Herb Jude Score

Cleveland Indians' pitching legend and long-time broadcaster, Herb Score, passed away at his home in Rocky River Tuesday morning with his wife and family at his side.

He was 75-years-old and had been ill for sometime.

In my line of work, I had been alerted a few weeks ago that he was not doing well, and unfortunately, may not have much time left.

We had a tribute story ready to go when he passed.

I wrote a personalized remembrance on my work blog.

It's been interesting and so moving reading the various newspaper articles, web stories, and viewing television reports on Mr. Score's passing.

Each story has the basic information about his baseball career, his tragic accident, how he catapulted into a tremendous broadcasting career, retired and then how the last years of his life had been plagued with tragedy after tragedy.

Every single story also contained personalized remembrances from every single writer or broadcaster. Herb Score affected every person he touched in so many ways.

His rich tones, so soothing. I could listen to Herb call a game all day long! In fact, I used to sit on the porch alcove at our old house with my homemade score card and chart the entire Indians' Game from pre-game to post-game. I'm sure I still have those score cards up in our attic somewhere!

Most of the articles touched on his 'Herbisms' as well as the classic way he'd call a game. Every once in a blue moon he would make a blunder, but for some reason, with Herb, it did not matter. He was such a class act, so unassuming, not taking himself too seriously, that he would correct the mistake with his own special flare! One of the greats! A brilliant broadcaster. They really do not make them like Herb anymore. The mold has been broken.

More important to me than any of the baseball jive was his faith and love of his God, of his religion. I truly believe that his rich, faith-filled life made him the person he was and gave him the strength to endure and survive every cross he had to bear.

From his pitching days, especially on the day of his injury, you could see how much faith he possessed. When he was laying on the pitcher's mound bleeding and in pain, he prayed to his favorite saint, St. Jude, to spare his sight. Ultimately his sight was spared. Though he did not continue with his pitching career, St. Jude and God allowed him to stay in the business he loved so much.

He named one of his daughters after St. Jude.

He was very involved with his church.

And, what inspired me most, was when my family and I would go on our baseball jaunts to watch the Tribe in various cities. We'd wind up being on the road on a Sunday. We'd find the closest Roman Catholic Church and attend Mass before heading to the game. You'd always see the Catholic ballplayers at Mass, including Mr. Herb Score, giving thanks to God for their gifts and their talents bestowed on them by God. It was quite moving.

God rewards good people. God truly rewarded Herb with his wonderful wife, Nancy. Nancy and Herb were the perfect couple, the epitome of love and happiness. Their faith helped them survive this long and weather the storms tossed in their direction. And they did!

I have no doubt that Herb Score is front and center on the 'pitching mound in the sky' blowing away the likes of Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, Shoeless Joe Jackson, Roger Maris, and THE BEST baseball team ever assembled!

Herb, you will truly be missed.

And you are one of the 1st people I'd love to bump into and play catch with when God opens the pearly gates for me.

The road most traveled

I should have known better.

I did know better.

I've experienced this Sunday after Sunday.

I've dealt with this day in, day out after Cleveland Indians' Games.

I've lived through it during Cleveland's worst snow storms.

However, I just figured 'it would be ok.'

And though it took me over an hour to get home from work, it was ok.

I tried leaving work to downtown traffic gridlock. I waited. And waited.

Why did not I stay late for unfinished business like I've done so many times before?

I tried going 'the other' way in order to maneuver around the town. Bad move.

Though I was not at this game, I was in the midst of the flavor of the game.

That was kinda cool.

I saw downtown spots I have not been able to see in a while.

And for whatever reason, the long commute home was bearable. It did not fluster me.

I cranked my car radio, took some cell phone pics of the scene, and enjoyed the moment!

New life

I am truly blessed. I've always felt this way and know what a wonderful life I have.

However, there are many in this world who are in the midst of chaos, despair, sadness and a feeling of hopelessness.

Well, today is a new day.

Today is the beginning of what could be the turnaround for a better life for all of us in the world and in the United States of America.

Do not give up.

Do not despair.

There is new life.

Hours away from freedom

Anticipation on many fronts.

Who will be the next president of the United States? We all have our choice but who will it really be?

Election days for me are always crazy due to my craft and career choice.

Will casinos in Ohio become a reality?

The list is endless.

But most importantly, the disturbing 'blame game' commercials which air around the clock will come to an end and go dark in just 6 and 1/2 short hours.

The phone calls at every hour of every day hopefully will stop.

I can not understand the phone calls. The phone rings and you pick it up yet there is no one else on the other end of the phone? Or the phone rings and you don't pick it up yet they don't leave a message on your answering machine? What is the point of the phone call if the person on the other end is mute? And by the off chance a message is left, it is so long, it usually cuts off before the message has actually ended?!?!?! (Same thing with telemarketers, which unfortunately will probably not end after this election)...

I look forward to no more calls from Minnesota and Maryland and all over this great land:
506.227.3529
952.400.1110
240.696.7345
877.565.0143
866.346.2708
877.622.6264


Good riddance!

Macy's: 150 Years

I love this commercial! I get all choked up everytime I see it and I'm sure we'll see it often through the holiday season!

Youngest choir member

We have a new addition to our church choir--he's young, handsome, hip, and has one strong set of pipes!

Baby Jack!

Kay and Tyson have become a welcome addition to our Choir over the last few years.

They brought Jack into the world. He was baptized this morning at Mass.

What a doll. His presence alone makes you realize the greatness yet gentleness of Jesus Christ.

Jack was a dream this morning! All dolled up in his all white suit and tie. Never made a peep! Tyson says after the first week or two of his birth, he became very observant watching everyone and everything, following movement and attentive to everything in his sight line!

Our choir director, David, already has great plans for young Jack!

Congratulations again to Tyson, Kay, and Jack! May you make beautiful music together and live in harmony for many many years to come!

Fall back

I've been anticipating this moment for the last 9 days!

I know, it's silly.

You say, 'Danielle, just go to bed an hour earlier and you will get an extra hour of sleep.'

I feel like a kid at Christmas opening a gift. The gift of one more hour to do whatever I'd like--and right now, I'd love to utilize that hour to sleep.

When I was younger, I'd get an extra hour to drink. Well, if I were hanging around with my best friend, that would be my wish again! I still have it. 3 weeks ago, I don't think there was a day I went to bed before 5am. It was great! So I know I still have it! For now, my wish is to sleep.

The downside is that this momentous occasion occurs Saturday to Sunday. I can't sleep in on Sundays. I must be up early to Cantor Mass. But at least I do get that extra hour before duty calls.

Starting around 8pm, I keep saying "it's really 7pm" and so on and so on.....

Well, right now it is really 1145pm and believe it or not, I can not wait to finish watching my episode of Law and Order...maybe another one...and then off to dream land with this magnificent gift we've been given tonight...

Sweet Dreams!