You've got to be kidding me! What show was that? Was it something new or old? You've got to give me the details I've NEVER told that story before except to a few local friends!!! After i worte this story for the forum, I sat and thought back about that day. People were not happy that I had delayed the flight (only a few minutes) due to a problem with a baggage handler giving me grief over checking the argo hold of the plane to ensure the equipment they were carrying for us (Marines) was secure and the cargo hold door locked and the loader away from the plane before I got on. And once I was on, the galley door had to be closed and no one else alllowed on board. It was quite an inconvenience for the airlines. Then the pilot gave me grief about being armed even though I had paperwork allowing it. when I finally sat down, I was a little on the testy side but continued to hold my professional bearing. It was such a mood changer when Spahn said what he did. I also remembered that he had on his 1957 World Series ring and how worn it was from all the years he had worn it. He said he'd let me see it better but couldn't get it off his finger.
The reason Spahn rememebred me, I think, was becasue I was a tall, skinny kid all my life (not now though - well, still tall but a little portly now). My profile was distinctive as I have a weak chin and a large broken-up nose and, sad to say, not a very pretty shaped head with a Marine high & tight haircut. When I was growing up, my dad made me keep my hair short like that (which in the late 60's and early 70's was somewhat embarrassing for me). So, my profile was pretty distinctive and because of that profile, Spahn recognized me.
Now, if somebody comes up on TV talking about urinating with baseball great Roger Maris, I'm going to get pretty PO'ed! Yep, I have that story too but I've shared it online with a few folks so it's out there somewhere probably. My hanging around the ballpark as a kid brought me in contact with a great many greats of the game.
I think Spahnie's son still lives in the Tulsa area. I wonder if he would let me see his dad's Purple Heart?