"Baseball & Ministry"
"The Two Are Intertwined and Linked"
Both baseball and ministry have been synonymous in my life for over fifty years. The following are some significant threads formulating my lifelong friendships with Major League Baseball players. Since the age of twelve Major League baseball was paramount in my life.
After being introduced to the Gospel message and then accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior in 1970 baseball and the gospel of Jesus Christ were the bridge that became the center of my life. Here are a few amazing examples of baseball and my journey with Jesus.
In the summer of 1963 my mother and I traveled west from Chicago to California for the first time. We visited for two weeks and I was nine years of age of nine. It was exciting for me to visit Candlestick ballpark, the new home of the San Francisco Giants. During that game we attended, it was blustery as the wind at Candlestick was normal, The San Francisco Giants right handed power hitting Orlando Cepeda hit a monstrous homerun that day. Giants ace pitcher, Juan Marichal pitched a masterful complete game. In spite of being a St. Louis Cardinal fan, Orlando (Cepeda) and Juan (Marichal) became my new two favorite players that day. You will see later with my story how those two gentleman became instrumental and two very close friends.
Life without Jesus, and life in Jesus! Give illustrations of people, stars, celebrities and their pursuits. Either we pursue the things of this world, or we center our efforts on our pursuits of knowing Jesus and a Holy God.
Julian Javier
"Phenomenal MLB Person"
After returning from San Francisco, I met the St. Louis Cardinal second baseman Julian Javier in 1966. For some reason, Julian was more than kind and considerate to this young twelve year baseball nutcase who's life was one of utter chaos. Baseball fortunately became my sanctuary as it shielded my mind from my real life.
He (Julian Javier) presented an environment and sense joy at Busch Stadium that became more than one person could ever imagine. Soon Julian was leaving tickets for any and all games at the will call box so I could attend as many games as possible. At that time I was living in East St. Louis, across the Mississippi River from St. Louis Missouri. East St. Louis was more than rough, I tell people that Harlem was similar to Beverly Hills compared to east St. Louis Illinois. After Julian realized I was riding the metro bus across the river to games, he (Julian) was concerned for my safety and began driving me home after the conclusion of Cardinal games. Julian then would arrange for me to wait after the games in the clubhouse with manager Red Schoendienst's permission. It wasn't long before I became acquainted with the rest of the St. Louis Cardinal players like, Orlando Cepeda, Lou Brock, Roger Maris and Bob Gibson.
Recently I called Julian at his home in the Dominican Republic. I shared with him that I still praise the Lord for him, as he (Julian) actually was a tremendous light in my life that was actually the brightest light in my darkest hours in life. God provided Julian Javier at a time that was very necessary for my benefit. Julian Javier in addition to being an outstanding major league second baseman is a terrific man of God.
Truly, baseball became my safe haven as the guys in the St. Louis Cardinals clubhouse adopted me. Unbeknown to me at the time, God opened those doors for my safety, protection while providing rays of sunshine for my joy. Life without Jesus, and life in Jesus!
Orlando Cepeda
"Hall of Famer"
Orlando Cepeda and I first met on photo day in in 1966 at Busch Stadium prior to a St. Louis Cardinal game. He had become a favorite player after I first watched his mammoth homerun n San Francisco during a 1963 Giants game as he was still a Giants superstar player. Then the improbable happened, Orlando was traded to my favorite team at the time, the St. Louis Cardinals. Because I had access to the Cardinal clubhouse with my good friend Julian Javier, I was always pestering Orlando at his locker after games. He (Orlando) told me years later that he was amused by my efforts to get close to him. Throughout several decades, Orlando and I continued with our great friendship. Here are just a few of my favorite stories with Orlando, although I could actually write for hours about our numerous experiences.
