OT: a childhood hero 'reborn'

[Climb01742]

when i was a boy, willie mays was my hero. (yes, i'm that old.) i loved not just how well he played, but how joyously he played. he seemed somehow superhuman in his athletic gifts, yet he also seemed so utterly human in how much he just enjoyed playing a game. he ran the bases the way we ran them as kids, reckless and hat flying off.

often as we get older, our boyhood idols fade or tarnish. but willie hasn't for me. when i see old films of him playing, my heart still races. when i hear interviews with him, he still seems like a very decent man. and when you see photos of him as a player, you see a body his own genes built, yet was still capable, unenhanced, of hitting 660 HRs.

so late yesterday afternoon, at 5:54 to be precise, i was very happy to welcome 7 pound 3 ounces of mays scout overall into the world. thank you, willie, for giving my daughter a name, and for giving me so many thrills as a boy.

[soulspinner]

First, congrads to one of the good guys on yer new life in the family. Having met Mays with my senior class in high school he was the most gracious and warm person. In the stands in the first row by the dugout before the game he comes and chats with all of us for a long time. Nobody called him over, he just was sincerely interested in us. Class all the way.



All the best
Dennis :beer:

[rwsaunders]

There is nothing more precious in the world as a newborn baby, and her photo is priceless. Sincere congratulations to you and your wife.

[dekindy]

Congrats.

[quattro]

James, congratulations to you and your wife! I also have fond memories watching one of the best baseball players of all time, Mays is a beautiful name for a precious bundle of joy! You hit a grand slam!

[AngryScientist]

congratulations :beer: :beer:

she's a cutie!

[Fixed]

congratulations
beautiful
cheers

[Smiley]

Congrats Climb and SO climb too. Great story and great name.

[David Kirk]

wow - wonderful. Congrats!

dave

[zap]

Climb, congratulations to you and your wife.

[Wimpy]

Congrats. You have some wonderful times ahead and they will pass in an instant. My oldest is home for the weekend from School and it seems like yesterday that I was changing his diaper.

[93legendti]

Congrats!!! I hope everyone is doing well.

In 2 years, we will be giving you Burley trailer advice; in 4-5 yrs-stoker kit advice for your new tandem; 5-6 yrs - teaching her how to ride advice; and 9-11 yrs - her first serious bike. :)

It's going to go fast!

[aLexis]

That is a great story and super cute name! Congratulations on your new little girl. May she hit it out of the park in all that she does.

[1centaur]

A great day, a special name. Congratulations!

[Climb01742]

thank you, everyone, for your kind words+wishes. i realized i didn't mention her middle name (though i'm sure many of you know the reference.) i was born in the deep south, so the film and book 'to kill a mockingbird' had a huge impact on me as a boy too. so as far as little girls go, having miss jean louise 'scout' finch as a role model wouldn't be too darn bad, bangs and all.

[onsight512]

Congratulations. There's no other day like the birth of a child.

[1happygirl]

Awwww.

Congrats to you and Mrs. Climb. :hello:

Enjoy your new bundle of joy.

[Steve in SLO]

Congrats, Climb...beautiful girl with a beautiful story behind her name.

[roguedog]

aww.. this thread was not what I expected. thanks for the morning surprise and smile.

congratz!

[henrypretz]

I love it!
What a precious baby girl.
My boyhood idol was also none other than the great Willie Mays.
Congratulations to you and your lovely family.
Cheers!
Henry

[d_douglas]

I love the photo - gorgeous.

I had the same incredible feeling in August and now get to bounce my baby boy on my lap while my nearly two year old kisses his head and yells 'baby!!' - one of the great pleasures in life.

Who needs a Crumpton when you have that!

Cheers,

Darren

[dancinkozmo]

Congrats !

Lucky for your daughter your favorite player wasn't Yogi Berra :)

[Wayne77]

Congrats! there is no more beautiful moment in life than accepting a new life into your hands for the first time.

Gale Sayers - another childhood hero for many. He burned briefly, but incredibly bright. If not for injuries, probably would have been the greatest rb of all time. I had the priveledge of meeting him a few years ago on a speaking circuit he was doing. An incredibly humble man.

[tv_vt]

Cheers, Climb! That's happy news. Best wishes to you and your wife.

[thwart]

Great story. Congratulations!

The best reason in the world to be riding fewer miles... ;)

[SPOKE]

Congrats James! Way sweeter than a bicycle..;)

[Ray]

Wow, congratulations, mazel tov, way to go, etc, etc, etc, Climb. Really wonderful news - didn't know you were expecting! With two out of the house, I'm enjoying the empty nest waaay too much to do it again, but its such a sweet and amazing time, I'm mildly envious. I guess I want grandkids!

And great job on the name. Better than "Lance"! :cool:

Hey, Enjoy every minute Climb...

-Ray

[Bruce K]

Congrats James

She's beautiful

BK

[wc1934]

Congrats to you and your wife - great name (The say hey kid was an idol to a lot of kids). Was she born on 11-11-11?
Spend as much time with her as you can, as they grow up quickly.

[Climb01742]

Was she born on 11-11-11?

yes she was. we were hoping she would be. i'll never forget her birthday! ;)

[weisan]

Climb-pal, what a blessing!

[VTCaraco]

Congratulations on the addition. They're game-changers, for sure.

Time goes fast. Soak up every moment.

[Len J]

Awesome.

Late to the party but congratulations!

len

[tiretrax]

On becoming the beautiful daughter. As has been said, there's nothing like the feeling of having a newborn placed in your arms. My oldest turned 15 last week, and I can still remember that moment and feel that joy in my mind.

Since I'm also old enough to remember Mays on the field, congratulations on becoming a father at your age! I'm not sure I could handle it now.

You said you grew up in the south, but since you live in the Boston area, will her nickname be Yaz?

[Climb01742]

Since I'm also old enough to remember Mays on the field, congratulations on becoming a father at your age! I'm not sure I could handle it now.

we'll see if i can! right now i'm one tired camper. :rolleyes:

[Bud_E]

Congratulations. Great name ( even though I grew up a Dodgers fan ).

[William]

Congratulations James!!! :hello:

I don't know how I missed this thread but I'm sorry for being late to the table. Best wishes for your extended family!





William