Does the date April 4, 1979 mean anything to you? I (Brian Conner) recently spoke with a man who gave me a story about this day I will never forget. If nothing comes to mind that is because you were either not yet born or it was just another early spring day 29 years ago. For one man, it is one of his fondest memories from childhood. His name is Jose Zavala, and he's a resident of Aurora, Colorado. He's 42 years old and was at a game at Dodger Stadium on April 4, 1979. After the San Diego Padres took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first, the Dodgers responded with force. Current Riversharks manager Joe Ferguson was a Dodger back in those days, catching and batting in the eight-hole--where most catchers call home in the batting order. After his team had already put one run on the board, there were two outs and the bases were loaded as he stepped into the box. He was facing left-handed pitcher Randy Jones looking to get on base any way possible to give his team the lead.
This is the point where Zavala takes over and gives me his tale of a baseball accompanied by a black eye. Zavala was in the outfield seats that day and remembers Ferguson stepping into the box and looking determined to give his team the lead. The next thing he knows Ferguson swings and hits a fly ball straight toward him. He did not know if it had enough distance to make it so he wasn't prepared for the ball to land in the empty seat right next to him. Once he realized the ball was going to land next to him he looked over and started to lean towards the ball. The ball bounced off the chair next to him and hit him right in the eye as he trapped it with his hands to his face. Then with probably the biggest smile he had shown to date, he looked up, ball in hand, and started to feel the pain. He did not mention how much it hurt, but it didn't matter.
He caught a grand slam ball from one of his childhood idols, Mr. Joe Ferguson. The Dodgers went on to win the game 10-1 as they put up another five spot in the bottom of the fourth, and Ferguson went 2-for-3 with a grand slam, a single and four RBIs. For a casual fan or someone who doesn't get excited to see their favorite player anymore this story doesn't seem that dynamic. But for those of us who grew up with heroes who we watched on TV or at a stadium around the U.S. it gives us a reason to keep the love of baseball in our hearts forever. As a 22 year old who now works in baseball, I can say I still love the game as much now as when I was a kid going to the Vet to watch my favorite Phillies take the field on a summer day or night. As I was sitting at my desk today doing my daily work on the computer, I had no idea someone would call and tell a story that would make me feel like I was thirteen years old again. For that I thank Mr. Jose Zavala and hope that he has inspired you to keep the love of Baseball around forever and always know that no matter where life has taken you, a great baseball story can bring you right back to where it all began, and for him that was Dodger Stadium.
-Brian Conner
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment