Great Partner
 

Just returned from Iraq. Remembered that I did the plate last, two years ago and was suiting up in the parking lot when I arrived. Had my back twice when a coach was yapping. When I shook his hand and told him he called a great game, he said, "I was doing all I could to stay behind the catcher, I didn't have a cup on!":eek: Never mentioned it until we were in the parking lot!

Great AND LUCKY!!!

Not just back but back.

Before I went over, I was calling semo-pro ball and in order to get my papers, I had to have an operation on my butt. Major stuff. I had games to do so when I came out of the hospital the next day, my wife called my all time partner and told him that I was post-op. I never told anyone about my operation, so when I get to the park, Rick comes over to me while I am suiting up and says "I want the dish." Which was kinda odd. So next game comes, it's 90 degrees and climbing, no time limits, 9 innings, I begin to suit up. "Hey, let me take the twinbill."

I was hurting bad, I said OK. He goes to take the home plate meeting. I follow on and as I get there I hear him arguing with the coach about taking 2 plates in a row.

I went back and suited up, Rick took damn near every call on the field and both coaches had no problem since he had set the tone for my disabilities.

It was one of the greatest kindnesses.

Rick went to Iraq on a job we found, made a bucket load of money, now is retired in TX.

God Love You, Rick. :D