A word from "The Rocket" Rick Rodriguez

A message from a friend

By Rick Rodriguez

Here we are again...the end of another year of our lives.  We move enthusiastically into the new as the old fades away into history.  2008!  Oh, what a year it was; has there ever been another like 08'?  Most of us crimped and clawed our way toward the end of the year; if not financially--emotionally, battered by politics, war, and just plain old uncertainty.  We learned to appreciate things a bit more--I bet.  I found myself reevaluating what I value most: family, family, and family.  The little things: some free!  My daughter's laugh and my son's joy.  And, when they drove both Mom and me nuts.  Wow, what a blessing to be a Father, a Husband, and to be alive!  

2009 is promised change!  We've seen the past, and while our leaders portend an inkling of what lies ahead, I resolve to forge my own way and attempt to make a difference where I can.  I resolve to better health, experiences, and appreciations.  I resolve to improvement and inspiration!  Be it incremental, or not.  I resolve to appreciate every day as I get it!  I wish you nothing but the same.  Happy New Year--2009!!!

Baseball Cards

By Rick Rodriguez

Of the many constants of my life, few span my entire existence on planet Earth like my collection of Baseball cards--my lifetime hobby.  I started collecting Baseball cards in 1969!  And, I remember the experience of opening a pack of cards in front of my godparents home on Redding Avenue in Oakland, California.  I was with my older brother, Jaime, that day, and as kids we collected hundreds of cards.  In that pack of cards that day, I only remember one player from that pack, a Detroit Tiger, pitcher Daryl Patterson.  That's the card pictured here!  Of course, I don't know why as a 6 year old I could have such fine recollection of Mr. Patterson, but I do!  Perhaps, it was the distinct black and yellow colors of the card that caught my eye, or his position in a follow thru mode; or the hazy color of the grass. I don't know what it was but here we are both today sharing a paragraph together--nearly 40 years later!  Yikes--I've been collecting for 40 years!

In 1970, collecting cards was a banner year for us (my brother & me) as we bought loads and loads of baseball cards.  Back then, we collected bottles and turned them in for cash, and yep, bought baseball cards.  Our cause was also aided by our older cousins from San Francisco, Michael & Jesse Madrigal, that heaped dozens of cards at us when we visited their home on Paris Street.  We'd walk away with football cards from the mid 1960's; as well as, many late sixties Topps baseball cards. 

Right about that time (early seventies) , the A's, Raiders, and Warriors (yes, Golden State) were about to embark on a unique time in the Bay Area--winning championships!  The A's won three straight World Titles; the Raiders had many memorable playoff moments before winning the Super Bowl in 1976, and the Rick Barry led Golden State Warriors won the NBA Championship in the 1974-75 season!  It was a great run for the Bay Area.  Of course, those years further enhanced my collecting of cards of all three sports, and to this day memories of those years have remained a constant in my life.  I collected other things ,too. The infamous seat cushions (A's), wristbands (Warriors), bats, autographs, and pennants (A's).    Many of the items I collected stood the test of time and are still with me.  Others, befallen to  calamities such as mom's cleaning day, never made it.  While my cards have survived over the years stored in everything from cigar boxes to an army green metal toolbox; my other collectibles haven't been as fortunate.  In my many moves, I've lost track of many precious possessions, but alas, these items exist somewhere even if for now they remain out of my possession.

The explosion of free agency in the 1976 ended the reign of the Oakland A's.  I never got used to Catfish as a Yankee, or Reggie as an Oriole, or Captain Sal Bando as a Milwaukee Brewer thus toward the end of the 1970's my collecting came to an end.  The Warriors lost in the NBA Western conference finals in 1975-76 Season, and never regained the status that saw them sweep the Washington Bullets (4-0) in the finals.  The Raiders went on to two more Super Bowl wins in 1980 and 1983.  But, when the Raiders went south to Los Angeles, my heart stayed here with memories of my beloved Oakland Raiders of the 1970's.

Due mainly to the explosion of baseball cards as an investment, and the introduction of a plethora of new card companies (Donruss & Fleer); and the idea that players were no longer part of team for more than a few seasons--my interest waned!  It was a sad end to the boyhood I had as a kid growing up in the Bay Area, collecting wax packs of baseball cards for the pure joy of it, and actually caring about the players as if they were somehow part of the family.    

