The show was hosted by Matt Pittman, Mack Strong and Dave Wyman. Kam Chancellor called in part way through, as did John Clayton and Mike Sando. Later, Anthony Hargrove showed up for an in-person interview. Someone noticed John Moffitt and Breno Giacomini were hanging out in a booth toward the back. The show was fine, but it was the men who made up the show that left an impression.
Wyman came by our table after they were done and spent probably 15-20 minutes just shootin’ the shit. We talked about guys he played with like Alonzo Mitts and Rufus Porter. We talked about radio show personalities that shall remain nameless. We just talked. He wasn’t doing the obligatory “mix with the fans” thing. He was just a guy in a bar talking.
Behind me was Mack Strong sitting in a booth with who I assume was his wife and a couple other ladies. The World Series was on the TV in extra innings, and Albert Pujols was coming to bat with a chance to tie the game. Strong and I were both expecting a big hit until we realized they were going to intentionally walk Pujols. I told Strong the story of Lance Berkman, and what he had said about the Rangers before the season as we watched Berkman look horrible on a few swings before tying the game with a clutch hit. By the time I had to leave, I shook Strong’s hand and thanked him for being a great Seahawk, and for one of my favorite runs ever when he clinched the victory over the Redskins in the playoffs with a 30-yard rumble.
Earlier, Hargrove took the time to shake the hands of everyone at our table and around the restaurant that was paying attention. I passed Moffitt on the way to the restroom, and he was gracious when I introduced myself and shook his hand. Meanwhile, I had been jokingly harassing Chancellor on Twitter that he should be there in person, and he was responding.
We all know that this new age of social media has reduced the degrees of separation between fans and players. That sounds great until you find out the player you are talking to is a prick. Meeting guys that are as successful and humble as Wyman, Strong, Hargrove, and Moffitt isn’t only rewarding as a fan, but it is refreshing as a man to know success doesn’t have to equal conceit.
There are people far less successful than these guys who fancy themselves as far bigger celebrities. I was not impressed by a few media members at Seahawks training camp who gave me the “kiss the ring” reaction when I introduced myself. Consider yourselves lucky that this franchise is made up of more than just great players, but good solid people.