Grew up on the West side of Phoenix, lived on a farm that I-10 now runs through and apartments and gas stations cover up.
Went to Isaac School at 35th and McDowell when the Phoenix City limits at 27th Avenue. We had the Phoenix Suns, a semi pro baseball team that played in the Border league.
Pitched in High School, had a lot of junk and good placement, but no speed. Nearly wore my neck out twisting my head after the pitch to watch the ball go over the outfield fence. Guess I placed it too well for the batter.
Went to JC not because I wanted the education but to play ball and maybe get into a try out. Did a job on my elbow during the fall in practice and ended up 27 years later having to have surgery on it.
Dropped out, bummed around and went into the Army where I played softball and went to Saudi Arabia for the playoffs
Coached JV Baseball and Softball at the local High School for over 20 years, went to State a couple of time, always the bridesmaid, never the bride. Learned a lot. But I got a couple of kids who went on, one who got a scholarship at Yavapai and then Texas A & M. Another who got drafted in the college development program of the D-backs, another who got into the Pirates minor leagues.
Stats are okay, but I don't think they are a true indicator of the man. Some guy can set and make up all the stats in the world, but they don't allow for the effort one gives or doesn't give, doesn't measure the "Fire" in a man.
Got season tickets at the Dbacks and have always supported them since they opened. Before that it was the Indians, because they practiced in Tucson. Still watch and hope for the Tribe, guess I always liked the underdogs.