Monday, February 28, 2011

Reflecting


I learned of Duke Snider's death yesterday the way learn of many baseball related stories...from my fellow bloggers.

I was sad to hear of Duke's passing. We share last names, but as best as I've been able to uncover, we aren't related. I always intended to send him a TTM request because he was one of the most accommodating players about signing. I'll always regret not sending out the TTM request, but not as much as I regret the loss of another of baseball's legends. It's yet another sign that no matter who you are, your day will come. It's humbling in a way. While Duke is gone, he'll not soon be forgotten. Can we say as much?

I just read about the death of Frank Buckles. He was the last surviving U.S. Veteran from World War I. That's the first great war. He was 110 years old and he lied about his age so he could enlist at the ripe old age of 16 1/2. I daresay that most of us would have had other things on our mind at the age of 16 1/2.

Frank and Duke both left their mark on history and unlike many of their comrades, they lived long lives. Long enough to enjoy the fruits of their labors.

Still, they will be missed.

RIP Frank Buckles and Duke Snider.

1 comment: