Judged by the company you keep

[pravata]

(magician) Criss Angel and comedian Carrot Top ...made their way to LAX Nightclub for some late night fun ...Also at LAX last night was professional baseball player Shawn Chacon, who partied on the club’s dance floor and sipped on Patron until early morning hours.
http://thevegaseye.com/home/2008/8/4/whoa-two-top-buffy-the-vampire-slayer-and-angel-cast-members.html

[Ty in Tampa]

(magician) Criss Angel and comedian Carrot Top ...made their way to LAX Nightclub for some late night fun ...Also at LAX last night was professional baseball player Shawn Chacon, who partied on the club’s dance floor and sipped on Patron until early morning hours.
http://thevegaseye.com/home/2008/8/4/whoa-two-top-buffy-the-vampire-slayer-and-angel-cast-members.html

No doubt he was sporting eye liner and fingernail polish too.

[homer]

professional baseball player Shawn Chacon

Doesn't being a professional at something require that you have an actual job? Or even the chance of getting a job in that profession?

[pravata]

Doesn't being a professional at something require that you have an actual job? Or even the chance of getting a job in that profession?

The writer also called Carrot Top a comedian.

[Gizzmonic]

Choke fight on the dance floor?

(magician) Criss Angel and comedian Carrot Top ...made their way to LAX Nightclub for some late night fun ...Also at LAX last night was professional baseball player Shawn Chacon, who partied on the club’s dance floor and sipped on Patron until early morning hours.
http://thevegaseye.com/home/2008/8/4/whoa-two-top-buffy-the-vampire-slayer-and-angel-cast-members.html

[Andyzipp]

(magician) Criss Angel and comedian Carrot Top ...made their way to LAX Nightclub for some late night fun ...Also at LAX last night was professional baseball player Shawn Chacon, who partied on the club’s dance floor and sipped on Patron until early morning hours.
http://thevegaseye.com/home/2008/8/4/whoa-two-top-buffy-the-vampire-slayer-and-angel-cast-members.html

Panic, at the Disco.

[moriartp]

(magician) Criss Angel and comedian Carrot Top ...made their way to LAX Nightclub for some late night fun ...Also at LAX last night was professional baseball player Shawn Chacon, who partied on the club’s dance floor and sipped on Patron until early morning hours.
http://thevegaseye.com/home/2008/8/4/whoa-two-top-buffy-the-vampire-slayer-and-angel-cast-members.html

Maniac on the floor?

[kevwun]

Chacon needs to switch to a cheaper brand.  I don't think he's going to be working anytime soon.

[Jose Cruz III]

Chacon needs to switch to a cheaper brand.  I don't think he's going to be working anytime soon.

He doesn't strike me as a guy that puts alot of thought into the future.

[Andyzipp]

He doesn't strike me as a guy that puts alot of thought into the future.

Patron has never told him to look in a fuckin' mirror.

[Bench]

Patron has never told him to look in a fuckin' mirror.

"Go look in a fuckin' toilet."

[strosrays]

"Christian Audigier The Nightclub"?  "Company American Bistro"?  When did they stop speaking English in Lost Wages?

Also, I had a mojito with Gallagher and Norm Crosby once.

[Taras Bulba]

I drank Buds in cans with the Mick once in Waco.

[toddthebod]

I sat next to Evil Kinievel on a plane once.  I think I had a diet coke.  I don't remember what he was drinking.

[JimR]

I sat next to Evil Kinievel on a plane once.  I think I had a diet coke.  I don't remember what he was drinking.

he did not drink anything, but he broadjumped 15 Coke cans in the center aisle.

[Ty in Tampa]

he did not drink anything, but he broadjumped 15 Coke cans in the center aisle.

And broke 5 bones doing it.

[geezerdonk]

Celebrity encounters would make an interesting Friday thread.

[Gizzmonic]

OK, here is my boring celebrity encounter.

I ran into Luke Wilson at Whole Foods in Austin.  Not literally.

[MusicMan]

I was in an elevator with Nolan Ryan and couldn't think of a thing to say.

I was also once told by John Mackovic that the UT football team was about to run me over.

[Taras Bulba]

And broke 5 bones doing it.

But not before caning a guy in a Cubs hat into a bloody pulp.

