Wonderful story. Left me wanting more about your Dad's baseball career, too.
Growing up in a minor league town, Portland, left me with great memories of many players who didn't quite make it beyond AAA. I especially appreciate stories that feature those guys.
Ahhh, the ole Portland Beavers, managed by Johnny Lipton. With future stars L Tiant, S. McDowell, L. Pinella, future Met Tommy Agee. Wonderful memories with Dad, who often sat through a double header with his son............"Sorry Dad, i owe you one for that", lol.
Ditto for me David. Countless games with dad in the 60s. Remember all those names. My dad took a bunch of us to a game for my 11th birthday in 1963. We made such a ruckus we had to move up the third base side (his favorite) to not annoy folks. Great memories.
And guys who didn't quite make it...Tony Attanasio, "Green Giant" Bill Davis, flamethrower Tom Kelly, utility outfielder Al Luplow. But to ten year old me, they were legends!
I only made it to two games as a kid, but got Dave Nelson's autograph at the second one, in 1967. Otherwise, it was Bob Blackburn and Russ Conrad on KEX radio. Remember "wire recreations?" I can also still sing the Carling Black Label beer jingle!
Great to see that I am not the only one who was a fan of Davey Nelson!! Anyone have any idea if he is still alive!!! He was fantastic ambassador to all of the Portland kids who attended games!!
I like this alot John! So many great memories of the Johnny Lipon coached teams, the long time Beaver manager and so many great players who came through Civic Stadium. One of my all-time favorites was the second baseman Davey Nelson!!! A great Triple A player who I always thought could have been a great major leaguer!!!
Piggybacking this off of the Jack London memories the other day, I felt compelled yesterday to call an old friend I hadn’t heard from in about a year or so.
My friend Ron and I grew up in Mt. Angel together, got into all kinds of skullduggery together, and he came to Alaska and stayed with me for six months.
We had a lot of fun times in Anchorage in the early to mid Eighties. Ron has always been one of my favorite people. He’s just a smooth guy. Anyway, we always start discussing old friends, teachers, our kids, just everything.
I cherish those memories now that I’m 65 years old. The only people that understand those memories are my lifelong, old friends. Cheers….
A simpler time, I remember dad coming home from work to catch Dizzy and Peewee call a Saturday afternoon game in black and white and tell me stories as an aspiring 2nd socker trying to make a farm team in the ‘40’s. It never happened but he made you think he was friends with them all. After many years I managed a once in a lifetime road trip to get my dad to Cooperstown for Gaylord’s induction. I’ll never forget watching how he marveled at the Hall’s every exhibit from his day and wondered what he must have been thinking. It brought his life and our relationship full circle, he passed just 2
months later. You are truly blessed John, we as readers can tell⚾️
Although I've always hated the Dodgers, that 1970 Spokane Indians team was the stuff of legend. Its been pretty much acknowledged they were the greatest minor league team during the second half of the 20th Century. Didn't get to see 'em much but read about them every day in the Spokesman. Steve Garvey, Bill Bucker, Davey Lopes, Bill Russell, Ron Cey, Doyle Alexander, Tommy Hutton, Charlie Hough and a guy named Steve Sogge who won the Natty at USC at quarterback along side OJ. And Tommy Lasorda was the manager. Buckner even played with his jaw wired shut. Guys were always asking if he wanted to go out for steaks after games. Stories of shenannigans in the minor leagues are always the best. I would highly recommend, particularly for older guys, picking up a copy of Bob Ueckers book, "Catcher in the Wry." The stories are great. Thanks John!
John - Your dad is a lucky man for having the opportunity to meet and play with some of my heroes (Mays, Ryan, and Fisk). And you are a lucky man for getting all those bedtime stories:) You learned from a master. Now we know why you became a sports journalist!
The world is a better place because of people like Mr. Huckle your father and you, it brought a smile to me and made me remember what an incredible story teller my father was, thank you John!
No doubt your dad is proud of your story telling John. Thanks for reminding us about what's really important. I lost a close friend not long ago. It took a while to delete his number from my contact list; I still catch myself wishing I could call him. There will be a time when tomorrow never comes. I suspect we all could remember that more often.
