A Very Special Uni Watch Fathers Day

By Phil Hecken

A very Happy Fathers Day to the entire Uni Watch readership!

I had originally intended to make this post about my father, who you may recall passed away almost two years ago (Paul wrote a beautiful eulogy that still brings a tear to my eye this day). And to a certain extent, it will be. But as things progressed (I’ll explain in a moment), this post morphed into a tribute to ALL the dads of Uni Watch.

This will be the second Fathers Day I will spend without my pop. It’s funny that the U.S. Open (golf) is always played over Fathers Day weekend, because that was one event (and particularly the final Sunday) I would always watch with my dad. He loved golf, and until he became ill a few years prior to his death, we played quite a bit together. We also worked two U.S. Opens (2002 and 2004, held at Bethpage and Shinnecock, respectively) together, and would have worked a third (2009 at Bethpage) had he not become too ill. But we watched every Sunday together, either at his house or on the course, for at least a decade.

His last Fathers Day, in 2011, he was in a nursing home. He hadn’t been doing too well in the prior couple of months, but he still looked forward to spending Fathers Day watching golf with me. When I arrived, he looked great, having convinced the aides to help him shave and he wore (what had become a very ill-fitting, due to weight loss) a special shirt I had given him several years prior, as a Fathers Day gift. I didn’t even know he had brought that shirt with him, but clearly he had thought ahead when he packed.

We watched and we talked, he in his wheelchair and I on the side of his bed, for hours. For those few hours, it seemed like old times again. We talked about my job, Uni Watch, the Mets — and golf — and we saw a new kid, Rory McIlroy, win. I knew who he was but pop, who hadn’t been following the sport that closely for the prior couple of years, didn’t know who he was. He was a Tiger fan (Tiger didn’t play that year due to a knee injury) and I was (and still am) a Phil Mickelson fan. He ribbed me pretty good in 2002 when Tiger won at Bethpage, and for a brief moment there, it looked like Phil would win in 2004. Tiger usually won everything, but Phil got a few victories at the Masters to at least give me some solace. But in 2011, we sorta had no dogs in the fight. But it was still a great time.

I didn’t realize when I left him that day he would be taken to New York Presbyterian, where he would spend the final weeks of his life, the next day. I think he knew, but he didn’t want to tell me, to worry me — and he looked so good that day in his spiffy new (and big!) shirt and all happy and shaven. I thought, even though I knew his illness was terminal, he just might beat it.

Once he was moved to NYP, things went downhill quickly and I was never alone with him again. He passed away on July 11th. But I will always remember that one, last, great day. And it was Fathers Day.

So, although I can’t tell you this anymore, Pop. I love you. And I miss you.

And maybe Phil Mickelson, on his 43rd birthday and still never having won the Open, can win this one for me. Tiger gave you four. I know you’re looking down and saying, “OK, just this once.”

Miss ya Pop.

~ ~ ~

Now, that (and it wasn’t short) is the condensed version of what I had planned to write for today. I was going to say how my dad taught me to catch, to hit — and he certainly instilled in me this uni watching gene I seem to have. But I’ve said enough already. Maybe next year.

I mentioned above that today’s post is a tribute to ALL the Uni Watch dads. It didn’t start out that way, but for that I owe a tip of the cap to one Uni Watch reader, Cort McMurray, who contacted me the other day with the following suggestion:

Hey, Phil:

I was thinking it would be kind of cool to invite Uni Watchers to share photos of their dads in sports uniforms this Sunday.

The attached image is my dad, circa 1956, running the 880 for the North Tonawanda High Lumberjacks.

Dad died in 1979 — I found this photo two years ago, while doing some research at the Historical Society of the Tonawandas.

I think you may have done something like this in the past. Feel free to use this image, if it fits your plans for the weekend.

Cort

I loved the idea, and I asked Cort if he’d elaborate a bit further, which he gladly did. What follows is Cort’s story, followed by those of many readers. I realized after receiving Cort’s story that I would have to limit the rest of us to just a few words — words I realize are probably very precious, and aren’t adequately expressed in so few syllables. If any of those readers who submitted photos want to elaborate in the comments, please feel free to do so.