One story that was meaningful was when I had become a batboy for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1971, that's was the first time I grabbed my glove and Orlando (Cepeda) and I played catch at Dodger Stadium. There I was playing catch on a major league field with my childhood hero,
In 1989 I was living in Las Vegas Nevada and I had decided to promote and market a Major League Baseball signing event with several ex~ballplayer friends of mine. Of course my friend jumped onto a plane and flew to Las Vegas in support of my endeavors as he signed autographs for the people attending. As always, Orlando was very popular. After I wrote my "Baseball Legends & Legacies" book, Orlando traveled with me signing autographs as he is one of the major baseball celebrities who provided his own personal stories in my book. My book, "Baseball Legends & Legacies" could have never reach the level of success that it had without my dear friend Orlando Cepeda.
Without question, I enjoyed the several times we (Orlando) would share meals at our favorite restaurants. Then often we would go back to his house, share a glass of red wine and listen to his favorite jazz musicians. Seriously, I could write an entire book on the endeavors with my great friend.
The last time we visited, Orlando was in the hospital and very sick, knowing he was dying. As I drove from my home in Arizona, for the entire nine hundred miles I realized God was providing both of us one more opportunity for me to share Jesus with my good friend. After spending hours talking about our fun times together I asked Orlando if I could pray with him before I left his room. You see, Orlando considered himself a Buddhist, and this is a subject and road he and I both traveled numerous times before over the course of forty plus years. Before leaving his side for the last time, I prayed and asked Jesus to be merciful, and to reveal Himself (Jesus) in a special real way to my oldest friend, Orlando Cepeda. After praying, he thanked me and stated he fully understood fully and accepted Jesus. That was the center of my prayer. I will always be grateful to one of the greatest, Orlando Cepeda! My friend told me that he loved me, as I did him, and we embraced each other and shook hands for the last time. He passed into eternity eleven days after our last visit on June 28th 2024. It was n July on the 25th of 1999 my dear friend the Baby Bull, Orlando Cepeda was inducted in Cooperstown's Baseballs Hall of Fame. I can only hope he entered heavens Hall of Fame as he was truly a kind soul and an incredible human being! Life without Jesus, and life in Jesus!
Ernie "Mr. Cub" Banks
"Hall of Famer"
God used Ernie Banks very early in my life beginning in 1966 in Chicago at Wrigley Field. I was twelve years old at the time and used to attend a ton of Cubs games and pester Ernie continuously as all of the kids had. When my favorite team, the St. Louis Cardinal would travel north to play their nemesis the Chicago Cubs I would be there as Julian Javier's guest. Finally, the good natured Mr. Cub witnessed me with Julian Javier and Ernie relented and our friendship began. Soon, like Javier, Ernie began leaving tickets for me to attend Cubs games.
My mother and I moved from Chicago to Hollywood California in the summer of 1968, However, Ernie and I continued with our friendship on the west coast as he visited his mother in law often in the winters.
On one of Ernie's last visits in 1970 to Los Angeles, he was driving to Dodgers Stadium, he picked me up at my apartment and we drove down Sunset Boulevard to the stadium. During te drive, Ernie mentioned that he would soon be retiring from baseball soon. He then went to ask if there were anything he could do for me? I told him, "Ernie, you know I really want to play baseball professionally, and I would like to be a batboy for the Dodgers." Upon arriving at Dodger Stadium, we started walking towards the clubhouses under the stands. This time was different though, instead of turning right towards the Cubs locker room, we turned left down the corridor to the Dodgers clubhouse. When we walked in the door, we were met immediately by the Dodgers manager, Nobe Kawano. They greeted one another and embraced momentarily. Then Ernie spoke, "Ernie said, Nobe, this is a good friend of mine from Chicago, Gary Hall. Gary wants to be a batboy for the Dodgers, can you help make that a reality?" Nobe told him and I both, "lets see what size uniform he will need, now. " That was all it took, then I became the batboy in the spring of the 1971 season. Ernie, looked me as we walked towards the Cubs locker room and said to me, "See Gary, a little prompting and asking God and your dreams can become reality." That was classical Ernie Banks!
