“I never said nice guys can’t finish first. I said, if my mom was rounding third base with the winning run, and I was playing third base for the other team, I’d trip her.”
– Leo Durocher, legendary baseball player and manager
For me, it was a weekend full of nice guys finishing first.
My dear friend and attorney, Jim DeJong, son of Parse DeJong (who’s quoted in this blog a few times a year) saw his son, Ben (another very nice guy), married to an incredible young lady — and we were honored to be there. Surrounded by nice guy winners in a room where a nice guy was winning reminded me that difference makers don’t have to be ball busters or glass breakers — they can be….well….nice.
Yesterday, when Phil Mickelson won The Open Championship — and walked off the green in tears with his 21-year caddie, Jim Mackay (also in tears), to hug his entire family (who were, I might add, ALSO in tears), I remember meeting Phil at Olympia Fields. I told Phil he was my favorite player, and he asked “Why?” Because, you’re a genuinely nice guy, and every time you’re on TV, I bet your dad is really proud of you. I hope my son has that same effect on me when he’s grown…
Just a random post on nice guys. And on a very special weekend for a guy who thinks they make a difference.
Kitch says
He and Bones weren’t the only guys with tears in their eyes, Hes. I can’t wait for Pinehurst 2014 when he WILL complete the career slam!