[BudGirl]

Ed Wade held the elevator for me and I didn't have the guts to ask for pitching.

[MusicMan]

Did you have any pitching you could have traded him for Ausmus?

[toddthebod]

OK, here is my boring celebrity encounter.

I ran into Luke Wilson at Whole Foods in Austin.  Not literally.

In New York, you tend to see a lot of movies stars.  But there are two stories that really stand out for me.

When I was in college, I was jogging in center city Philadelphia and literally ran into Juilius Erving (and I am a sweaty pig when I run).  I looked up and said "Dr. J.!"  He tried wiping himself off (there was no way that was going to happen -- not without a towel) and said "thanks kid."

Another time, I was waiting to cross the street at 57th and Madison (where I used to work) and Mike Myers was standing next to me.  I said, "Mike, I'm a big fan.  I've seen So I Married and Axe Murderer at least a hundred times."  And he took a couple of steps back and said "allrighty then.  thank you very much."

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

I pee'd next to Noel Gallagher from Oasis at the Flying Saucer downtown.  I thought about whispering that I thought Liam was more talented, because he was 5'7" and I figured I could take him.  But he left without washing his hands before I could get snarky.

[T. J.]

I pee'd next to Noel Gallagher from Oasis at the Flying Saucer downtown.  I thought about whispering that I thought Liam was more talented, because he was 5'7" and I figured I could take him.  But he left without washing his hands before I could get snarky.

Sub-category:  Celebrities you've peed next to.

I peed next to Lyle Lovett in the airport in Albuquerque.

[Ty in Tampa]

Sub-category:  Celebrities you've peed next to.

I peed next to Lyle Lovett in the airport in Albuquerque.

What are you guys doing looking around at the urinal? Eyes front.

[Jacksonian]

I once stood next to Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid in Tiger Stadium while he was filming Everybody's All-American.  She's tiny and not attractive without theatrical makeup.

[Nate in IA]

Sub-category:  Celebrities you've peed next to.

I peed next to Lyle Lovett in the airport in Albuquerque.

I peed next to David Hobbs (for you F1 fans) at the trough in IMS.

[MusicMan]

I once stood next to Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid in Tiger Stadium while he was filming Everybody's All-American.  She's tiny and not attractive without theatrical makeup.

Agreed - I was an extra in a scene for Courage Under Fire, and she ain't all that.

[Taras Bulba]

I peed next to David Hobbs (for you F1 fans) at the trough in IMS.

I hate to drop a piss bomb, but I used the urinal next to Ronald Reagan. 

[MusicMan]

I hate to drop a piss bomb, but I used the urinal next to Ronald Reagan. 

"Mr. President - pee down that wall!"

[gleach]

I hate to drop a piss bomb, but I used the urinal next to Ronald Reagan. 

I peed next to Bush 41 at MMPUS 

[Lurch]

I peed next to Bush 41 at MMPUS 

Did he use the hand blow drier or paper towels?

[gleach]

Did he use the hand blow drier or paper towels?

Neither, I offered the back on my shirt.

[MikeyBoy]

I hate to drop a piss gay bomb, but I used the urinal next to Ronald Reagan Larry Craig. 

FIFY

[gundy315]

I drank Buds in cans with the Mick once in Waco.

Could that have been at George's Bar?

I did some shoulder rehab in the med center a few years ago... Bagwell was there doing the same thing.  I also met and drank a few beers with Todd Helton during his first year in the majors. I didn't really know who he was, other than the fact that he was a backup OF for Colorado. Very cool guy.  I had him sign a couple of balls... which eventually made their way into my BP bucket, to be lost forever.  

[Craig]

I saw Peter Fonda at the tax assessor's office in Livingston, Montana. He was wearing the grimiest Carhartt jacket I've ever seen, and looked like he'd just spent two weeks working on his ranch and decided to go into town to pay his taxes instead of taking a shower first.

Not exactly Scarlett Johannson in a hot tub.

[HudsonHawk]

Too many pro athlete encounters to mention, and have numerous famous singer/musician encounters as well.  The only pee story I can think of is Sinead O'Connor asking me to stand guard at the door while she went in to the men's room.  And no, I don't know if she peed standing up.

[chandler44]

I was on TV once with Gerald Young many moons ago at an Astros Caravan stop in Victoria.  I was getting his autograph (hey, I was young!) while the local TV station interviewed him.

