When I think about it, I have many modern day heroes. In a time when a president routinely uses disparaging words to describe people he doesn't like, I think it's important to celebrate and emulate remarkable men and women who teach by example and who daily rise above the clatter of the media.
A recent e-mail from a former colleague described his chance meeting with one such 70 year old hero has who has been using descriptive words for over three decades to bring enjoyment to the baseball fans of Toronto. I'm referring to play by play announcer Jerry Howarth who is about to embark on his thirty seventh year behind the mike for the Toronto Blue Jays.
He said Howarth hopes the Jays can maintain a high level of play for one more year.
"They're in the their third and final year of a typical three year cycle of success," he explained.
My colleague then shared with Howarth that he most enjoyed the story of when the announcer met a who woman who thought she recognized him. Not wishing to draw attention to himself, Howarth told her to walk away. As she retreated, he then called out,
"And there she goes," the broadcaster's signature home run call.
Needles to say, she turned and smiled, her perspicacity confirmed.
What a great story.
I hope you get a chance to listen to Gerry Howarth's call of a ball game soon. Not only is he the voice of the Blue Jays, for me, he's the voice of summer.
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