You know who you are Joe. I only know you as Joe Shlabotnick, so I'm going with Joe.
I'm glad you requested this because I never would have thought to make it and I think it looks pretty cool.
I have met Bud Harrelson a number of times. First, back in 1970 or '71, I met him outside Shea, out back by the Mets bullpen. It was getaway day and the Mets were boarding the team bus for the airport. They didn't have time to stop and give any autographs. Buddy must have considered this and he had prepared a few dozen postcards (that pictured the Shea Stadium field from the box seats level) and he had autographed them all.
How many players would think that far ahead for just a bunch of nutty fans who waited an hour or so for the players to file out to the bus? How many would be that considerate?
Bud was always like that.
So when Harrelson came out, I was smiling and waving at him as he walked up. He was smiling and waving to everyone. Bud had the stack of postcards in his hand and he gave a few out while approaching. He still had the bulk of the pile left when he got to the bus. I was one of the closest fans to the bus doors (typical police "horse" barricades were set up) and he walked right up to me and said," Hey, could you please give these out? Keep one for yourself, but please share the rest with these people." I was like, " No problem Buddy, I'll be glad to help! Thanks a lot, man!", and I shook his hand excitedly.
And I did that thing.
And ever since Derrel McKinley Harrelson has held a place in my heart, a space reserved for what I consider to be special people. My respect and love for Buddy goes way beyond the normal respect I have for any ballplayer. Because he is more to me.
He is a great human being.
