Joe Torre on Letterman, talking about fans at spring training; and how you can sometimes say the wrong things to athletes.
So, I'm watching Letterman tonight. Former Yankee skipper Joe Torre is on. He's talking about all the usual topics you'd suspect: working for George Steinbrenner, the recent World Series, Barry Bonds, batting behind Hank Aaron (and now following Jerry Seinfeld on Letterman). But, I listened careful when I heard him say that keyword: autographs.
He mentioned a spring training session, where autographs are being signed, and someone saying "Don't worry, we'll do better next year." He ended up saying he was a bit bothered by that, and how the fans expect so much.
It made me think of all the crazy things people have probably said to athletes over the years when asking for autographs.
I remember being 10 years old, and getting the San Diego Clippers autographs after a game. I saw an African-American guy I didn't recognize. He was about 6'10" I asked for his autograph anyway. He laughed, and I said "Oh, you're not a basketball player, are you?" HIs girlfriend said, "He'll be in the NBA one day."
His name was Mike Kennedy. And he played for the San Diego State Aztecs.
He never did make it to the NBA.