YankeesRedSox.com

Thankfully, the weather cooperated. I watched the repeat of the Old Timer's festivities on YES. Prior to that, they showed a Yankeeography about Thurman (of course). I was 14 when Thurman died. I was literally stunned back then, as he was one of my heroes on that team. Even now, it hurts to watch the video clips from the Stadium after he died, seeing the fans crying. The same holds true about the Monday Night Game of the Week, after they buried Thurman. I still get a lump in my throat watching the ceremony before the game. I remember thinking when I saw Reggie crying "Yeah, right. You and your stupid remark about being the straw that stirs the drink and Thurman can only stir it bad". Honestly, that was the only time that the remark had truly angered me. Looking back now, it seems foolish of me now to have felt that way. I'm sure that regardless of whatever had passed between them, good and bad, at that time, Reggie's reaction sincerely reflected how he felt. And I still get a lump in my throat seeing Bobby Murcer's homerun and game-winning hit. It felt right that he accomplished what he did in that game. At that time, I didn't care about the season or the pennant. All that stuff seemed so insignificant. But that game, I wanted for Thurman, and the way it played out just felt so right. That game was for Thurman, it had to be. It seemed only fair, and not much to ask, really, in the grand scheme of things. He had lost his life, in return all I wanted was that game, on that day. I don't mind telling you, every time I see these clips and I'm reminded of how I felt back then, it still brings tears to my eyes. May he rest in peace.

And Bobby, well, the way he carried himself during his sickness, I think it just reflects so well on the character of the man. Really, I don't believe I would have conducted myself with even a tiny fraction of the grace he did, were I in his shoes. In that sense, he was a role model, at least for me. May he, too, rest in peace.