Rodney Curtis

When I was a legitimate, professional, sanctioned journalist, running into famous people was no big deal. George Burns was the first star I encountered and he was followed by presidents, politicians, Rob Lowe, Snoop Dogg, the guy who played Norm on Cheers and it was definitely cool rubbing elbows with Bill Clinton and Al Gore all those times in New Hampshire, back when they were (almost) nobodies.

So why did I get such a thrill today eating breakfast next to Magglio Ordonez? I think part of it was because I’m no longer technically in the business and I’m a huge Tiger fan. When Marci and I saw Max Scherzer at the mall a few weeks ago I couldn’t really be scherzer it was him. But there was, Mags, eating his eggs right next to us. I noticed him, out of the corner of my eye, looking right at me, (probably because I was wearing my faded Tiger cap), and when I made eye contact he gave me a big smile and a thumbs up.

I actually own a shirt with his name on back but wasn’t wearing it this morning. I waited til he was finished and getting up to leave when I told him he was my favorite player and would he mind if my wife took a quick snap with my camera phone. The dude smiled, put his arm around me and waited while my wife, the professional photog, took a picture of the table first by mistake, then us.

Our waiter Rusty, who has served Gordie Howe and Justin Bieber among others, didn’t recognize him. “I can’t believe I was just treating him like everyone else,” he said. No, I’m sure he was happy about that. How many yahoos like me approach him every single dang day? Besides, he’s in a batting slump; maybe he appreciated a solid fan telling him he rocks. Magglio, not our waiter. Although to be fair, long after Mags had left the building, Rusty sat down at our table and told me he liked my vibe. We started chatting and I found out he was musician who loved working in the mornings, then going off to play the piano all afternoon and evening long.

We talked about my shirt and I told him the story about the Life Is Good people. He scribbled down the address of Cafe Press when I told him he could go there and make his own T-shirts. And I realized something profound and totally normal at the same time. I met two people today who were living their dreams. One was an All-Star baseball player making millions and the other was a pancake server making music.

Rusty has my business card and may even see himself on this blog. Magglio probably won’t. But both guys were great to run into; I can’t tell you offhand which was a more fulfilling experience. But I was honored to meet both.