrique:

I just started doing it. I began with three innings of color commentary for Ripley’s. Then I did 15 games for the senior professional baseball league. And I don’t know, I had talk shows and I did sports correspondence or the updates during the day and different things at different stations around the town. It just so happened that my friend was an ex Major Leaguer and he was nice enough to talk to the Devil Rays and give me a chance and that’s how it happened. 

Bob:

What does baseball mean to you?

Enrique:

It’s a vehicle. To meet people. To watch something that I love and get paid a couple bucks for it. 

Bob:

Do you see where baseball could be a metaphor for life?

Enrique:

Any sport. That’s why the broadcasters always use metaphors. The Excellence, the attrition, the people that get cut and those that  go on. In essence that’s life. Not everyone’s going to get everywhere in life. Some of them are going to be digging ditches, some are going to be doctors, some are going to be low on the totem pole, some are going to be high on the totem pole. That’s just the way life is. 

Bob:

Do you think you’ve taken this opportunity, with your being blind, to the next level?

Enrique:

I think so. I mean it’s a chance for me to have done some motivational speaking. And people have been receptive to it. And you go to somebody’s house and: “Oh, I’ve read you, I’ve seen you on television, I’ve read you in the Reader’s Digest in Spanish. You know, the bigger thing is somebody reads it and says, “well, he’s not such a big thing”. Which I’m not. And I can go on from there. 

Bob:

What’s the nicest thing somebody’s said to you about  your work?

Enrique:

That I know what I’m talking about, coaches and players. 

Bob:

So it’s meaningful to you that you do a really good job?

Enrique:

Well that would be in anything. Whether I work as a public defender or I work here. As a public defender, I’m not a lawyer, but I know just about as much as any lawyer. 

Bob:

So your official job beyond this is as a public defender?

Enrique:

I work for the public defender. As kind of an intake specialist -- a liaison for the people who are in jail. They have a toll-free line.

Bob: 

So do you see yourself calling sports for a long time?

Enrique:

Yes. Why not? If Vin (Scully) can do it for 55 years with the Dodgers and Ernie Harwell can do the Tigers for 42 years, hey. I would love it. Have you guys met Muhammad Ali?

Dan:

No. We have the support of his research center, but we haven’t met him yet.

Enrique:

But you haven’t met him? I thought you might get a chance to meet him. I’ll tell  you what, to me he’s an inspiration. When he lit up the torch and took it up as far as he could in Atlanta. That was impressive. 

Bob:

He is what many people consider the greatest.

Enrique:

Yes he is. And in many more ways than one. Whether you agree or disagree with him, at least he had a stand. Which most people -- they talk a good game, but they don’t really stand for it. 

Dan:

Bob also interviewed the young lady who sang "O Canada" and the National Anthem and Greg Zahn, the catcher from Toronto. It turns out that Greg’s mother was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He is interested in our project and tells Bob to contact the team’s P.R. rep about our visit to Toronto.  

After the game we returned to Fergies to say thanks to Mark. He insists that we have a beer before leaving. We drive to Oscar Scherer State Park, just south of Sarasota, check in with the park ranger and take off for the beach with about an hour before sunset. The beach is beautiful white sand, water is at least 85 degrees. We swim and goof around until the sun sets. By the time we get back to our campsite, it is quite dark and there is thunder and lightning. 

We are setting up camp and I am surprised by a noise from the surrounding darkness. It sounds like a large animal moving through the bushes.