World Series 'Most Memorable Moments': From A Runner

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|| SportsShooter.com: News Item: Posted 2002-10-25

World Series 'Most Memorable Moments': From A Runner
Part Four (the final installment) of 'Runnin' With The Flash Cards' at the 2002 World Series in San Francisco.

By Grover Sanschagrin

The third and final day of my service as 'runner' for USA Today came and went, and just when I was finally starting to fine-tune my ability to read the minds of the photo staff, it was time to go home.

Ahhh, the life of the runner. Always, uh, running. Running from one hard-to-reach photo position to another. Running from a remote camera that won't fire and then to deliver a message to a photographer who doesn't have a radio. Running from one running job to another. I get the feeling the running never actually stops.

And yes, I know that this – the fourth (and final) part of the "Runnin' With The Flash Cards" is LATE. I ran my ass off yesterday, and practically passed out immediately upon returning home.

This morning (uh, well, 11:30am here in California sure felt like morning), when I woke up and checked my email, I was amazed at all the email I found – asking me when the next (and final) installment would be ready! I sure am glad you all have a sense of humor.

So, let's wrap up this little series. (In other words, I've got some real work to do.)

Photo by Grover Sanschagrin

I was being courteous, but I didn't know I didn't have to be! (Also, in the upper right portion of the frame -- is that a BUCKET HAT? Or a dish microphone?)

One of the most talked-about things during Game 4 of the 2002 World Series was that MasterCard 'Most Memorable Moments' thing that happened just before the start of the game. Everyone loves a good (smoke-filled) fireworks show, for sure. But not everyone agreed with the choice of Cal Ripkin, Jr.'s 2131-consecutive games played as MOST memorable in the history of the game.

Hell, I think PETE 'Banned for Life' ROSE walking out onto the field during the 2002 World Series' 'Most Memorable Moments' presentation was more memorable than that!

One of the photographers shooting the game (who shall go nameless to protect his masculinity) confessed to me that he STILL can't watch that historic speech by Lou Gehrig without crying – and that the 'Luckiest Man' address would have been his choice, hands down.

So I thought it would be a good series-ending idea to mention some "Memorable Moments" from my three-day career as USA Today 2002 World Series 'runner.'

Memorable Moment #1: Realizing That Those Signs Ain't For Me.
Pacific Bell Park is such a nice, respectful place. They have people (with signs) standing at the top of each aisle in the park who ask you to wait until there is no batter in 'the box' before you return to your seat (usually with beer, garlic fries, beer, or beer.)

This way, people who are watching the game aren't blocked by people returning to their seats. Good idea. So I was very careful during all three days, not to mess with this system.

Well, in the 7th inning of game #5, I realized that this rule, and these signs, don't apply to 'runners.' I watched as another runner just blew right past the sign holder, and the sign holder cleared the way for this runner! DAMN! This whole time I have been holding back, and there was no need to do so.

After the game I was looking all over the stadium for a 'Suggestion Box', but couldn't find any. I wanted to request that they add the line "Except for Runners" at the bottom of those signs. (Maybe when we get that union all set up, this can be worked into the contracts.)

Memorable Moment #2: Discovering Hidden Benefits Of The Bucket Hat
Mangin sent me one of each item for sale in the SportsShooter.com store, and at first, I laughed at him for getting these silly bucket hats. But I decided that, during Game 4, I would wear it just for fun.

What I soon realized was that my hearing was GREATLY improved!

These bucket hats, with that rim of fabric that runs all the way around them, are like your own personal dish microphone (you know those clear plexiglass microphones that the TV guys always slide in front of your camera at the worst possible moment? Well, the same laws of audio physics that make them work happen with the bucket hat!)

In addition, I think the females really go for a guy in a bucket hat. (Just my observation, of course.)

So, in other words, go to the store and get yourself a bucket hat. I should have listened to Gruber LONG AGO when he told me that the Bucket Hat was "it."

Memorable Moment #3: Robin Williams Is Short
As I was running through the tunnels in the basement of the stadium during Game 3, I ran right past Robin Williams (the actor/comedian/Mork-From-Ork.) He was just about to try and walk into a locked janitor's closet when several people around him pointed out that this was NOT a bathroom door. They showed him the correct door, and (I assume) everything went well.

I was surprised, though, that I was actually taller than him. Not sure why this even popped into my head, but I am 5'11", and I feel like I am normally the shortest person in the group. Isn't there some law that says you can't be on television or in movies unless you are AT LEAST 6 feet tall?

Memorable Moments #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10: Meeting SportsShooter.com Members
(Uh oh, here comes the sappy part.) It was great to finally get to meet so many SportsShooter.com members face-to-face. Everyone I met had nothing but good things to say. (Cool!)

I was even able to do a little face-to-face technical support work for member Aric Crabb.

*********

OK, so this is the end. I am now officially retired from my career as 'runner.'

(Having said that, I do reserve the right to pull a Jordan and come out of retirement for the right price. Unlike Mike, I can easily be bought – and usually for next to nothing. Like, say, a boxed lunch 15 minutes before game time, for example.)

Related Links:

Link: Part One of this Series

Link: Part Two of this Series

Link: Part Three of this Series

Grover's SportsShooter.com Member Page