Bing was Devine

I was saddened to hear that former St. Louis Cardinals GM Bing Devine had passed away this past weekend. . .

Working in baseball, even minor league baseball, has certainly given me many great things. I have a championship ring, I have called a no-hitter, I have called two major league games (for demo purposes) and have met many great people along the way. Some folks are just a quick interview, some remain friends. I think Mr. Devine was somewhere in between for me.

I certainly wouldn't say we were friends, I only met him three times, but he was more than just a quick interview. I actually got to interview him twice, but I talked to him for a much longer time than just what made it on the air. Like most broadcasters, I like to talk to the guests prior to our interview just to get an idea of what we will talk about and frankly whether or not the person will make for a good interview. With Mr. Devine it was easy. We just started talking before a Grizzlies game one afternoon. He had come out with Tom Wheatley of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The two were out to promote their recent book.

Anyway, Mr. Devine spoke to me like an old friend-I really felt that way. He told me stories, and related experiences he had in the minor leagues to what we were doing. When we did go on the air a few hours later all I had to do was probe him to tell the good stories. He didn't disappoint.

I know I'm not alone in the feeling about Mr. Devine. It makes me feel privileged to work in baseball, and thankful that I get to meet and interact with the people I do. Mr. Devine is just the latest example to come to mind.

By the way if you are interested you can hear that interview from June 2004 here: http://www.gatewaygrizzlies.com/team/archive/