Joe Garagiola Retires

When I grew up, Joe Garagiola worked with Tony Kubek doing the Game of the Week on Saturday.  I remember that as a youngster, I liked him.  Sure, why not?  It was a baseball game.  Joe, a fine speaker, was doing the announcing. What was not to like?  

But, I didn't know how good he was.  What a personality, what a character and what a wonderful man he is.  He is genuine.  

Let's see.  My first years of watching The Game of the Week were the seventies - that would have to go back forty years.  If Joe is 87 now, then I knew him first when he was in his forties.  He's the type of guy that you could listen to all day.  I would have to say that the reason is that he has such passion for his profession.  

Garagiola grew up on St. Louis and played for the Cardinals.  He spent 8 or 9 years in the big leagues. One year he said he played for four teams (of the eight teams in the league).  He said he was modeling uniforms.  Joe never claimed to be the caliber of Stan Musial or anyone other than himself, says he was always, 'the player to be named later."

Joe Garagiola

Joe had a couple of stints on the Today show.  Anywhere that he could be speaking in the public eye was good for him.  I didn't get enough of Joe on Saturday's for the Game of the Week.  Nor, did I get enough of Joe and all his goodness in Arizona.  It's said that other than Jerry Colangelo, Garagiola had the most influence in getting a baseball team to Phoenix.

Joe was president of the Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) which helped former ballplayers who had come on hard times.  The Major Leagues, Minor Leagues, Negro Leagues, and Umpires have been guided with the principles of teamwork, caring and sharing.  

Thanks to Joe Garagiola for all you have done for baseball.  Thanks for your passion.  Thanks for your smile.