Back in 2004 when we went to Spring Training in Florida, on an off day we went to Universal Studios and we ran into Brad Ausmus and his family there.

[JimR]

I was on TV once with Gerald Young many moons ago at an Astros Caravan stop in Victoria.  I was getting his autograph (hey, I was young!) while the local TV station interviewed him.

Back in 2004 when we went to Spring Training in Florida, on an off day we went to Universal Studios and we ran into Brad Ausmus and his family there.

did you see BudGirl peeking around the potted palm?

[Gizzmonic]

Too many pro athlete encounters to mention, and have numerous famous singer/musician encounters as well.  The only pee story I can think of is Sinead O'Connor asking me to stand guard at the door while she went in to the men's room.  And no, I don't know if she peed standing up.

Were you a bouncer or something?

[HudsonHawk]

Were you a bouncer or something?

Roadie/security/stage hand/asst promoter

[Ty in Tampa]

Roadie/security/stage hand/asst promoter

That's a lot of slashes. Rock 'n Roll!

[EasTexAstro]

I sat in front of Charlton Heston and his wife during a devotional at Abilene Christian University back in '88. I didn't even realize they were behind me until they put the spotlight on him during announcements.

[HudsonHawk]

That's a lot of slashes. Rock 'n Roll!

Rock 'n Roll can be ugly business.  We used to have a saying:  "Rock 'n Roll...where high tech meets low life".

But there are some good guys too.  The guitar player for INXS (forget his name) once asked me to go get him some guitar strings.  So I ran down to Rockin' Robin guitars on Shepherd and got him three sets.  He said "these'll work.  thanks".  Was once sitting around at the backstage spread with Los Lobos, when one of them said "this looks like shit.  I'll buy us a pizza if you'll go get it"  He gave me 40 bucks and I went and got three or four pies.  We sat backstage eating pizza and drinking Dos Equis.

[austro]

Was once sitting around at the backstage spread with Los Lobos, when one of them said "this looks like shit.  I'll buy us a pizza if you'll go get it"  He gave me 40 bucks and I went and got three or four pies.  We sat backstage eating pizza and drinking Dos Equis.

The guys from Los Lobos just seem like they'd fun to hang around with. They don't seem pretentious at all.

[Taras Bulba]

Could that have been at George's Bar?

I did some shoulder rehab in the med center a few years ago... Bagwell was there doing the same thing.  I also met and drank a few beers with Todd Helton during his first year in the majors. I didn't really know who he was, other than the fact that he was a backup OF for Colorado. Very cool guy.  I had him sign a couple of balls... which eventually made their way into my BP bucket, to be lost forever.  

No, it was at a crappy duplex his son was living in off La Salle Avenue.  He was leaning back in a beyond used Lazy Boy and I was sitting on something fucked up and stolen.  I had heard before and since what an ass he could be, but that night he patiently fielded idiot questions from an eighteen year old who really didn't know what to say to a demi god (I would have done better shooting the shit with Jesus or Elvis or even Don Meredith).  He plowed through a couple of sixes and then got into his white Cadillac and fishtailed back to Dallas.  "Adios," he said.

[HudsonHawk]

The guys from Los Lobos just seem like they'd fun to hang around with. They don't seem pretentious at all.

They were.  Some of the coolest guys I ever met, in any walk of life.  Most musicians I've met were generally pretty good.  If they weren't busy, they usually like to hang around and shoot the shit.  On tour, it gets pretty boring, and they like just talking with different people.  Of course some were prima donas and some were assholes from hell, like Red Hot Chili Peppers.  Sinead O'Connor was just psychotic, despite asking me to watch her pee.

[geezerdonk]

Could that have been at George's Bar?

Big O's

[Taras Bulba]

Big O's

Had one or two of 'em while doing time in Waco.

[Kevin]

These are all pretty mediocre and/or lame,

Used to book aged comedians for an annual event of an organization I used to work for. Met and got photographed with Rich Little, Steve Allen and Phyllis Diller. Rich Little's hotel room was littered with underwear for reasons unknown. Steve Allen had a head that was physically the size of a Chevrolet small block. Phyllis Diller unleashed an onslaught of profanity that caused that entire part of town to glow red for several days and effectively ended our obsession with ancient has-beens.