Enjoy, and, to everyone reading — please feel free to share your own stories of your own father. It’s his day. Please click on any photo to enlarge.

.. … ..

Cort McMurray:

This is a photo of my dad, taken from the May 16, 1956 edition of the Tonawanda News. Dad ran the 880 for North Tonawanda High School. He also played baseball, a hard throwing but erratic southpaw, and was fond of telling us that Pat Dobson, who went on to win 20 games for the Baltimore Orioles, was considered the second best lefty in the Buffalo area.

Dad died in 1979, after a brief, brutal battle with bladder cancer. He was a week shy of his fortieth birthday. I was sixteen when he died, the eldest of seven kids.

Dad and I were very different. As an adult, he was pretty much a well-muscled version of the kid running the 880, lithe and athletic, all fast-twitch muscles and energy. I’m built like a third-string offensive guard at a second-rate college, with all the speed and agility of a mortally wounded water buffalo. I loved sports; I just wasn’t any good at them, and the uniforms were the most interesting part to me, anyway. I was the only kid on the Swiston’s Beef-n-Keg Broncos to bring a book with him to football practice, because it was mostly just standing around, so why not read? It drove Dad nuts.

Losing a parent in childhood is like having part of your heart dipped in amber: you’re eternally trapped in so many of those usual adolescent conflicts and fears and crises of confidence that most people outgrow, the missing parent a shadow of loss and unresolved feelings at the edges of everything that happens.

That’s why this photo is precious to me. I found it two years ago, in the archives of a tiny historical museum in Tonawanda, New York. It is the only photo I have of my dad where he is not a bridegroom, or a father, or a hollow cheeked victim, wasting away long before he should have. He’s a kid, running, hitting the tape and winning another race.

I look at this photo, and I realize that in all the ways that matter, I am my father’s son. My races have been of a different sort, but like my dad, I run. I like to think he’d recognize that, and feel some satisfaction in the man I’ve become. There’s hope in that. There’s healing in that, and a sense that I am part of something grand and worthwhile.

My father has fifteen grandchildren he’s never met. Some of them are excellent athletes, like their grandfather, although they’re more likely to play basketball and soccer than throw a baseball or run track. One of them looks a whole lot like the kid in that photo, all arms and legs, running like his life depended on it. Dad would be proud of all of them.

For my Fiftieth birthday, my sister sent me Dad’s 1957 letterman’s sweater, which she’d found in the back of a closet, mixed in with a bunch of my dad’s old clothes. It’s white, the red interlocking “NT” set off by a gold winged foot, trimmed in black. Every once in a while, I take it out, and think about my father, and the races he ran, and the races I still have before me, and all the races awaiting my sons and daughter.

Happy Father’s Day!

–Cort

.. … ..

George Chilvers

Phil,

Don’t know if this is what you want, Phil, but this is my Dad, also called George, in 1945 based in Germany with the RASC (Royal Army Service Corps).

George

.. … ..

Keith Goggin:

Hi Phil,

Keith Goggin here. We chatted a bit at the last Uni Watch party in Brooklyn. I shared a few Marlboros with you and I hope you were able to take care of that tree at your Mom’s house.

Anyway, here is an old laminated press clipping of my Dad from his senior year at Fordham. It has a little blurb to go with it. He wore #40 in his home whites, but on the road in maroon he wore 41. The whole team did the odd/even thing but I am not sure why. He went on to work in business and refereed basketball at the high school and college levels for about 30 years. He also coached my baseball and basketball teams growing up. He mentored me and became my idol along the way. I just want to say thanks, Dad.

PS – my wife Kathy and I had twins in February, Molly and Tommy. So this is my first Father’s Day, and I can’t wait!

Thanks for the good work Phil.

Regards,
Keith

.. … ..

Rich Loup:

Phil,

The attached photo is of the 1963 American Legion Nicholson Post 38 baseball team, which was made up of players from Istrouma High School in Baton Rouge, LA. The school’s nickname is the Indians, hence the caps.

My dad, Adam “Maurice” Loup Jr., is the second player from left on the bottom row of the picture.

