Congratulations to Jeff Bagwell. He deserved the HOF and he got it. He was the top of the heap in this year's voting by the BASEBALL WRITERS.
I have known him since he became an Astro and he handled my in depth, and often non sensical questions throughout his career. I could spin yarns about Bags but I might bore you, so I thought I would tell one story that I remember that had little to do with baseball or what the Astros were doing on that day or night.
He and I were sitting in the dugout at the Dome. I was at the ballpark early that day to get set for a live remote on the 6pm news. I had already been told Jeff would be getting treatment so he couldn't be the victim or rather, the guest. I told him I dream about being a big leaguer. He said "sometimes it isn't all that great". I was sure he wasn't talking about the pay checks. He went on to say "I play hurt, my shoulder is killing me, and it's a grind. Night after night, the same challenge". I told Jeff every job has it's downside. My job seems pretty cool but there are times I don't feel like talking. I added I had a friend who worked for PLAYBOY in Chicago. He set up lights for their photo shoots and it got to be boring day after day..
Baggy looked at me as if I had just broken his favorite bat. "That can't be true" he told me. I assured him the guy called in sick all the time. Bags shook his head and walked away telling me I was obviously kidding. I wasn't. He remains shocked to this day.