I met the man during the Floridian spring of 1977. When you are introduced to Joe Garvey you don't easily forget the moment. His smile is quickly trumped by the strength and sincerity of his handshake. Joe, and his wife Millie, were a main stay at Dodgertown during that time since their son Steve wore the uniform number six for the Dodgers.
Joe Garvey's son was instrumental in my years with the Dodgers. He contributed in making my role as team photographer a memorable experience, whether that be his presence on or off the field. Joe's son welcomed my family into his home. We shared many a laugh together and I listened when he would offer up counsel over the years. He was a magnet of popularity by the fans. It was obvious that Joe taught his son well. Joe taught him how to separate celebrity status and personal consideration. For instance, it was Joe's son that asked me for my mother's phone number so that he could call her and wish her well the night before her cancer surgery. He called my mom, he called her from our Yankee Stadium visiting clubhouse a few minutes prior to his introduction to the baselines of a nationally televised World Series game. After the game I thanked him. Number six knew the importance of parents.
Many people already know the story that Joe Garvey drove the team bus for the Dodgers during spring training. Joe always politely displayed his pride in his son. Years after leaving the Dodgers I was attending a minor league game in Lake Elsinore, CA. Fate would have it, the smiling usher manning the third base section was none other than Joe Garvey. We shared laughs and good memories that evening. I learned that several years prior, he and Millie moved west to be closer to number six and his family. I can't tell you who won or lost the game that evening, however, I can say I went home with a smile having reconnected with an old friend.
Steve spent eighteen years in the major leagues and experienced many highs and lows when it came to baseball wins and losses. This past week he endured the toughest of all losses...the passing of his dad, Joe.
Steve Garvey will always be known as a successful major league first baseman. Those of us that know Steve personally also appreciate his career accomplishments but more importantly, we realize number six was truly blessed with a Hall of Fame dad.
2 comments:
I am so sorry for Steve, his family and friends who knew his dear dad like you did. This is very touching and very sad. Thanks for letting me know. I have great admiration for Steve.
Sy Sussman
Rich - I didn't know that you were friends with Steve Garvey. My 1st cousin, who lives in Tampa Florida, played in the minors with Steve many years ago. He was a catcher, Larry Somerville, and he and Steve were also friends. When Larry didn't move up to the majors, he went into his father's insurance business in Tampa. I'm not sure if Larry and Steve kept in touch, but I'm sure Larry remembers his Dad.
Post a Comment