The Deep Green Field

Ron Fairley died today. I never met him but I knew him well.

He played Right Field and First Base for the Dodgers when I was in college.

He was supremely competent, personable and approachable.

He gave 5 min lessons at the beginning of the broadcast on some aspect of baseball.

The one I remember was his class on catching a ball.

He was alone on a wide verdant green field.

Just a speck.

He narrated his moves, footwork and glove positioning as the ball approached.

Then the footwork, hand and eye coordination to pass the ball to the infield.

I always had that image imprinted for no discernible reason.

I sat in a C130 doing a nap of the earth flight for 45 minutes.

It was August at Ft Bragg and I was fully rigged.

I sweated, I breathed in halting anxious gulps.

I almost fainted.

I almost threw up.

I was going under.

Embarrassing for a 2Lt and a plane full of my troops.

I closed my eyes and saw that green field.

I transported myself to Right Field.

I did what he did.

Calm, controlled.

I was Ron Fairley.

I caught and threw the ball.

As he taught.

Later, in a deeper, far away green, I was being greatly tested.

I became Ron Fairley.

Several times.

It always worked.

Ron did far more than play baseball.

I know.

I was Ron Fairley.

I will miss Ron.

We were team mates.