I was once part of an unexpected mosh pit with Rick Springfield after he took out a row of chairs in our section during a surprisingly destructive show.

I once quickly got out of Shaquille O'Neal's way as he frolicked on an airport conveyor belt.

Art Howe once told me to keep practicing.

Talked with Eric Johnson once after a show. Soft-spoken nice guy, and extremely frail and fragile - tried not to break his hand when I shook it.

Opened for Better than Ezra a couple times back in the day.

Unsuccessful ex-LSU football coach Curly Hallman and I once stood together and ogled the same blonde co-ed.

Gerry Hunsicker once gave me a "fuck off and die" expression at a fanfest when I asked him to elaborate on Ausmus' defensive value vs. offensive non-value. In a related brush, Drayton really appreciates Andyzipp's support.

My brother was once violently struck in the head by a shot rejected by Stromile Swift.

I don't think I've peed next to any celebrities, but I'll try to start noticing.

[BUWebguy]

No, it was at a crappy duplex his son was living in off La Salle Avenue.  He was leaning back in a beyond used Lazy Boy and I was sitting on something fucked up and stolen.  I had heard before and since what an ass he could be, but that night he patiently fielded idiot questions from an eighteen year old who really didn't know what to say to a demi god (I would have done better shooting the shit with Jesus or Elvis or even Don Meredith).  He plowed through a couple of sixes and then got into his white Cadillac and fishtailed back to Dallas.  "Adios," he said.

What was Mickey Mantle's son doing in Waco?

[Taras Bulba]

What was Mickey Mantle's son doing in Waco?

Going to college.  I ended up being his fraternity brother.

[subnuclear]

When I was in 8th grade, my dad sent me up to Bill Gates to ask him why they changed the command line prompt in an early MS operating system from "?" to "OK".   Mr. Gates preceded to give me a two minute lecture on the evolution of the command line prompt in early Microsoft products.   

I don't know if "world's greatest living physicist" counts as a celebrity, but I once told Steven Weinberg he was on the wrong elevator. 

[MusicMan]

Have you even seen the kind of groupies celebrity physicists get?

[das]

Have you even seen the kind of groupies celebrity physicists get?

Yes, yes I have.

[gundy315]

Had one or two of 'em while doing time in Waco.

Served more than I care to remember during my tenure there.

[BudGirl]

I've also met Jim Parsons from The Big Bang Theory.

[homer]

Have you even seen the kind of groupies celebrity physicists get?

Compared to a sports star or a rock band? That's just relativity.

[Gizzmonic]

Oh, I also met David Cross at the Austin Film Festival in '99.

He was really cool.  Didn't put on airs at all.

[Limey]

I was with a mate at the Olde George Inn on the southside of London Bridge, when we bumped into Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid) at the bar.  He was on his own and buying one drink.  He seemed pretty wasted (he is Scottish) and offered to buy us a drink.  This is all long before Harry Potter, and we decided that getting saddled with some sloppy-drunk, minor celeb was not what we'd planned for our evening, so we respectfully declined.

Of course, a little while later we realised that Robbie wasn't on his own.  He was actually with the full Comic Strip Presents... crowd, which was basically a who's who of cutting-edge British comedy including Rik Mayall & Adrian Edmonson (both of The Young Ones) as well as Jennifer Saunders (Ab-Fab).  How stupid did we feel...

Have also had momentary encounters with (in no particular order) Jon Lovitz, Christopher Lee, Samantha Fox (the British one, not the porn star), Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, Larry Dierker, Clyde Drexler, The Olsen Twins, Ian Wright, Princess Ann and Mariasela Álvarez Lebrón (Miss World 1982).

[Don]

My own personal "brush with greatness" story --

I was in Boston in 2000 for a conference. The Blue Jays were in town, staying at the same hotel. I was leaving to go to a meeting across town, and had been waiting at the cab stand for about 15 minutes, when a cab finally pulls up. Raul Mondesi blows past me and tries to steal my cab. The attendant says to Mondesi, " I'm sorry sir, but this gentlemen was here first." I got the cab and Mondesi got to wait. It was great.

[subnuclear]

Have you even seen the kind of groupies celebrity physicists get?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4103939.stm
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-12/16/content_400791.htm (w/ picture)

[Taras Bulba]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4103939.stm
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-12/16/content_400791.htm (w/ picture)

Definitive proof that math will fuck you up.

