I sure miss you on the air. I'll just say that. As a 44 yr old from Salem, OR, who spent my formative years in a tiny logging town in SW Washington (Morton, WA, for the record), who did not attend, but is a HUGE Huskies fan, HATES THE DUCKS, loves the Seahawks, Mariners, Sonics, and soon the Kraken, I relate to you like no other writer/reporter/on air personality ever. What you should know is that, regardless of background, you are one of the most relatable, poignant, entertaining, thoughtful, and vulnerable writers I've ever read. I may be a bit biased to my Oregonian brother in his purple pimp suit, but just know that at least one PNW-logging town graduate-sports nut-in his mid 40's LOVES you! Please keep grinding! I'll be reading, or listening, or both! I follow you on twitter as @hawknutter77. I'll be following as long as you have something to say, which, if I know you will likely be quite awhile.
I loved that World Series. I was 10. I remember playing hooky so I could stay home and make this elaborate scorecard for your what turned out to be the final game.
What a great story, Danny! Meeting your heroes *is* amazing. Here’s my (very long) version.
I became a devout Seahawks fan in 1985 when I made my HS cheerleading squad. I didn’t know much about football, but unlike my friends, I at least knew that we shouldn’t be shouting “Defense” when we had the ball. I started watching on Sundays to get a better understanding and fell in love with the game, and with Steve Largent.
Fast forward to December 1989. Largent was retiring and I’d never seen him play in person. I was a junior at WSU and it was finals week but when my father got us tickets to the Raiders game, I took an overnight Greyhound and was there for Largent’s last home victory.
Fast forward to August 1995. I was a reporter and backup sports anchor at a TV station in the Tri-Cities. After 4 years, it was my last week before leaving for a non-media job. I was anchoring the evening and late sports when a fax (yes) came in announcing that Oklahoma Representative Steve Largent would be attending a fundraiser for a local political candidate. I took that fax and I *HID* it - and then on the day of the event, I informed my news director that *I* would be the one covering it. (I had 2 days left and nothing to lose.)
I was interviewing Mr. Largent 1-on-1 when a reporter from another station arrived and began noisily setting up his equipment practically on top of us and then interrupted me mid-question to introduce himself. (There was still a lot of the “women don’t belong in sports reporting” mindset at that time.) Largent looked him in the eye and said “{NAME REDACTED}, I’m speaking with MaryAnne right now. When she is finished, I will get to you.” He was gracious but quite firm, and that seemingly simple show of respect for my role was huge for me and confirmed that he was one of the classiest people to ever play the game.
And no, I didn’t play it completely cool - I didn’t go all crazy fangirl, but I did ask fir his autograph in my hardcover “Largent” book. I regret nothing.
Wonderful story Danny, hey! who chopped some onions....darn wife of mine. Anyway, the NW is getting back to rain and wind and still missing hearing you and Paul. Keep banging on the keyboard Danny.
The 1986 New York Mets are one of the most fascinating teams to me, chiefly because of the book, "The bad guys won!" by Jeff Pearlman. That was an exhilarating, fun, and jaw dropping read. It is worth a read for anyone interested in the Mets. Looking forward to the 30 for 30 documentary.
Great story! I too was a devout Gary Carter fan as well. I have an HOF signed ball at home as well as many of his player cards. I was a baseball fanatic back in 86, having just turned 16 and just absolutely loved that team. I loved that Gary was unapologetic about how friendly he was to everyone and could honestly care less if you didn’t like his bubbly personality. I think he really became my favorite player after an appearance with johnny bench on the baseball bunch. Plus, I was a pitcher on my high school and select teams and nobody makes a pitcher better than a really good catcher. While I never did make it to the big leagues, I was able to play a year for UW before I determined that I wasn’t going to go pro and I was attending a first class institution that could provide me the degree I needed to be successful in life. Looking back now, I almost cringe on how of a goody two shoes Gary was, but in my youth, his kindness and ability to encourage young athletes to work hard meant the world to me. It was extremely cruel that he died so young, but I’m my mind I envision that smiling, extremely competitive and kind person as the perfect person to look up to as a young athlete. When they won the World Series, I don’t think I could have been more excited for him, more so than even if the Mariners has won the World Series. I miss Gary but am glad he was able to be inducted to the hall of fame to ensure his legacy in the greatest game ever created. Thanks Danny.
I'm loving your stories. Good morning starter. Also happy to see you will be on with Mitch.