In the fall of 1970, Ernie came back to Los Angeles for some vacation time in California. He (Ernie) was going to attend a very special baseball event being held at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel and asked if I would like to be his guest, of course I said he. He told me to wear slacks, a dress jacket and tie. He picked me up at my apartment an hour before the event. The emcee of the event was to be Bob Hope, but cancelled as he fell sick. Vin Scully, the iconic Hall of Fame announcer for the Los Angeles Dodgers filled in as master of ceremonies. The event was the annual baseball award dinner. They were handing out the Most Valuable Player award, the Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, etc.. Sitting at our table for the awards dinner that evening was Hank Aaron, Sadaharu Oh the legendary Japanese superstar. The awards dinner had brochures made with the entire evenings itinerary, including dinner and each award. Ernie said for me to go get autographs on my brochure, and I did. I acquired Sandy Koufax, Hank Aaron, Sadahara Oh's and many more. That was one of legendary evenings ever.
After Ernie retired he asked me to be the auctioneer for his charity he supported, the girls and boys club of Pasadena California. God used Ernie had placed him my life to influence and change my life forever, it was an honor to accommodate my friend.
One event I never attended with him was when he asked if I would like to join him on one his many trips to
Japan. Unfortunately, I did not feel as though I could financially afford the trip, regretfully I had to say I could not. That for certain is one of my biggest regrets and decisions. But, I'm very thankful for the many opportunities I shared with the greatest Chicago Cubs player of all time. Often he (we) would share our faith with one another as I had just accepted the mercy and grace of Jesus as I was a new born believer during that time. Ernie Banks exhibited and taught me grace firsthand.
Ernie Banks was more than a legendary Hall of Fame baseball player, he was a legendary human being and exemplified the meaning of a devoted Christian. I loved Mr. Cub! Life without Jesus, and life in Jesus!
Juan Marichal
"Hall of Famer"
In the summer of 1966 was the first time the Dominican Dandy, Juan Marichal and I met at Wrigley Field in Chicago. He signed an autograph and we took our picture together and it one of my most memorable days of my childhood, I was twelve years old. Little could I have ever imagined that I would move to San Francisco in 1972 and become his batboy. The following are some favorite memories with one oof my hero's. There was always something special about Juan Marichal beyond charisma. Later I would discover that he was a man of God, and it was evident. One of the kindest and most gentle souls I have ever known.
In 1972 I had moved north from Los Angeles to become a batboy for the San Francisco Giants during my senior year of high school. One time at Candlestick (San Francisco) Park I was waiting for my good friend Bobby Bonds to appear from the Giants clubhouse during batting practice before the game. Some of the Giants players were egging me on to step into the batters box which was supposed to be Bobby Bonds turn in the lineup that day. It just so happened that Juan (Marichal) was having a good time and was tossing batting practice that day. So I stepped into the batters box to swing at a few against my friend, Juan Marichal. I was pretty good for eighteen years old as I had been around major league baseball my entire life. All the players around the batting cage was laughing and having fun. Juan threw the first pitch and I swung and missed. His second pitch I swung again and missed. The third pitch I fouled off. The fourth pitch I hit a grounder to third base. All the of the Giants players was whooping it up and making comments to me. My last pitch off of Juan I finally hit a fly ball to left field. Juan was grinning at me and gave me a thumbs up. I believe Juan (Marichal) threw all screwballs to me, it was funny, but my ego was a little bruised too. Finally Bobby (Bonds) came out onto the field from the clubhouse and walked into the batting cage, and he told me jokingly "Chump get your butt out of my batting cage."
Some of my fondest memories with Juan was at his house after Tito "23" Fuentes and I were out, mostly to Golden State Warriors basketball games. We would show up to Juan's house around 11 p.m. or midnight and get involved with fun poker games that had already been in progress. Juan's wife Alma, Tito and myself would play poker until three or four in the morning with the Marichal's. The best part was Alma (Marichal) and her friend Carmen (Tito's wife) would have cooked the best food ever this side of the Caribbean. Those were some of the great times I will always cherish.
When I was writing my book, "Baseball Legends & Legacies," Juan and I spent a few days together in San Francisco chronicling his personal stories for the book. One of my great times with him was when we enjoyed a great dinner at our friend s nick Bovis's restaurant the Broadway Grill in Burlingame California.
