I usually clean my email inbox out every evening. It's a habit I've had since I retired from working a full-time job. But, this one I left for a couple of days until I had time to read it even though I knew what it would say. Buck will always be one of my models for life and you are rapidly joining that rarefied air Joe. Thanks.
I had the privilege of not only receiving a Buck hug, but being guided through the museum by him when it was brand new. A grown man with a 5 year old son and he treated us like family immediately. About a year later my son walked up to him at the ballpark with me in tow. He thrust out his hand and called me by name. Amazing man. Joe, you do him proud daily!
Loved the story. I had the pleasure of meeting Buck about a year before his death when he visited the sports magazine I was working for. Two memories: 1) He had huge hands; mine disappeared in his when we shook hands. 2) Buck was well into his 90s, but he must have been the handsomest 90-year-old on earth. We had a young (black) woman interning with us, and the very courtly Mr. McNeil still had a twinkle in his eyes for the ladies (and they for him). To be as vibrant and full of life at that age (and considering what he'd been through in his life) was absolutely remarkable. He got a kick out of the fact that I had read his autobiography; I was honored to spend a few minutes in his company.
Thanks Joe. Reading The Soul of Baseball and your stories about Buck are such a gift, and seemingly so incongruous with the times we live in. To have lived the life he lived with the ongoing barriers, inequities and plain bulls*t he must have dealt with, but still to form a life-view that radiates complete positivity, always sees the best in all people -- he was a marvel. I honestly don't know how he could have been put through life's meat grinder and come out like he did.
But his life as told by you, again such a gift. Whenever I encounter an impasse, I can remind myself that I can either take the Buck O'Neil route, or the Monte Irvin route (to me, your defining post from the Baseball 100). Thanks Joe.
Thank you Joe. From the bottom of our collective hearts, thank you.
Question: I’m guessing you were there in San Diego with Buck too. I met him at the SD Hall of Champions and got him to sign his autobiography. Just wondering if there are any cool stories from San Diego that didn’t make it into the Soul of Baseball?
Kinda dusty in here, Joe... Thanks for re-sharing that story. Never, ever stop re-telling it. That story, and how you tell it, and especially the last couple of paragraphs in this telling, never get old.
I love Buck because of you and The Soul of Baseball book. I have read it twice and love it. The only story better than the red dress story is the one about why Satchel Paige called Buck Nancy. Thanks for your wonderful writing.
Your annual Buck stories on the anniversary of his passing are one of the milestones that mark the passage of time. They are always moving and a welcome reminder of the goodness of Buck's character, as well as a gentle nudge on ways I can try to add more kindness and humanity to my daily life. Thank you again.
Your love for Buck is magnificent. Thank you for the stories, for the book, for reminding us regularly of his magnificence. Many many thanks.
I usually clean my email inbox out every evening. It's a habit I've had since I retired from working a full-time job. But, this one I left for a couple of days until I had time to read it even though I knew what it would say. Buck will always be one of my models for life and you are rapidly joining that rarefied air Joe. Thanks.
I had the privilege of not only receiving a Buck hug, but being guided through the museum by him when it was brand new. A grown man with a 5 year old son and he treated us like family immediately. About a year later my son walked up to him at the ballpark with me in tow. He thrust out his hand and called me by name. Amazing man. Joe, you do him proud daily!
Beautiful story, Joe.
Joe
Loved the story. I had the pleasure of meeting Buck about a year before his death when he visited the sports magazine I was working for. Two memories: 1) He had huge hands; mine disappeared in his when we shook hands. 2) Buck was well into his 90s, but he must have been the handsomest 90-year-old on earth. We had a young (black) woman interning with us, and the very courtly Mr. McNeil still had a twinkle in his eyes for the ladies (and they for him). To be as vibrant and full of life at that age (and considering what he'd been through in his life) was absolutely remarkable. He got a kick out of the fact that I had read his autobiography; I was honored to spend a few minutes in his company.
I love the red dress story! Your relationship with Buck O'Neil was so special. Lucky you!
Thanks Joe. Reading The Soul of Baseball and your stories about Buck are such a gift, and seemingly so incongruous with the times we live in. To have lived the life he lived with the ongoing barriers, inequities and plain bulls*t he must have dealt with, but still to form a life-view that radiates complete positivity, always sees the best in all people -- he was a marvel. I honestly don't know how he could have been put through life's meat grinder and come out like he did.
But his life as told by you, again such a gift. Whenever I encounter an impasse, I can remind myself that I can either take the Buck O'Neil route, or the Monte Irvin route (to me, your defining post from the Baseball 100). Thanks Joe.
Thank you Joe. From the bottom of our collective hearts, thank you.
Question: I’m guessing you were there in San Diego with Buck too. I met him at the SD Hall of Champions and got him to sign his autobiography. Just wondering if there are any cool stories from San Diego that didn’t make it into the Soul of Baseball?
Kinda dusty in here, Joe... Thanks for re-sharing that story. Never, ever stop re-telling it. That story, and how you tell it, and especially the last couple of paragraphs in this telling, never get old.
Joe Posnanski writing about Buck O'neil is a red dress you can't walk by. You have to stop and read it.
You're the best, Joe.
I love Buck because of you and The Soul of Baseball book. I have read it twice and love it. The only story better than the red dress story is the one about why Satchel Paige called Buck Nancy. Thanks for your wonderful writing.
Beautiful stuff, thanks!
When my time finally comes, if I have one friend that remembers me as well as you remember Buck, I will have lived a good life.
Your annual Buck stories on the anniversary of his passing are one of the milestones that mark the passage of time. They are always moving and a welcome reminder of the goodness of Buck's character, as well as a gentle nudge on ways I can try to add more kindness and humanity to my daily life. Thank you again.
You're the best, Joe.