When Folks Go Batty
Now here's one to file under "Recent Developments":
There's an old man from Wading River who, not unlike everyone else in the community, periodically stops by the local drug store, supermarket, et cetera, to stock up on necessities. However, unlike most, he rides a bicycle to his various destinations. Most notably, this man, unlike anyone else, wears uniforms and, most recently, a certain costume everywhere he goes around town.
For years (at the very least, ever since I was in my early teens), this man has worn a New York Yankees uniform, helmet and all, while riding his bike / waiting for a bus / picking up groceries in Rocky Point, Shoreham and Wading River. I believe he may even have a baseball bat, as well. Because he wears Mickey Mantle's number (7), some call him "The Mick"; I just refer to him as "Grandpa Yankee." It gets stranger, too: during the off-season, he rides around wearing Army fatigues. To my knowledge, he hasn't received any nicknames for this outfit, as he's far better known for his Yankee uniform.
Now, I hope you realize I'm not actually trying to poke fun at this man or exploit him; I understand perfectly well that, if he's not seeking attention, he could seriously be deranged. Most, if not all, locals seem to share my attitude; he's never insulted or ridiculed for his dress. People often honk and wave to Grandpa Yankee, and I've actually seen a handful of people in conversation with him while they were waiting for the bus. Personally, I've always admired him for both his friendliness and his gusto. I mean, he isn't some odd teenager (or 20-year-old, in my case) who occasionally wears odd costumes for a joke; he does this nearly every day, and he's very pleasant about all of the attention it creates.
Of course, I'm also amazed with his latest outfit, which was the inspiration for this entire post: lately, Grandpa Yankee has been sighted wearing in full Batman garb. Yes, Batman. Cape, cowl and all. It's something I wish I'd thought of first.
I suppose the bottomline of this all is:
There's an old man dressed as Batman riding around Shoreham, Wading River, and especially Rocky Point. If you see him, honk or wave; he's a nice guy.
There's an old man from Wading River who, not unlike everyone else in the community, periodically stops by the local drug store, supermarket, et cetera, to stock up on necessities. However, unlike most, he rides a bicycle to his various destinations. Most notably, this man, unlike anyone else, wears uniforms and, most recently, a certain costume everywhere he goes around town.
For years (at the very least, ever since I was in my early teens), this man has worn a New York Yankees uniform, helmet and all, while riding his bike / waiting for a bus / picking up groceries in Rocky Point, Shoreham and Wading River. I believe he may even have a baseball bat, as well. Because he wears Mickey Mantle's number (7), some call him "The Mick"; I just refer to him as "Grandpa Yankee." It gets stranger, too: during the off-season, he rides around wearing Army fatigues. To my knowledge, he hasn't received any nicknames for this outfit, as he's far better known for his Yankee uniform.
Now, I hope you realize I'm not actually trying to poke fun at this man or exploit him; I understand perfectly well that, if he's not seeking attention, he could seriously be deranged. Most, if not all, locals seem to share my attitude; he's never insulted or ridiculed for his dress. People often honk and wave to Grandpa Yankee, and I've actually seen a handful of people in conversation with him while they were waiting for the bus. Personally, I've always admired him for both his friendliness and his gusto. I mean, he isn't some odd teenager (or 20-year-old, in my case) who occasionally wears odd costumes for a joke; he does this nearly every day, and he's very pleasant about all of the attention it creates.
Of course, I'm also amazed with his latest outfit, which was the inspiration for this entire post: lately, Grandpa Yankee has been sighted wearing in full Batman garb. Yes, Batman. Cape, cowl and all. It's something I wish I'd thought of first.
I suppose the bottomline of this all is:
There's an old man dressed as Batman riding around Shoreham, Wading River, and especially Rocky Point. If you see him, honk or wave; he's a nice guy.