| But you can never leave - more to follow ...It is still shocking to all of us to have heard of the tragic Kobe Bryant helicopter crash 5 years ago as another athlete in his prime crosses to the other side . .Over the past few years we have lost many notable sports figures we grew up with or read about. Legendary broadcaster Greg Gumble, baseball leadoff star Ricky Henderson, basketball star Dick Van Arsdale and Coach Lou Carneseca also passed on recently. Other notables include Dave Parker who just passed today and also slugger Rocky Colavito. We said good bye to ace Fernando Valenzuela & lost Latin stars Rico Carty, Orlando Cepeda and Luis DONT TURN YOUR BACK ON ME Tiant. So long to hall of famer Willie Mays who's over the shoulder catch we will never forget. This year end wrap up is dedicated to all of them who are no longer with us as we wind down yet another season of Southern Yankees baseball and color commentary. That would be 15 years to be exact. So this final year end color commentary is dedicated in their memory to all that have left us and that means on and off the field. It is also a reminder that we have preached here for many years: and recently a couple of weeks ago in this column. That is -that life is precious and can change at any moment- sometimes bad and often good. Unfortunately these tragedies will be dissected over and over as to how and why. I remember when Thurman Munson died in his airplane when it crashed in Ohio years ago. I had covered the Yankees for a USA Network TV station in Connecticut. I spent a couple of seasons interacting with these players when Reggie, Sweet Lou, Thurman ,Gator & Billy Martin were with the team. When Munson died almost the same way as Kobe- crashing after takeoff-I was devastated and decided to do something about it. Always a lover of sports art and memorabilia I commissioned a local portrait painter to do two head shot paintings from a picture I had taken of Thurman looking up towards the sky when I would often park myself in the 3rd base photographers well taking photos. I paid a bit more to get them done right away and proceeded to deliver one to NY Yankees owner at the time George Steinbrenner. He thanked me for the beautiful life like painting and said that it was hung up in his office at Yankee Stadium. I was thrilled, honored and flattered. But more importantly I felt that I had done something good & thoughtful in return to somehow cushion the devastating loss everyone felt. The other painting I still have in my office and any one who sees it comments how he is almost looking up to Heaven. Well if you are wondering why we are using Hotel California here is the answer but I am quite sure you already know. That song has a lot of symbolism much like this writer conveys EVERY WEEK and you may or may not realize or understand at first until you read it twice. But the line you can check out any time you like but you can never leave applies here- especially to the recent news of all these all stars who are no longer with us.. Let me EXplain. Did you pick up on that? You may have been with someone who touched you in a meaningful way, traveled somewhere you really enjoyed, eaten at a certain Italian restaurant where the food is always fabulous & the pasta is always AL DENTE like Stallone's in Boca or Giannis in Pompano Beach . Perhaps you visited a far away place that you long for now. Wish you were there? Of course you are not at any of these places or with this or that person at this moment. But the MEMORY of that experience, that laughter, that zest- passion, that fun, AND that excitement is something you will never forget and often reminisce about until you POSSIBLY experience it all again. In this weeks color commentary we obviously can't or don't want to be funny . I looked & thought long and hard to find the appropriate song for you the reader with the attention grabber that ties this all in. So remember what we always tell you here- Don't EVER think for a second that you don't have what it takes on or off the field. Life is short and you want no regrets down the road because you didn't have the baseBALLS to get in the batters box and take your cuts in whatever the situation dictated be it business, sports ,relationships or just plain going for it. Remember you miss 100% of the shots you don't take.- GRETZKY. For the rest of the stars that recently passed- John Robinson the legendary USC football coach along with Gerry Faust of Notre Dame. Remember Jerry West and Bill Walton along with race car star Bobby Allison who also have left us. Hit King Pete Rose who was locally here in Boca Raton for some time and we all ran into him somewhere is gone. Dikembe Mutumbo the legendary 7 foot 4 defensive shot blocking machine also shows that he was not invincible. Mercury Morris, George Foreman and Bob Ueker are no longer here. And my personal favorite was actor James Earl Jones. He starred in Field Of Dreams and the legendary baseball classic Sandlot. Jones will certainly be missed especially his booming and wisdom telling voice. Enough said- now a quick recap of the game The Southern Yankees closed out he season with a 21-11 romp over the Palm Beach Pirates who battled all game. Luis Sanchez, Reidy Olivo Sam Bartoletta, Alex Sanchez, Vinny Zarella & Angel- Telemundo -Medina slapped 2 hits each to lead the balance Yankees attack. Hope you enjoyed the commentary & get the message this writer is sending your way. Please use the theme of this final tribute commentary wisely. As we all know the wheel of life is always turning but soon it will turn in your direction. So reach out to someone who is not as fortunate or bountiful as you. Pursue what interests you and tell someone special you love them or you will regret it down the road. And instead of being selfish, cheap or a taker- give and do something thoughtful & you will be rewarded ten fold.... Thank you for your time this time until next time- whenever that is and always remember to 'Stay thirsty my friends ! Love you all- Submitted by Ray Asmar- Player/Manager- Southern Yankees |