Today, I'm a proud owner of many baseball, football, and basketball cards.  I am still a fan of the A's, Warriors, and in a nostalgic sense of the Raiders.  My heart never went back to the Raiders once they left town!   And, while today's athletes have in many ways contributed to my enjoyment of the sports and teams; many have helped to further deteriorate my interest in the games.  I still collect cards, but only those of my boyhood days.  Over the years, I've added to my collection, and perhaps some day I'll get all the cards I'm missing or wanting.  I'm sure when that day comes, I'll sit back and recall that day back in 1969 when I first encountered Mr. Daryl Patterson...

Otsu, Japan

By Rick Rodriguez

Otsu is located in central Japan, near Osaka and Kyoto.  In 1995, Kyoto, a major city, suffered a devastating earthquake.  The earthquake measured 6.8 magnitude and killed 5500 people, bringing notoriety to the region.  When I visited in 1997, no remnants of the earthquake were apparent; in fact, I discovered a bustling metropolis, clean streets, expeditious transportation, and safety.  It was my first time visiting Asia, and I expected a more oriental feel, and I certainly received that, but I was also amazed with the modernness and hospitality I received as a guest in Japan!

I was traveling with a gentleman from San Francisco that asked me to accompany him to Japan, and through a confluence of events that included leaving San Francisco late, and arriving at LAX for our connection on Japan Airlines late--we nearly missed being there at all!  Looking back, I now wonder whether going was the right thing for my friend Tom, as unfortunately he fell ill, and died in Japan.  Tom, had been sick for some time and had to receive Doctor's permission to go on such a long flight; add to that arriving late and nearly missing our connection caused our reserved seats to be sold, and we were rewarded with the last two seats on the plane--in the smoking section.  It was an 11 hour flight, and I stood in the gangway most of the way there in order to avoid the smoking in my section of the plane.  Tom, unfortunately, couldn't do the same, and in some way that probably hurt him. 

Once we arrived, we checked into the Otsu-Prince Hotel and I went to my room to relax and get cleaned up.  Tom phoned me to tell me he'd meet me in the hotel bar.  On my way down to the bar, I was informed that Tom had passed away; I was on my way down to meet him.  While the occasion presented me with a point of sadness, our host, the Japanese, went into crisis management mode, and made some incredible arrangements and arranged a proper service.  Tom lived a full life, he was 80, and made a significant impact on a variety of events and people.  While the Tom's passing was significantly recognized, our purpose in being there was carried on and a great event ensued. 

The Otsu-Prince Hotel dominates the skyline in Otsu.  And, as a guest, I was treated like royalty by the organizers and the Hotel staff.  Every detail was noted, and the utmost customer care was afforded me.  I was within walking distance to every major convenience including a supermarket next to the Hotel.  

I was looking forward to trying the local Sushi, and when my Japanese friends took me around town, I got to savior some local fish; as well as, other delicacies from this area including fowl/chicken.  No part of the chicken goes to waste, and I had to honor my hosts by sampling everything; which I did (yikes!).  I also hit the aforementioned supermarket for some sushi, and it was the first time in my travels that I had no idea what any signs said, and aside from a sign that said "everyday low prices," the place was sans English!  So, after picking out some sushi, chocolate milk, and a tube of wasabi sauce, I headed back to the Hotel for some local flavor.  Needless to say, the tubed wasabi smoked away the hair from my nostrils and I never really got to taste the sushi, but now I know what real wasabi feels and tastes like!

I also got treated to some Japanese gaming Pachinko style, and actually won a few hundred bucks.  It sure seemed like a set up by my Japanese hosts, but I did walk out with a nice wad of new found cash.  The place had a casino like atmosphere and from what I understand the game is popular throughout the country.    

Of course, the main purpose of my trip was to compete in the World Left-Handed golf tournament.  The tournament was contested over 4 golf courses at the renowned Seta Golf Course, and the story of that tournament and experience deserves its own post.  However, I will say, that of my life's golf experiences, the tournament in Japan has to rank as in my top 3 of all-time, Spyglass in Pebble Beach is my Number 1 followed by Powerscourt in Enniskerry, Ireland. 

While the tournament started on a melancholic note, Tom's passing, it ended with a celebration of countries unified in the common theme--the love of golf; played left-handed, and the camaraderie of being residents of planet earth!  If I ever return to central Japan, I'll be sure to stay at the Otsu-Prince Hotel!