It was always a special moment when Juan would share with me some of his stories of faith. Especially regarding the famed Johnny Roseboro incident. When Juan Marichal is mentioned by others, most think his fabulous Hall of Fame career, or the infamous Johnny Roseboro happening, but I personally think of one the most humble people I have ever known and the man of God I know and love. Life without Jesus, and life in Jesus!
Bobby Bonds
"Hall of Fame Brother"
Bobby and I met in 1971 at Dodger Stadium as we both were walking out towards right field before a San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers game. My first conversation with Bobby was like this, "Bobby, if you were to die tonight, would you go to heaven or hell?" He looked at me with a growl on his face, and then asked me, "What kind of question is that?" I told him that I thought it was a great question! Then he explained that he was saved, and a Christian. From that point we grew as friends, more than friends actually.
The next time the Giants came to Los Angeles to play the Dodgers, he (Bobby ) and I went out after the game for dinner, then he drove his rental car to take me to home territory in Hollywood. That night I explained that I was homeless and actually lived on the streets of Hollywood. He was awestruck! He could not believe that I was sixteen, a junior in high school and working as a batboy for the Dodgers. Throughout that year Bobby and I became close friends. At the end of the 1971 baseball season Bobby arranged for me to move to the San Francisco Bay area with the support of his family. He then arranged for me to become a batboy for the San Francisco Giants my senior year in high school. There I was in the same locker room with Bobby Bonds, Willie Mays, Juan Marichal, Willie McCovey and the affable Tito "23" Fuentes. Still I shared Jesus with everyone in ear shot, but still in my element of major league baseball. With all of the hardships, life was still fun!
When I arrived in the San Francisco area, I was constantly at the Bonds household. Bobby's two oldest sons, Barry and Ricky, were became like two nephews. Barry was seven and his brother Ricky was six. Bobby and I would take the two boys to the local park to play baseball often in the winter.
It was obvious even at seven years old that Barry was not ordinary with his talents and gifts, he was always an extraordinary. Finally, my life had some sort of stability with the support I desperately wanted.
Some fond memories include the times when we would drive to Willie Mays house a few miles down the road in Atherton and play pool with Willie (Mays), or I should say attempt to play. Willie (Mays) literally could run a pool table and frequently did. Bobby and I played fairly well, as we often played pool on Bobby's pool table at his house. But, Willie Mays was in league of his own with many things, like playing pool. Bobby loved Willie Mays and we would visit with Willie at his house or sometimes I would be invited a couple of times on the golf course with them to caddy.
Bobby and I did everything in the 1970's together, we played basketball, baseball, traveled together and went to several baseball events together. At this time, Bobby was twenty five and I was eighteen, he had become my big brother. We went to World Series games, All-star games and everything in between. During the 1971 World Series in Oakland California Bobby and I attended a couple World Series games between the Oakland A's and the Baltimore Orioles. That is when Bobby first introduced me to Vida Blue in the A's locker room before the World Series game. That was Vida Blues first year and we all three (Bobby & I) became good friends.
His mother and Father also became my adopted parents. In fact, his dad (Pops) and I started a business venture together were lost money together, now that is family.. Mama (Bonds) was this awesome Christian lady who was the leader in many ways. After Bobby passed away I would visit Mama Bonds at her home in Riverside California on many occasions, we had a special bond in the Lord..
Bobby after the 1974 Bobby was traded from the San Francisco Giants to the New York Yankees. For the next eight years he played for seven more teems as he had a personal battle with his demons. Throughout all of his remaining years on this planet we stayed very close. God used him to rescue me in my dark hours through my last two years of high school, and he was always there for me, just like a typical brother would be there for his younger bro. Likewise, I would share with Bobby as I would try to be of encouragement to him in some of his darkest hours.
