I met Tim Wallach in person for the first time this week at a Dodger's Spring Training game at the new Salt River Fields Rockies/Diamondbacks complex in Scottsdale. I've had this jersey for years and never worn it, debating whether to use it or frame it. Now it's getting framed.
I tracked down front row tickets third base line on stubhub and made my wife and two brother in-laws get to the game ridiculously early to give myself every chance to meet Wallach.
The Dodgers bus parked in a tunnel in center field and the players walk in from there. Tim spotted my jersey from about 2nd base (I didn't have to yell at him like a 9yr old kid) and motioned that he'd be over in a second. He put his coffee in the dugout and came right over. He said "nice uni" as he walked up, shook my hand, and signed my jersey. I told him it was a real thrill for me to meet him and that he had been my childhood hero. He was very nice and accommodating.
Growing up in Cooperstown, I had the opportunity to meet a lot of Hall of Famers in person. Everyone from Ted Williams, Stan Musial, to Reggie Jackson, and non-famers like Pete Rose and Clete Boyer. I've met a handful of rock stars, and more than a few Syracuse legends such as Boeheim and McNabb. This was far and away the greatest fanboy experience I've ever had. Thanks Tim.
