Wow, I choked up with the diner story. I remember as a kid with my parents and 5 siblings seated at a Denny ‘s or Sambo’s ( remember?) we could not get the waitress to take our order. My dad was an internee and military veteran who was part of the 442nd . Military intelligence. Everyone else around us had their food. I ate the sugar packets and then my Mom said “ let’s go” I didn’t understand til i was much older. It was my maternal grandmother who when I met her for the first time when I was 12. She said to my face, keep those Jap kids away from me. I didn’t like that woman and never saw her again after my sisters wedding. You see, it isn’t just black and white.
We were a mixed race family in the 60’s. The lesson we learned is to treat people as you would like to be treated.
A delightful and insightful story John and so well written. You have a gift that this new venture allows to come out and thus I hope it goes very well for you
Thank you! This story is exactly why I continue to follow your work/writing... doesn't matter to me who you "work for" and I am most pleased that you can now write the "truth" as you see it, regardless of how the "boss" wants to structure a story.
Thanks John, a wonderful & life affirming story you experienced with your father! I believe discrimination is learned. You learned tolerance & inclusion & a love of baseball. What a great gift you received from your dad.
Thank you John for sharing. More importantly, thank you for reminding us today is the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson playing in a major league game.
Canzano: Jackie Robinson and a bedtime story worth remembering
Wow, I choked up with the diner story. I remember as a kid with my parents and 5 siblings seated at a Denny ‘s or Sambo’s ( remember?) we could not get the waitress to take our order. My dad was an internee and military veteran who was part of the 442nd . Military intelligence. Everyone else around us had their food. I ate the sugar packets and then my Mom said “ let’s go” I didn’t understand til i was much older. It was my maternal grandmother who when I met her for the first time when I was 12. She said to my face, keep those Jap kids away from me. I didn’t like that woman and never saw her again after my sisters wedding. You see, it isn’t just black and white.
We were a mixed race family in the 60’s. The lesson we learned is to treat people as you would like to be treated.
Let’s all get on the bus!
A delightful and insightful story John and so well written. You have a gift that this new venture allows to come out and thus I hope it goes very well for you
John, you give us so many great sports stories, but none better than this. Indeed it comes down to whether we choose “the diner or the bus.”
This is why you are my favorite sports writer. Right there. Bang! Just great to read.
Thanks for sharing. I was fortunate to see Jackie Robinson play when I was a young boy.
No wonder you became a sports writer. What a great legacy you got from your father, on so many levels.
There are times when you absolutely have to stand up, no matter the consequences.
Thank you! This story is exactly why I continue to follow your work/writing... doesn't matter to me who you "work for" and I am most pleased that you can now write the "truth" as you see it, regardless of how the "boss" wants to structure a story.
Great story that brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing John!
Thanks John, a wonderful & life affirming story you experienced with your father! I believe discrimination is learned. You learned tolerance & inclusion & a love of baseball. What a great gift you received from your dad.
Thank you John for sharing. More importantly, thank you for reminding us today is the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson playing in a major league game.
Great article, even better picture.
Your mini documentary did it again! Took me back to my personal time tunnel😎
Love this.
Fantastic JC
John, one your best. Thanks.