Bobby became diagnosed with cancer and his struggle became overbearing as the cancer took a vicious toll within mind and body. His beautiful wife, Pat had her hands full as well. Barry was still playing for the Giants and within the midst of the baseball season. Barry asked if I could assist when he was not available travelling on the road with the team.
It did not have to be verbalized, I would always be available, and I would always be there for him serving him and encouaging him. At that time I lived two hours away in Sonora California. His (Bobby) chemo treatments were every three weeks and I would leave my house in Sonora at 4 a.m. to reach his house by 6 a.m. to arrive at Stanford Hospital for his scheduled 7 a.m. treatments. It was one of the greatest honors and most difficult situations I've ever experienced.
Seriously, I have hundreds of personal stories of Bobby Bonds and myself.
My brother Bobby departed this earth for his heavenly home on August 23rd 2003. A few days later I suffered great darkness as I was a pallbearer for my dear brother, but, it was the act of respect and kindness I could present. Everyone loved Bobby Bonds! Life without Jesus, and life in Jesus!
Barry Bonds
"One of The Three Greatest"
Barry was seven years old when his father introduced me to his family, As I briefly mentioned earlier, Barry, his little brother Ricky, Bobby (Father) and I would regularly go to the local neighborhood park and devise baseball games all four of us could play. I remember vividly some of those cherished moments.
The two boys (Barry & Ricky Bonds) were a breath of fresh air for me as they embraced me for their own (chuckle) benefit, They would run me to McDonald's, baseball parks and especially to the Fuentes House a couple miles away in Foster City. Tito "23" had two kids in particular, Gloria and Tito Jr. that the two Bonds boys played with as they were great friends with. Those kids had become a huge part of my life. Looking back, I suppose I was an earlier version of Uber for those kids, but I loved it.
When Barry was still playing with the Pittsburgh Pirates his tenure with the Pirates ended after his 1992 season. He (Barry Bonds) was signing a mega contract his home team, the San Francisco Giants. Bobby and I were concerned that Barry could be vulnerable to people approaching him (Barry) because of new signing for one hundred million dollars. So, Bobby suggested I jump on a plane for his last road trip in Chicago when the Pirates were playing the Cubs at Wrigley. The premise was I would present Barry with the idea that I would serve as a liaison between him, fans and vultures after his money as so many other sports stars had experienced. My offer was to keep people at arms reach, chef, chauffeur and bodyguard. My wife and I flew to Chicago to present the offer. Barry after listening explained that he did not need my services. We went to a few games with Barry, jumped back on a plane headed towards San Francisco and never other than between Bobby (Bonds) was there ever any mention of our offer or ideas.
In 1989 I had an idea to present a huge autograph which I named the event "Baseball Extravaganza 1989." Barry was one of the several baseball friends who supported me and my endeavor. Barry signed autographs for three days in support of my efforts. I've always been grateful for his support for that venture. Barry often is misunderstood because of his preference of being private, but, he can have a large heart for others, often he does a lot for others that is not known or ever publicized.
One of fondest times with Barry happened in San Francisco at Candlestick Park in 1993. The Atlanta Braves were playing the Giants and I was visiting both Bobby and Barry before the games in the Giants clubhouse, Dusty Baker was the Giants manager at that time. Bobby was the first base coach and Bobby (Bonds) locker was on the opposite side of the clubhouse from Barry's Locker. I would bounce back and forth between them visiting and amusing myself between the two them. One thing that stood out for me was the way Barry would prepare before the games. On this particular day, Greg Maddux was pitching. The Giants had a video room and Barry and I went into that room and he grabbed two or three videos of Greg's (Maddux) past games were he pitched against him. Barry and I sat on beanbags in front of the television watching those different videos of Maddux pitching efforts of Barry's previous at bats. It was enlightening and fun as I had never seen that technology in a clubhouse. Barry( Bonds) was into the latest technology and science of baseball as he was a student extraordinaire. Barry and I both had fun as he shared several intricate examples of what he was looking with Greg's (Maddux) release points and his deliveries. Barry was a master as he would set pitchers up for the pitch he wanted. My time spent with Barry in the video room was payback I suppose for all the times I took he and his brother as youngsters to McDonald's.