Hey Johnny - Did your dad ever play with Roger Craig, former San Francisco Giants Manager? I worked with him in the 90s. He was a wonderful person. Talk about a storyteller! I wishI knew about Huckle back then because I could have asked Roger about him.
Thank you for sharing these stories about your dad. It warms my heart to hear them from you. BTW, guess who else turned out to be pretty good storyteller? You!
Martha, did you also know a guy named Rocky Bridges? He was a legend in Coeur d'Alene. Never was seen without a big chaw in his right cheek and was one-liner wordsmith who played second fiddle to no one. An 11 year journeyman who at least spent four with the Reds. "Didn't want to be there because I couldn't spell Cincinnatti." Got to know him many years back when he was the first year manager for the Everett Giants in 1984.
When I was first starting out, Rocky was around at Spring Training. He was quite a character! He looked like he had just gotten off his horse, 100% old school baseball. He did always have chewy in his mouth, lol! I loved the old guys. My husband and I got to know Jimmy Davenport. Incredibly sweet man, a true southern soul! I feel so honored to have gotten to be around these fellas. Orlando Cepeda was another wonderful human being. God rest their souls. I can hear the stories and the laughter from heaven now!
Your father taught you well how to tell stories and we’re all the beneficiaries of his teaching skill.
Thanks for this. Means a lot that you are here.
Very TRUE SCA!!!
Wonderful story. Left me wanting more about your Dad's baseball career, too.
Growing up in a minor league town, Portland, left me with great memories of many players who didn't quite make it beyond AAA. I especially appreciate stories that feature those guys.
Ahhh, the ole Portland Beavers, managed by Johnny Lipton. With future stars L Tiant, S. McDowell, L. Pinella, future Met Tommy Agee. Wonderful memories with Dad, who often sat through a double header with his son............"Sorry Dad, i owe you one for that", lol.
Ditto for me David. Countless games with dad in the 60s. Remember all those names. My dad took a bunch of us to a game for my 11th birthday in 1963. We made such a ruckus we had to move up the third base side (his favorite) to not annoy folks. Great memories.
And guys who didn't quite make it...Tony Attanasio, "Green Giant" Bill Davis, flamethrower Tom Kelly, utility outfielder Al Luplow. But to ten year old me, they were legends!
Grrrrreat recollection John B., names i had forgotten., thanks Oh, and let's add Ray Fosse, Davey Nelson.
I only made it to two games as a kid, but got Dave Nelson's autograph at the second one, in 1967. Otherwise, it was Bob Blackburn and Russ Conrad on KEX radio. Remember "wire recreations?" I can also still sing the Carling Black Label beer jingle!
Great to see that I am not the only one who was a fan of Davey Nelson!! Anyone have any idea if he is still alive!!! He was fantastic ambassador to all of the Portland kids who attended games!!
He unfortunately passed away in 2018. He had a long broadcasting career in Milwaukee.
He was a gentleman, class act. Grrreat smile. also got his autograph John B (above).
Thank you.
Me, too. Dad took me to countless Beaver games at Multnomah Stadium in the 60s. Dave M. below says it for me.
I like this alot John! So many great memories of the Johnny Lipon coached teams, the long time Beaver manager and so many great players who came through Civic Stadium. One of my all-time favorites was the second baseman Davey Nelson!!! A great Triple A player who I always thought could have been a great major leaguer!!!
Hi John,
Piggybacking this off of the Jack London memories the other day, I felt compelled yesterday to call an old friend I hadn’t heard from in about a year or so.
My friend Ron and I grew up in Mt. Angel together, got into all kinds of skullduggery together, and he came to Alaska and stayed with me for six months.
We had a lot of fun times in Anchorage in the early to mid Eighties. Ron has always been one of my favorite people. He’s just a smooth guy. Anyway, we always start discussing old friends, teachers, our kids, just everything.
I cherish those memories now that I’m 65 years old. The only people that understand those memories are my lifelong, old friends. Cheers….
That is so cool.