[pravata]

Gatemouth Brown in a little bar in Slidell, Roseanne Barr at the bagel counter at Canter's Deli on Fairfax in Los Angeles, she looked at me, I looked at her, she turned away, I turned away, walking behind John Goodman through a big ass mud puddle at the Jazz Fest.

[Taras Bulba]

Also took a leak next to Drayton at the pee trough at Floyd Casey.  I had had several adult beverages.  He had not.  He assured me the Astros would pick up a big time hitter (went out and signed Carlos Lee a month or so later).  You can all thank me for that but I probably should have told him not to sign any ex-Baylor pukes named Jason Jennings.  Fucked up.

Met Ross Perot a number of times.  He's a little shit in more ways than one.

[MusicMan]

Roseanne Barr at the bagel counter at Canter's Deli on Fairfax in Los Angeles, she looked at me, I looked at her

And you didn't turn into stone?

[Limey]

Met Ross Perot a number of times.  He's a little shit in more ways than one.

My Ross Perot story:

I was working in London, and as a favour to our Dallas office, we handled a boat policy for some bloke I'd never heard of called H. Ross Perot.  On the schedule of boats was an unnamed hull, but the underwriters in Lloyd's didn't care because it was dry-docked with the engine removed.  Well, one day we get a request to have the underwriters note that this hull was now re-engined and back in the water.

Well, not unsurprisingly, the underwriter had a few questions.  What is it?  What's it called (important in marine circles)?  What's the usage, power plant etc. etc.  We received great resistence from our colleagues in Dallas, who insisted that this was an important client, and this "hull" should be insured for operation for no additional premium and no questions answered.  The underwrter told them to get knotted, and we duly passed on the response.

The next morning a fax arrived.  It gave the details of a jet black, inshore power boat that went by the name "Darth Vader".  The engine was, in fact, two V-12 Lambourginis.  The underwriter declined to offer coverage.

[pravata]

And you didn't turn into stone?

Don't jump to conclusions.  I'll say this though, she was extremely low key.  I saw Sara Gilbert on Rodeo Drive and she was acting like an idiot trying to attract attention.  No one cared.

[Ty in Tampa]

I met George Carlin after his show at the Music Hall in 1977.

I helped Drew Pearson with his luggage as a bellman at the Flagship in 1980.

I drove Jane Pauley from the Today Show set on the riverwalk to the St. Anthony hotel in SA while interning with NBC in 1983. Met Gumbel too but he was an asshole.

Ran in to Ed Bradley at JazzFest a few years back. I met Allen Toussaint as he was walking around the grandstand this year.

[strosrays]

I helped Drew Pearson with his luggage as a bellman at the Flagship in 1980.

No shit?  Do you remember a 20-ish drunk out in the hotel parking lot one night around that time, screaming at anyone who would listen that the radio station out front of the hotel was actually a fucking flying saucer and he was going to have to whip out his big 10-inch and shoot the motherfucker with a death ray in order to save all mankind?

If so, that might have been me.  Fucking Sauza.

[Ty in Tampa]

No shit?  Do you remember a 20-ish drunk out in the hotel parking lot one night around that time, screaming at anyone who would listen that the radio station out front of the hotel was actually a fucking flying saucer and he was going to have to whip out his big 10-inch and shoot the motherfucker with a death ray in order to save all mankind?

If so, that might have been me.  Fucking Sauza.

KUFO

[Ron Brand]

I worked for the Texas House of Representatives for fifteen years, so I met all manner of politicos and folks they brought in for different reasons.  I've met the Bushes, worked a lot w/Shrub, Mark White, Ann Richards and Bill Clements when they were Governor and Rick Perry when he was a Rep; I can't remember them all but I met Nolan Ryan, A J Foyt, Justin Wilson, Kevin Costner, Jesse Jackson, Bill Clinton, Ross Perot, George Foreman, Chuck Norris, Barbara Jordan, Joe DiMaggio, Muhammad Ali, ZZ Top, Nellie Connally, Lady Bird Johnson, Bob Bullock and dozens of others.  I didn't get close to Prince Charles when he was here in 1986 but I did stand less than three feet from the Queen of England when she was here.  Didn't say anything though.