During our fifty plus years of knowing each other, Barry and I have shared our mutual faith in Jesus on many occasions. For certain Barry Bonds is a believer in Jesus.
"Joe DiMaggio"
"Hall of Famer"
Joe DiMaggio was one of the greatest players ever the old timers told me. There were a few times my path crossed with Joltin Joe. Here is my favorite. In 1969 when I was still attending Hollywood High School my good friend Tawny Van Vorst introduced me to Wald Winchell, the daughter of one of the most influential men in the United States, the famed newspaper man, and voice of the Untouchables, Walter Winchell. One day after school, I was visiting Walda (Daughter) Winchell and she invited me for dinner and said she had a special surprise for me. When I showed jup to her house for dinner, she had set the table for three. I assumed she had invited my best friend Tawny. All of a sudden the door bell rang and Walda asked me to answer the door. Much to my amazement, there stood Joltin Joe DiMaggio! I was flabbergasted to say the very least. Walda walked to the door and told me, "Gary, aren't you going to invite our dinner guest in?" After dinner, DiMaggio shared some very memorable of his personal baseball stories, especially about Babe Ruth and Ted Williams whom he had played with both. Throughout that evening I remember peppering DiMaggio with special questions and comments of mine on baseball. To say the night was memorable is one the most obvious statements and thoughts ever! For two hours I ate dinner and Joe DiMaggio shared stories as we sat on Walda's couch. Life without Jesus, and life in Jesus!
"Jackie Robinson"
"Hall of Famer"
Two years later in 1971 when I was wearing the Los Angeles Dodgers uniform as their batboy, I was sitting at my locker goofing around with Willie Crawford, the young Dodgers outfielder as our lockers were next to one another. The manager of the L.A. Dodgers was the iconic future Hall of Famer, Walter Alston. The skipper (Walter Alston) called my name loudly for me to come to his office. Mr. Alston, said "Gary I need you to run these eyeglasses up the stairs out into the bleachers to Jackie Robinson". Walter Alston had been Jackie Robinsons manager in Brooklyn in the 1950's and the two were friends. Jackie (Robinson) had visited the skipper in his Dodgers clubhouse office an hour before the game and had left his (Jackie Robinson's) eye glasses on the manager Walter Alston's desk. In my uniform I ran thru the stands towards the box seats behind home plate looking for Jackie and his wife Rachel Robinson. When I found them (Robinson's) I told Jackie, "Mr. Robinson, Manager Mr. Alston asked me to deliver your glasses to you as you left them on top of the skippers desk. Jackie looked up at me and said, " Gary, thank you, have a seat for a moment." I told him, "Mr. Robinson I cant as the game will start soon and I will have to take the field in right field. He (Jackie) said, "Gary, the game wont start for another half hour, com'on have a seat for a couple minutes." Even though I felt uncomfortable sitting down in the stands while in uniform, thinking about the circumstances, I thought to myself after all, he is Jackie Robinson. I did as asked and sat next to him for about five minutes or so as he asked where I went to school, how I became a Dodger batboy and so forth. He (Jackie) was so kind, caring and gentle. I had just accepted Christ into my heart that year, and I remember thinking how special he was and that he must have been a Christian. I found out later, that Jackie Robinson was in fact both a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. the thing that stands out the most to me is how much of a gentleman he was. Years later I remembering thinking to myself, if only wish I could have spent more time with him. It was obvious that he was most definitely a gentle soul and kind human being. (Side note)
Many years later in 2010, I was in Cooperstown New York at the hall of Fame with my good friends Orlando Cepeda and Juan Marichal. My book, "Baseball Legends & Legacies" had been published and I was signing copies in Cooperstown. Rachel Robinson was here in Cooperstown disclosing the upcoming new movie about her and Jackie, called "42." Orlando (Cepeda) had encouraged and arranged for me With to make a presentation of my book to Rachel (Robinson before the evenings dinner and festivities in front of all the Hall of Famers. I spoke with Rachel explaining I had met her and Jackie previously at Dodger Stadium. She too was radiant and full of God's grace. Life without Jesus, and life in Jesus!