A simpler time, I remember dad coming home from work to catch Dizzy and Peewee call a Saturday afternoon game in black and white and tell me stories as an aspiring 2nd socker trying to make a farm team in the ‘40’s. It never happened but he made you think he was friends with them all. After many years I managed a once in a lifetime road trip to get my dad to Cooperstown for Gaylord’s induction. I’ll never forget watching how he marveled at the Hall’s every exhibit from his day and wondered what he must have been thinking. It brought his life and our relationship full circle, he passed just 2
months later. You are truly blessed John, we as readers can tell⚾️
Thank you John
Sage advice, it's always a good time to reconnect with friends.
Thanks G
Greg: This is, indeed, a good time to reconnect. Thanks for posting.
You sure do know how to set me (And others, I suspect] up for a great day. Cheers!
Thanks Dan. Means a lot to me.
Nothing better than old friends who "knew you when"! Thanks for the reminder!
I think we all need it.
Although I've always hated the Dodgers, that 1970 Spokane Indians team was the stuff of legend. Its been pretty much acknowledged they were the greatest minor league team during the second half of the 20th Century. Didn't get to see 'em much but read about them every day in the Spokesman. Steve Garvey, Bill Bucker, Davey Lopes, Bill Russell, Ron Cey, Doyle Alexander, Tommy Hutton, Charlie Hough and a guy named Steve Sogge who won the Natty at USC at quarterback along side OJ. And Tommy Lasorda was the manager. Buckner even played with his jaw wired shut. Guys were always asking if he wanted to go out for steaks after games. Stories of shenannigans in the minor leagues are always the best. I would highly recommend, particularly for older guys, picking up a copy of Bob Ueckers book, "Catcher in the Wry." The stories are great. Thanks John!
John - Your dad is a lucky man for having the opportunity to meet and play with some of my heroes (Mays, Ryan, and Fisk). And you are a lucky man for getting all those bedtime stories:) You learned from a master. Now we know why you became a sports journalist!
The stories were so rich.
A great reminder on how important it is to stay in touch with old friends 🧡.
Thank you Clyde
John, you are, indeed, fortunate to have been raised by a man such as your father and your dad is fortunate to have been befriended by Wilbur Huckle.
Thanks for the Louis
More good stuff.
The world is a better place because of people like Mr. Huckle your father and you, it brought a smile to me and made me remember what an incredible story teller my father was, thank you John!
Pulitzer Prize stuff
Love these kinda columns, John!
Thanks
No doubt your dad is proud of your story telling John. Thanks for reminding us about what's really important. I lost a close friend not long ago. It took a while to delete his number from my contact list; I still catch myself wishing I could call him. There will be a time when tomorrow never comes. I suspect we all could remember that more often.
That is so important. Thank you for this.
Hey Johnny - Did your dad ever play with Roger Craig, former San Francisco Giants Manager? I worked with him in the 90s. He was a wonderful person. Talk about a storyteller! I wishI knew about Huckle back then because I could have asked Roger about him.
Thank you for sharing these stories about your dad. It warms my heart to hear them from you. BTW, guess who else turned out to be pretty good storyteller? You!
Roger was already a manager in the minors in 1968, dad recalls.
Thanks JC. Tell your dad he did a great job raising you.
Martha, did you also know a guy named Rocky Bridges? He was a legend in Coeur d'Alene. Never was seen without a big chaw in his right cheek and was one-liner wordsmith who played second fiddle to no one. An 11 year journeyman who at least spent four with the Reds. "Didn't want to be there because I couldn't spell Cincinnatti." Got to know him many years back when he was the first year manager for the Everett Giants in 1984.
When I was first starting out, Rocky was around at Spring Training. He was quite a character! He looked like he had just gotten off his horse, 100% old school baseball. He did always have chewy in his mouth, lol! I loved the old guys. My husband and I got to know Jimmy Davenport. Incredibly sweet man, a true southern soul! I feel so honored to have gotten to be around these fellas. Orlando Cepeda was another wonderful human being. God rest their souls. I can hear the stories and the laughter from heaven now!