Danny,
I sure miss you on the air. I'll just say that. As a 44 yr old from Salem, OR, who spent my formative years in a tiny logging town in SW Washington (Morton, WA, for the record), who did not attend, but is a HUGE Huskies fan, HATES THE DUCKS, loves the Seahawks, Mariners, Sonics, and soon the Kraken, I relate to you like no other writer/reporter/on air personality ever. What you should know is that, regardless of background, you are one of the most relatable, poignant, entertaining, thoughtful, and vulnerable writers I've ever read. I may be a bit biased to my Oregonian brother in his purple pimp suit, but just know that at least one PNW-logging town graduate-sports nut-in his mid 40's LOVES you! Please keep grinding! I'll be reading, or listening, or both! I follow you on twitter as @hawknutter77. I'll be following as long as you have something to say, which, if I know you will likely be quite awhile.
-Kevin M.
I loved that World Series. I was 10. I remember playing hooky so I could stay home and make this elaborate scorecard for your what turned out to be the final game.
What a great story, Danny! Meeting your heroes *is* amazing. Here’s my (very long) version.
I became a devout Seahawks fan in 1985 when I made my HS cheerleading squad. I didn’t know much about football, but unlike my friends, I at least knew that we shouldn’t be shouting “Defense” when we had the ball. I started watching on Sundays to get a better understanding and fell in love with the game, and with Steve Largent.
Fast forward to December 1989. Largent was retiring and I’d never seen him play in person. I was a junior at WSU and it was finals week but when my father got us tickets to the Raiders game, I took an overnight Greyhound and was there for Largent’s last home victory.
Fast forward to August 1995. I was a reporter and backup sports anchor at a TV station in the Tri-Cities. After 4 years, it was my last week before leaving for a non-media job. I was anchoring the evening and late sports when a fax (yes) came in announcing that Oklahoma Representative Steve Largent would be attending a fundraiser for a local political candidate. I took that fax and I *HID* it - and then on the day of the event, I informed my news director that *I* would be the one covering it. (I had 2 days left and nothing to lose.)
I was interviewing Mr. Largent 1-on-1 when a reporter from another station arrived and began noisily setting up his equipment practically on top of us and then interrupted me mid-question to introduce himself. (There was still a lot of the “women don’t belong in sports reporting” mindset at that time.) Largent looked him in the eye and said “{NAME REDACTED}, I’m speaking with MaryAnne right now. When she is finished, I will get to you.” He was gracious but quite firm, and that seemingly simple show of respect for my role was huge for me and confirmed that he was one of the classiest people to ever play the game.
And no, I didn’t play it completely cool - I didn’t go all crazy fangirl, but I did ask fir his autograph in my hardcover “Largent” book. I regret nothing.
Wonderful story Danny, hey! who chopped some onions....darn wife of mine. Anyway, the NW is getting back to rain and wind and still missing hearing you and Paul. Keep banging on the keyboard Danny.
Love your stories Danny!!
The 1986 New York Mets are one of the most fascinating teams to me, chiefly because of the book, "The bad guys won!" by Jeff Pearlman. That was an exhilarating, fun, and jaw dropping read. It is worth a read for anyone interested in the Mets. Looking forward to the 30 for 30 documentary.
I love your stories! period, end of story. :)
Wonderful. Your memory makes me miss my dad.
Great story! I too was a devout Gary Carter fan as well. I have an HOF signed ball at home as well as many of his player cards. I was a baseball fanatic back in 86, having just turned 16 and just absolutely loved that team. I loved that Gary was unapologetic about how friendly he was to everyone and could honestly care less if you didn’t like his bubbly personality. I think he really became my favorite player after an appearance with johnny bench on the baseball bunch. Plus, I was a pitcher on my high school and select teams and nobody makes a pitcher better than a really good catcher. While I never did make it to the big leagues, I was able to play a year for UW before I determined that I wasn’t going to go pro and I was attending a first class institution that could provide me the degree I needed to be successful in life. Looking back now, I almost cringe on how of a goody two shoes Gary was, but in my youth, his kindness and ability to encourage young athletes to work hard meant the world to me. It was extremely cruel that he died so young, but I’m my mind I envision that smiling, extremely competitive and kind person as the perfect person to look up to as a young athlete. When they won the World Series, I don’t think I could have been more excited for him, more so than even if the Mariners has won the World Series. I miss Gary but am glad he was able to be inducted to the hall of fame to ensure his legacy in the greatest game ever created. Thanks Danny.