Pete Rose
Hall of Famer, Should Be"
Pete was one of my favorite players and people when I was wearing my major league uniforms. The first day at Dodger stadium in 1971 when we first met, we hit it off right away. Even though looking back, I don't like to admit it, but like Pete Rose I was brash. When the Cincinnati Reds arrived I was working the visiting Reds clubhouse and Pete said to me, "kid, grab your glove and meet me on the field in a coupled of minutes." When Pete and I met on the field he and I started playing pepper in short right field. Pepper was a game players used to play warming up before games. One person would toss a baseball in a short distance over a make believe home plate for strikes. Another player would take a bat and hit one hoppers back to the person who originally tossed the ball. Pete (Rose) played like no one else I had ever seen to this day. We played with two baseballs simultaneously constantly having two baseballs in motion and in the air. He was aggressive in nature and spirit, especially on the baseball diamond. He would work tirelessly, more than anyone else by far.
Pete Rose and I spent alot of time together as he taught me so many aspects of the game.
Pete Rose once told me before a game with the Dodgers that he was going foul off the first eight pitches of the game in his first at bat, just to wear out and frustrate the Dodgers starter that day. He was intense! Every single the time the Reds left the clubhouse on their way to the next city to play, he (Pete) would hand me a hundred dollar bill as a tip for helping him. in 1971 a hundred dollars was a lot of money for sixteen year old kid who was homeless. Pete never knew I was homeless, I was ashamed to tell the players.
In 2010 I debuted my book at Cooperstown and I ran into Pete signing autographs on main street. He asked me about my "Baseball Legends & Legacies" and I told him of all the players who had assisted me. Then Pete asked me, "why in the heck didn't you ask me to write a chapter in your book?" I told him, "Pete, I didn't know how to get in touch with you?" He (Pete Rose) spouted an expletive and shook his head. Pete and I visited a few time together in Cooperstown. But, mostly when he would sign autographs at the Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas Nevada I would look him up and sit next to him for an hour or two as we would visit.
When I was driving a limo in Las Vegas at Caesars I would come across Pete at the casino going into the Caesars Palace sports book to place his bets. That was the last time I visited with Pete Rose. I have more stories about Pete and I, he was definitely one of a kind, I loved him! he was great to me!
Looking back on my life, it is amazing to me that God allowed me to experience so many special moments within the game of Major League baseball. Pete Rose was definitely a huge part of those experiences.
The few times I would share with Pete about my faith in Jesus, he would just tell me he didn't like to talk about religion.
Baseball Players that shared our mutual faith with one another included Hank Aaron and Lou Brock and especially my dear friend Vida Blue. Vida was follower of Jesus, and was one of my really good friends. We had numerous shared spiritual moments together. We shared our faith in Jesus multiple times and I know he (Vida) is in heaven relishing his (Vida Blue) time in the Lords Presence..
People that I also shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ included Willie Mays, Johnny Bench, Willie Stargell and many many more major leaguers. Life without Jesus, and life in Jesus!
Vida Blue
"Hall of Fame Friend"
Vida and I first met before gametime at the 1971 World series in Oakland. Bobby Bonds and I were in the Oakland A's clubhouse to meet Reggie Jackson as Bobby and Reggie were friends. At first I did not think about it while initially meeting Vida that day. That year in 1971 Vida Blue took major league baseball by storm as he was the biggest thing in baseball that year. Vida went to win Major League Baseballs most coveted hardware for a player, both the Cy Young award for baseballs best pitcher, and the Most Valuable Player award at the age of twenty one. Vida and I became very close friends over the course of the following forty plus years. We went to all-star games and World Series games together.
Vida Rochelle Blue more times than not support me and my endeavors. Examples. In 1989 Vida Blue one of the individuals who flew to Las Vegas to attend and assist me with my Las Vegas Extravaganza Baseball card show.
