Preseason, 1993, Giants Fan Fest (or what they held prior to Fan Fest):
They set up tables for autographs and I stood in a different line than my sibs.
After waiting in line for about 30 minutes, I left the line I was in and stood with my sisters in another line.
A few minutes later, the players started to come out and sit at the tables for autographs. I can’t remember if we were in line for Darren Lewis or Royce Clayton.
The line that I had left?
Willie Mays started signing.
I was kicking myself (and continue to do so to this day) because I missed my chance to meet my Dad’s favorite player of all time, and possibly get a picture with him and an autograph for my Dad.
Later when I told my Dad what happened, he just kind of shrugged and said that it was okay. But I was (and still am) upset with myself because even 31 years ago, Willie Mays was a big frickin’ deal to me.
He still is a big deal to me, even though I actually have no memory of seeing him play with the Giants.
Rest in Peace, Say Hey Kid.