I’m sure your post on this will be great, and thanks for recognizing our dads.

Thanks
Rich Loup

.. … ..

Frank Bitzer:

Phil:

{First Photo} Here’s a picture of my Dad in his Air Force uniform. As the father of nine kids, he always worked two jobs and didn’t have time for sports, so this is the best I have. He was killed by a drunk driver when I was ten. I miss him so much.

{Second Photo} Here I am as a Senior at Mariemont High School (the same school as Collecotrs Corner Guru Brinke Guthrie) in 1981. My two boys, Griffin and Quinn laugh at the hair. I cringe at the navy blue pants. But I assure you, they were cuffed perfectly. I was fanatical about that.

{Bottom/last photo} A few weeks ago some of your readers colorized a great photo of University of Cinnati Hall of Famer Nick Shundich in his Sid Gilmann designed uni. Here is a more recent snap shot of Nick with his son Steve. Nick is wearing a recreation of that jersey in the colorized photo that I made for him as a Christmas gift. He is in his mid 80s now. I love that man.

Thanks,

Frank

.. … ..

Eric Fisk:

Phil,

Here are a couple of submissions of me with my kids. I am an active Oregon National Guard Soldier and my kids chose to honor me by wearing uniforms for/with me. The one with my son Aron was for a parade we were in and the one with my daughter was from Halloween 2012, and from a Father Daughter ball we went to in April 2013. And finally a pic of my son with myself and my Dad after my son’s team took 2nd in a Sectional playoff tournament. I am not sure if this is what you were looking for, but thanks for thinking of this subject.

Very Respectfully,

Eric Fisk

.. … ..

Craig (No Last Name Given):

Phil,

This is a picture of me and my boys prior to me leaving on a 7 month deployment.

Craig

.. … ..

John K:

Phil,

Two photos of my (late) father in uniform. College cross country and (like so many in his generation) US Army. Sadly, with all the baseball he played, we don’t have a single picture.

John K

.. … ..

C.S. Hickey:

Hey Phil:

First, I want to say this is a terrific idea to honor fathers. Thanks for the opportunity!

Second, I’m not real great at emailing photos, so let me know if you have trouble viewing the attachment.

Lastly, here’s my description of the pic:

Before becoming the father of 11, the late Dr. John S. Hickey, wore the orange & black of Holmesburg (Phila.PA) Ramblers football. I think this photo is from the late 1930’s/early 1940’s (he served in the SeaBees in WWII, met my mom shortly thereafter).
Team Hickey remembers him today and always.

CS Hickey

.. … ..

Timothy Moore:

Phil:

This is my dad, Dennis Moore in his East High School football uniform in Rochester, New York circa 1952. I’ve always loved this photo, it reminds me of old football movies. My dad was my hero and best friend, we lost him 12 years ago and I will be remembering him on Sunday. I had him autograph the picture and I have it framed in my house. Love you, Dad.

Timothy Moore

.. … ..

Daniel Rerko:

Hey Phil–

On the left is my dad following his graduation from Naval officer training in the early 1980’s. Without a doubt, he is the greatest man that I have ever been around and I am lucky to be his son.

On a side note, I was disappointed that I could not find a picture of my dad in his Mo Valley Rowdies jersey. The Mo Valley Rowdies were a member of a rough-play soccer league in Clearfield County, PA. However, I do still have his jersey from the late 1970’s, complete with a nice NNOB.

Thanks,
Dan Rerko

.. … ..

Neal Matthews:

Hello Phil,

Long time follower of the Website ”“ I try to read it every day!

Photo Description:

Edward Matthews as a senior at Hebron Academy in Hebron, ME, circa 1943-4.

They wanted him for a photo shoot so they had him put on a running back number instead of his customary number in the 70s as a lineman.

Upon leaving the school he joined the Marines and was in the Battle of Iwo Jima.

In the later 1940s, the story was he was asked to play for the Boston Yanks of the NFL but had a steady job and didn’t want to risk injury.

Perhaps a good candidate for a colorization? Currently the Hebron school wears forest green and white.

Many thanks for this opportunity to share!