When I wrote my book, "Baseball Legends & Legacies" he immediately said yes to writing his own chapter in support of our great friend Bobby Bonds and myself. Not only did Vida write his chapter, but hten traveled on many occasions with me conducting book signings. People came out in droves as Vida was very gregarious and fun with the baseball fans.
On many occasions through our years of friendship, Vida and I discussed the Bible and Jesus Christ often. We were both open and honest with one another about our perspectives and own faults. He was a very cordial, approachable and special man.
The one trait of Vida's I most admired was his honesty and transparency, plus he was an absolute (fun) hoot!
Vida, I will always be thankful that the Lord allowed Our paths to cross. Vida Blue you were great as a explosive baseball player, but, more so as a human being. I loved you brother! Life without Jesus, and life in Jesus!
Doug Harvey
Hall of Fame Umpire
One of the most fun aspects of being Doug's friend was getting his perspective on both game itself, the players and his overall virtual perspectives as the game evolved in his forty plus years.
Doug Harvey and I first met in 1971 at Dodger Stadium in the umpires clubhouse when I was their batboy before and after games. That was a very special time as I learned alot about the umpires and what they thought, and who they talked about. You talk about being like a fly on the wall, well, that was me! Doug was in his forties at that time and I was sixteen.
the Los Angeles Dodgers were going to play the Padres in San Diego early in the year in 1971. The Dodgers said I could make the trip and work the games, but, Nobe Kawano the Dodger equipment manager would not pay for my trip or the hotel accommodations. When I was in the umpires dressing room, Doug (Harvey) asked me, "kid are you coming to San Diego for the Dodgers series?" I told him know because the Nobe (Kawano) the equipment manager would not financially sanction my trip south. Doug, looked up and said, "forget that clown, if you want to come to San Diego for the games, come on down, I happen to live in San Diego. You can stay with me and my family. So, I made the trip south and stayed with Doug and his family for three days.
Throughout the next forty years, I attended his fortieth wedding anniversary, attended as his special guests in Cooperstown New York for his Hall of Fame weekend ceremonies', plus he was one of my good friends who wrote the most interesting chapter in my book, "Baseball Legends & Legacies." In addition, Doug and I traveled together for autograph signings, he was a blast!
In the latter years, I would travel south of my home in Sonora California to his home in Visalia California. We would go to lunch and dinner, watch several baseball games and talk about everything in around the game. I had the inside scoop from the greatest umpire of all time, Doug Harvey, my Hall of Fame friend!
On so many occasions, I would talk to him about Jesus and he was always receptive and engaging. Doug would say to me, "Gary, I believe in Jesus." Then I would smile and tell him that I loved him and just wanted to be absolutely certain. God blessed me in so many countless ways with the games greatest, but, none more that my great umpire friend, Doug Harvey. Doug was inducted in Cooperstown in 2010, he and left this earth for his permanent home in heaven on January 13th 2018. Life without Jesus, and life in Jesus!
"Africa"
Uganda & Kenya
Pastor Miles McMahon, my dear friend, arranged for my missions trip to Uganda and Kenya in 2012. His (Miles McMahon" sister Elizabeth started an orphanage in Uganda and I was to be her guests for some of the trip.
My good buddy Nick Bovis from San Francisco arranged and financially supported my missions trip with brand new baseball equipment. Nick, owned the famed baseball landmark, Lefty O'Doul's restaurant in the heart of the city.
Upon arriving in both Uganda and Kenya, my ultimate delight was two fold. First I shared the Gospel of Jesus from pulpits and in fields and the towns, but, in addition I introduced the game of baseball to countless African children, much to my delight! Two of my greatest passions, Jesus and Baseball. As you now know, for entire life God used the great game of baseball to bring me to the saving knowledge of (Jesus) Him. Then I had such a fabulous time of actually sharing the game with the kids, but then to see their faces when they received all of the baseball equipment I had brought for the trip and then left as a gift. Without any question, one of my greatest joys was the experiences of Uganda and Kenya. Thank you Lord! Life without Jesus, and life in Jesus!