I was behind Sam Snead in line at a 7-11 after a Legends round.  He bought a Schlitz in a can. Made small talk with Arnold Palmer at the course earlier.

Stood next to Elvis Costello at the bar at Raul's in '78 when he ordered a Lone Star.  Up until he spoke I thought he was somebody dressed up in a very convincing Elvis Costello costume.

Stood at the monitor board watching Robin Trower and shot the breeze with Randy Bachman.  I thought he was just some fat guy hanging around the board.

I met James Doohan at some UT function in the late 70s, that was pretty cool.  I was the producer of the crew that got the last interview with Barbara Jordan before she died.  She had these awards all over her office, and I moved a few of them to give us a better background for the shot.  One of them was a crystal base with some crystal thing on top of it, almost like a football.  When I picked it up I learned that it was two pieces, not one, and the football fell off.  I caught it.  Fortunately, I was behind her and she never knew.  Later I found out it was some award that had been given to her by Nelson Mandela.  When the interview was over, we all had brought something for her to autograph and she broke out in huge laughter when I brought out my two copies of the New York Times from the day that Nixon resigned.  She happily signed both.

[HudsonHawk]

Stood at the monitor board watching Robin Trower and shot the breeze with Randy Bachman.  I thought he was just some fat guy hanging around the board.

I went fishing with Robin Trower once.

[strosrays]

I went fishing with Robin Trower once.

His new LP with Jack Bruce is pretty fucking good, BTW.

[Ron Brand]

I went fishing with Robin Trower once.

I was backstage before the show and he came zipping down the stairs the same time I went zipping up them and I almost clocked him.  I have a friend who DID clock John Entwistle coming out of an elevator in a hotel in LA.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Within days after moving to Austin in '94, one night though a strange turn of events, I ended up on Willie's bus and shared a joint with Willie and James Michener. Michener was about 87 at the time and I couldn't believe it was happening. I said something stupid to Willie like, "I have all you records," and I told Mr. Michener something equally lame, like, "I've read all your books."

Another time aound '84 I was backstage at a Kinks concert and met Dave Davies, I think I told him, "You're my favorite guitarist," Hell, if I had ran into Ray, I'm quite sure I'd a shit myself.

Another time I was hanging out backstage with my friends in the Del Fuegos (who had just opened for INXS) and the Bangles show up to party. I talked a bit with the bass player, Michael Steele, but Susanna Hoffs effectively turned me into a retarded mute. 

About 27 years ago I once hung out with Mark Mothersbaugh of DEVO.

A couple of weeks ago I ran into Britt Daniel and Jim Eno of the band Spoon having a late dinner at El Azteca. I've seen the band on stage a few times, seeing them at the next table, they seemed younger.

[Andyzipp]

I was upgraded to First Class once and sat across the row from Bill Maher and his assistant.  He was pretty much a jackass to the stews and his assistance.

I also flew SWA and shared a row with Tom Penders while he was coaching at Texas.  He smelled terrific.

[Ron Brand]

Sphinx, any of the Bangles would turn me into a retarded mute.

[mihoba]

During a family outing at Disneyland one summer, Lucille Ball drew a crowd when she made an appearance, but one of my Aunt's dragged me over to an older man sitting in a golf cart like thing off to the side of where Lucy was. He was very nice and shook my little five year old hand. He died later that year.

RIP, Walt Disney.

[Ron Brand]

I'd forgotten a couple.  Elvis shook my hand twice during a concert in Austin in 1977.  I was jammed up against the stage and couldn't have moved if I'd wanted to.

When I was 8 or 9, we waited for autographs after a game at the Dome vs. the Giants.  After waiting what seemed like forever, all I had to show for it was Bob Bolin and Dick Dietz.  Finally, the guy we were all waiting for came out, Willie.  Immediately there was a knot of kids surrounding him and I was directly in front of him.    He was not interested in signing our stuff and was striding fast to the bus.  My little kid legs weren't as fast going backwards as his Hall of Fame legs were going forward, and I got tangled up and kicked him square in the shin.  He jumped onto the bus, went to the back and closed the window.  I stopped being a Willie Mays fan after that.

I met Wahoo McDaniel in the early 70s.  That was a high point.

