I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Peter Gammons is one of the reasons I originally got into journalism. His writing is both informative and poetic and just his presence garners respect.
At the Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star game in Wareham today I was collecting footage for WL Wareham's continuing baseball documentary series about teh Gatemen.
I thought two weeks ago that Gammons might be there, but then remebered it was Hall of Fame weekend, and thought for sure he would've made the trip to Cooperstown for that.
As I was pondering what next to shoot of the All-Star festivities, I see the recognizable grey hair of Peter Gammons.
He was stopping to sign autographs and take photos and all I could was just follow him, I worked my way next to him and held out my name and introduced myself, but although his handshake was firm (even for a guy that suffered a stroke a year ago) he walked with a mission to the field to talk to coaches and players.
But was I deterred good friends? Oh no. I was determined to interview on camera my journalism icon.
And I did.
And here it is.
And I turned into what
copiecat would call a "fanboy." And I realize this, in fact if I had a "fanboy" userpic I would use it here.
All I could think of as I was don't sound stupid. And of course what did I do?
I start off with the statement, "Uuum, Peter Gammosn obviously."
And then it's ok, because I the next question is decent, except I don't laugh when Peter Gammons says "And of course Mike Myers." Re-watching this now for the third-time, and seeing Mr. Gammons hoping I would laugh at the Mike Myers comment, I feel like a jerk that I didn't give him any reaction.
But here's my reason for not responding. I'm interviewing Peter Gammons. I was so concerned about not freaking out and giving him ten of my cards to pass out to ESPN or give my cell phone number and hoping that maybe we could just hang out.
And of course it only takes me only one more question to show him that I'm just giddy that he's standing two feet in front of me, when I basically say that he's more popular than Jesus and that Wareham is blessed for having him on our hallowed grounds (the last statement is heavily paraphrased). In fact in that pause, between "notability" and his humble answer, I was going to say "awesomeness" a la Chris Farley in "The Chris Farley Show." Thankfully, his humility saved me the embarassment.
Not to mention all the "Uuuuums," as I try and think on my feet.
But it doesn't matter in the end. Do you want to know why?
I interviewed Peter Gammons!!!
And Whitesnamkes "Again on my own" is playing in the background.