33 Comments
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Frances Wakayama Carmody's avatar

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!

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Jack's avatar

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

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SonoranJeff's avatar

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.”

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Maverick's avatar

This is why you are my favorite sports writer. Right there. Bang! Just great to read.

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Rick Waldinger's avatar

Thanks for sharing. I was fortunate to see Jackie Robinson play when I was a young boy.

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Lyndsey's avatar

No wonder you became a sports writer. What a great legacy you got from your father, on so many levels.

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Jim Stewart's avatar

There are times when you absolutely have to stand up, no matter the consequences.

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AW of Walla2's avatar

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.

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Jeff Gakstatter's avatar

Great story that brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing John!

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Chris Hoem's avatar

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.

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Sean Hamer's avatar

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.

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Dan Gemma's avatar

Great article, even better picture.

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Craig Gavin's avatar

Your mini documentary did it again! Took me back to my personal time tunnel😎

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Brad Weekly's avatar

Love this.

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John Canzano's avatar

Appreciate it.

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TomW's avatar

Fantastic JC

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John Canzano's avatar

Thanks T.

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Peter Paquet's avatar

John, one your best. Thanks.

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