Neal Matthews.

.. … ..

William Thomas:

Phil,

Here’s a photo of the varsity basketball team at the International School of Bangkok in 1982-1983. My dad is on the top row, number 11.

Thanks,
William Thomas

.. … ..

Chris Blackstone:

Phil!

This is a picture of my Dad, Brother and I in Team USA Jerseys. My Canadian girlfriend bought it for me, and my dad picked up sweaters for himself and my brother.

Chris Blackstone

.. … ..

Terence M. Kearns:

Phil,

My Dad, Matt, in an an unnamed Italian port during his Mediterranean tour of 1960.

T.M.K.

.. … ..

William Hogue:

Phil

Not the best picture, but this is my daughter and I at her first big league game. I’m wearing a Clemente jersey with a batting practice cap, and Cheyenne has a pink Pirate jersey on. She has since upgraded to a black McCutchen jersey.

William Hogue

.. … ..

Larry DeBrock:

Phil,

Not sports. But you did say it could be anything.

Here are a few shots of my dad, Marvin, in his army uniform serving in Korea in 1953. (actually, the maintenance picture is more out of uniform).

Happy Fathers Day.

-Larry DeBrock

.. … ..

Doug Keklak:

Phil,

Here’s a pic of Pops in his high school band uniform. He was the drum major at Conemaugh High School in the 1959-60 school year.

Thanks,
Kek

.. … ..

Andrew Roman:

Phil

This is my Father, Fire Fighter Joe Roman, about 10 months before he lost his battle to colon cancer in July of 2009.

-Andrew Roman

.. … ..

Bill Kellick:

Hi Phil,

I just saw your request for Fathers in uniform so I will be sending you five photos.

The first one shows my dad (far right) leading his club football team on to the field in the early 40s.

The second one is actually of my dad’s uncle’s baseball team in the early 1900s. I’m not exactly sure which one he is.

The third is my dad’s Sacred Heart grammar school team in the 1930s. My dad is the one peeking from the back row (without hat) to the left of the priest.

The fourth is my dad’s Sacred Heart grade school basketball team in the 1930s. He is seated on the far right (the last one in uniform).

The final one is my dad catching a pass in the 1940s.

Bill Kellick

.. … ..

Alex Allen:

Phil

Attached is a picture of my father, Bill Allen, from when he was in the Navy in the mid-50’s. My sister recently sent me a box of old photos. I was going through the box with my two teen-age daughters and when they saw this picture, they both said, “Stud.” My dad passed away in 2003. Happy Father’s Day Dad.

Alex Allen

.. … ..

Michael Clary:

Phil:

The first photo is of my father, Jim when he was playing baseball in the Air Force at Griffiss AFB in Rome, NY during the early 60’s; the second is me with my son, Séamus before my game. Please feel free to use one or both… Thanks.

-Mike

.. … ..

Truman Winbush:

Phil

This is a photo of my dad Truman Winbush, Sr. 9/17/24-08/07/07. He was a man of many stories and greater wisdom. He wore the uniform of his country during WWII with pride.

Truman Winbush

.. … ..

Jay Wright:

Phil

OK, so this is a picture of my grandfather (4th from right) Maurice Zuercher and the 1935-36 Mallard Ducks. Mallard is a small town in NW Iowa, and in 1991 the school closed. The last game Mallard played was at the state tournament, where they lost to Boyden-Hull. Ironically, my older brother was a starter for Boyden-Hull when they ended basketball at Mallard for good. Grandpa passed away in 1979, but this picture is one of my favorites.

Jay

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

And that concludes this special edition of Fathers Day, Uni Watch style. I want to thank everyone who took the time to share a photo (or photos) of their dads, and to say a few things about him. As mentioned earlier, if you’d like to elaborate further, please do so below in the comments.

I hope you fine readers enjoyed this little look at the men who made the readers who they are — and to know that it’s not just athletes who wear uniforms. We all do, in one way or another.

Feel free to share your thoughts about your Dad below. Whether he’s still on this earth to read them, or in a better place, it’s his day. Tell him you love him.

Happy Fathers Day.

Peace.