That’s because no one could catch Bo..lol

Wow was the only word I could muster after receiving a phone call that would change my life for 3 years.

I was at work one day when as usual the phone rang, making me cuss yet again because I was trying to finish a project and was running out of precious time. I pondered whether to let it continue ringing and for a split second did, then my conscience got the best of me and I picked up. I know that I sounded irritated on the receiving end of that phone but I didn’t care, I was thoroughly pissed and my voice showed my obvious irritation. The voice on the other end was so sweet, I felt instantly guilty for answering in such an ubrupt manner. To my surprise it was the father of a fellow employee whom I had met once at a 49er game. I had assumed he called looking for his daughter “Shirley”, so I said, Hi let me find her for you and was about to put him on hold when he said, “no, I need to talk to you”. I was kind of surprised but said..ok, whats up.

When he told me the reason for his call, I was so shocked all I could say was…Huh? over and over again. He asked me if I had really understood what he said and again I said…”huh” then started laughing at my obvious nervousness. Then he repeated those words to me again…”I have 49er tickets, do you want them”..I finally found my voice and said yeah, almost screaming into the phone. Don’t misunderstand here, I have been to several 49er games in my life, but this very kind man was offering me “his” tickets to the game. I said sure and asked which game did he want me to buy from him. He said, you’re not understanding me, I would like to “give” you the seasons worth of my seats. At that point I started crying, I know what a baby, but these tickets are expensive to say the least and very hard to come by. Through the conversation that ensued he told me that because of an illness he would be unable to attend the seasons games and know that I loved to go to the games, and since the tickets were already paid for, it would be my christmas present, parking pass and all.

Well the day came for the first game and a friend and myself got to the game early to tailgate and meet some people that were also going to that game. One of the best part of going to football games is the tailgating, the comradie of being in one place with 60,000 people all with one thought and that is to see our great team win football games. It was awesome to say the least. I went to every home game that years and ended up with going for the next 2 years as well. I can’t tell you what those 3 years at the stadium affectionately known to locals as The Stick has meant to me. The seagulls, the people, hell even the fans from the visiting teams all make up a great experience.

We sat in our seats knowing that these seats were “OURS” for 3 whole seasons, we were owners in effect and we sat there thinking we were “da shit”. We ended up meeting everyone around us and sharing food and drink with them too, truly a great experience. Section 11, row G, wish I could now remember the seat numbers but no matter we were there, we were close 8 rows from the field and from the opening to where the teams comes running out onto the field before each game and each halftime. The pictures I took of Steve Young are mine to keep forever and I treasure them. But the people that we meant for those 3 years were the best people in the world.

Now as I think back to those years, I wonder if they think about me and all the peanuts and grapes that were thrown at the visiting teams fans as they yelled for their team to win. I miss one of the best things about Candlestick stadium and those are the great Garlic Fries, the smell of garlic was intoxicating and wafted through the stadium as fan after fan came back from the snack bar with fries and nachos in tow. And after that games, how we tried to dodge the seagulls circling and dropping their happy loads on us as we run for our cars. hahahaha

I hope when you all read this article you too can come away from this knowing that the great game of football can and does make people happy, friendlier and more giving of their friends and family, especially when you know that someone out there is watching a game from the stands and not just in front of the t.v. Although nowadays, I spend my time every Sunday and Monday in front of the t.v. with Directv (my best friend) and look at the stadium as they scan it looking for people that I may recognize…

And in case anyone is wondering, Shirleys pops is fine, and well and still going to the games..God bless him.

Thanx timbok!!!

Thanx 31