special treat for mister willie

When Berry first contacted me a few weeks ago about a surprise they had for the old man, I let him know that there was a birthday coming up.

What great timing!

That would provide the perfect cover story for their wanting him to come out there!

So, we went on that premise: a luncheon in honor of his 81st birthday.

(smile!)

Several phone calls later, the date was set for yesterday and we finalized plans.

I would be in charge of transport there and back, they would be in charge of everything else.

Part of that included setting him up in the comfy chair!

Then, the Bananas crew sang "Happy Birthday" to him, while he sat like the humble man he is and took it.

(He had already tried to stop them, to no avail! Hahaha!)

Then it was time for this baseball fan to partake of standard baseball food: hotdogs, sodas, burgers!

That meant it was time for standard baseball talk, too, between him and Berry, as they are wont to do on game nights!

By that time, the others had gone back to their desks to do what needed to be done while the guest of honor was distracted.

Willie didn't have a clue about what was forthcoming.

Honestly, neither did I.

So, when Berry had helped him to his feet and led him back toward the main office, the surprise there almost knocked his feet out from under him.

Literally.

A chair had to be rustled up for him to sit and a moment had to pass for him to compose himself.

He was so honored and so moved.

The Savannah Bananas had commissioned local artist Panhandle Slim to create a sign in his honor.

The quote used was from the interview Willie did with Jesse back in February.

Asked then if he would be attending the summer games, Willie said, "If the Lord's willing, I'll be here. Baseball is in my blood."

Excellent quote from him!

The sign will be installed in the main concourse for the 2020 season.

How wonderful!