So there I was, as I always have been, sitting in the dug out and cheering my teamates on.  Baseball of course, at the age of 14.  Been playing for so long and for so many teams but this was the start of something special (Unbeknownst to me).  This particular team in Edison with my friend Joe, whom was a catcher and this was a summer league in between freshman to sophmore year.  Being that I was above the age limit cutoff compared to others in the league, so I could only play certain amount of innings.  (Yea, weird rule)  So now that I have more free time then usual in a game, sitting in the dug out being my loud self and yelling, "Oooooooh   Yeeeeeaaaahhhhh," nice and drawn out.  One of those games Mr C.  (Big George) happened to be there and got a good laugh and couldn't get enough of it.  Don't know if we won or lost that day, but little to my knowledge this would be a conversation for years to come after graduation.

No matter how long it was, or how long between visits, we would share our ongoings and Big George would always bring up the "oooooohhhh yeeeeaaa" games and said he loved it and always put a smile on his face and thought of me doing it in the dugout (Citing the way I would say it).  

Saturday night, right after finding out the news, I rushed over to Joe's house after taking awhile to gain my composure and gave him a big hug.  I eventually calmed down a little and had a few cranbury vodkas at the nice bonfire Heather and Joe had burning.  Eventually the company dispersed and Dave (Joe's little brother) came over and we also hugged and talked about the "oooooh yeeeeah."

Little to my surprise, Dave told me that George used to have a little act when he performed on the conga's that he would put his little flare on it and say, "oooohhhhh yeeahhh," after starting the performance.  I guess when Dave was out in Floriday and witnessed George's musical performance he turned to Dave and said, "You know where I got that from?"  Dave replied, "No clue."  George said, "Angelo, when I watched his and Joe's baseball game when they were kids."

To think 26 years later, I just found that out.  Get's me emotional as I type this out that even though there were some gaps between visits, I had a spot and part in George's life after grammar and high school.  I don't keep in touch with many, but my Saint Helena's family a still care deeply about.

Love you Big George / Mr C.  God has a great one now.    OOOOOoooohhhhh Yeeeeeeahhhhh!!!!