My two cents: Garagiola had big impact on Tucson sports
The death of 90-year-old Mr. Baseball, Joe Garagiola, last week was felt in Tucson as much as anywhere.
For seven years Garagiola was the host of the PGA Tour’s Tucson Open. His name was on the marquee, and he gave it special attention. He didn’t go home early or rush back to his home in Scottsdale.
Tucsonan Pat Darcy, a former Cincinnati Reds pitcher, remembers Garagiola phoning periodically, checking on former MLB players Darcy knew who had health or financial problems. If they needed help, Garagiola would arrange for intervention from the Baseball Assistance Team (BAT), which he helped to create.
I was introduced to Garagiola at the Tucson Open and told him I was a Yankees fan. He said something funny and went on his way. The conversation took no more than 30 seconds. Later that day, a man from the Conqustadores walked into the media room and said Garagiola wanted to see me. He was sitting in the bleachers at the 18th green.
I asked what was up. He said to follow him.
I walked to the 18th green and up the stairs to Joe’s seat. He was sitting by Yogi Berra.
“Greg,” he said, “I want you to meet Yogi.”
Thank you, Mr. Baseball.