[Andyzipp]

If we want to make this baseball related...In ~January, 1992, I spotted a guy rocking a mullet at the Summit during an Rockets game. He we enjoying the game, so we waited for him to get up and head to the concourse.

We sprinted up the stairs, and caught him (probably before he was headed to the toilet) and asked for an autograph.  He seemed genuinely amazed that a) anyone recognized him, b) anyone would want his autograph at a basketball game and c) he didn't pee himself.

That man was humble and gracious, and somewhere around here I still have his signature on the back of a Subway card.

That man...was Jeff Bagwell.

[Nate in IA]

Okay, something that happened last night.   We have a Class A farm team for the Los Angelas Angels of Anehiem (The Kernels) here in Cedar Rapids and last night they had an event that let the Boy and Cub Scouts camp on the field.   I'm den leader for a bunch of rowdy 7 year old boys and so was our pack representative.  Turned out only one other boy showed up with his dad but we had a good time nonetheless.   Before the game they had us all march out on the field and surround the infield with our Pack and American flags for the National Anthem.   We ended up behind home plate when much to my surprise, Tim Purpura walks out on the field.   Turns out he's the COO for minor league baseball now and he and the CEO (whose name I've forgotten and am too lazy to look up) were there to give $25,000 to the Kernel's Foundation to help with the flood recovery.  No, I didn't get to talk to him at all, just stood maybe 5 feet from him while they made the presentation.   

The Kernel's immediately turned around and gave the $25000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cedar Rapids whose head thought he was there just to observe the event.  Pretty neat gesture.

We then watched a pretty darn good pitchers duel though I was there with my family and thus haven't a clue who the pitchers were.   The hometown guy pitched through the 8th and was ecstatic to get a strikeout looking to escape bases loaded on a hit and two walks.   He walked a .188 hitter on 4 pitches bringing up the .383 hitter whom he struck out. 

After we got our tent set up and had something to eat (provided by the Kernel's) they showed Alvin & The Chipmunks until 12:45am.   Reverie was at 6am this morning so I'm pretty tired typing this but thought it was pretty cool.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I lived in Oklahoma City back in the early '80s and went to a football game between OU and USC. I noticed, about 6 rows in front of me, O.J. Simpson. I didn't want to bother him but was inexplicably compelled by some weird invisible hand of pop culture to ask him for an autograph. I'm not stupid, so I waited until a comely blond coed approached him and I edged in behind her. Odje looked more than happy to accommodate the nice looking young woman's request, but when I then asked him if he might be so kind to autograph my ticket stub, his look changed to a scowl. As he begrudgingly scrawled his mark, he shot me a look of utter contempt. It gave me a chill, a feeling like I just went somewhere I didn't belong. I never forgot that look. I remembered that look he gave me a few years later when I heard about the murders and I knew he was not only capable of what he was accused of but probably guilty.
 
Some wallet thief ended up with that autographed ticket stub.

[Craig]

I lived in Oklahoma City back in the early '80s and went to a football game between OU and USC. I noticed, about 6 rows in front of me, O.J. Simpson. I didn't want to bother him but was inexplicably compelled by some weird invisible hand of pop culture to ask him for an autograph. I'm not stupid, so I waited until a comely blond coed approached him and I edged in behind her. Odje looked more than happy to accommodate the nice looking young woman's request, but when I then asked him if he might be so kind to autograph my ticket stub, his look changed to a scowl. As he begrudgingly scrawled his mark, he shot me a look of utter contempt. It gave me a chill, a feeling like I just went somewhere I didn't belong. I never forgot that look. I remembered that look he gave me a few years later when I heard about the murders and I knew he was not only capable of what he was accused of but probably guilty.
 
Some wallet thief ended up with that autographed ticket stub.

O.J. probably stole it back.

[Ty in Tampa]

O.J. probably stole it back.

"Bring guns and look menacing."

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

O.J. probably stole it back.

Well dammit, I hadn't thought about that. Case solved. His M.O. is all over it. I guess, in a way, I'm lucky to have left my wallet in my car that day.

[The Third Man]

What was Mickey Mantle's son doing in Waco?

The whole time I was thinking "what in the fuck was Mick Jagger doing there?" and "Wow, he drives a white Cadillac!"

Brush with greatness: got Elvis Costello's autograph in Houston in 1999. Nice guy.