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March 09, 2006
Andre Robertson
Today, for no reason in particular, my thoughts have wandered towards Andre Robertson.
I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Robertson. Back in 1981, I was attending Baruch College in NYC. One day then, I had tickets for a night game at Yankee Stadium. Rather than take the train and the ferry back to Staten Island, and the haul up to the Bronx from there, I decided to go straight to the ballpark after school (where my dad would meet me later).
I got up to Stadium very early - hours before game time. As I was by myself, I killed time as best as I could outside - and then went in to the park as soon as the gates opened.
Hardly anyone was there while the Yankees were taking batting practice. I was 18 at the time - and somewhat shy back then (when in places where I did not know anyone). So, I sat in my seat - field boxes on the first base side - and just watched BP.
An usher came up to me, who must have felt sorry for me being by myself, and said "Why sit here? Why not go down to the railing and maybe see if you can get an autograph or a ball?" So, I did.
Just as I got to the dugout, out popped a skinny kid that the Yankees had just called up. Being a Yankees nut, I knew that it was Andre Robertson. So, I said "Hey, Andre, welcome to the big leagues!"
He turned to me with a look of shock that someone actually knew who he was - and we both stared at each other, not knowing what to do next. Somehow, I managed to say "Can I have your autograph?" And, he said yes. But, the only paper that I had on me was a brown paper bag that I brought to the game with some snacks. And, yes, you guessed it, I had him sign that.
Naturally, I kept my eye on this prospect from there out. And, he was an exciting fielder. He made some plays at SS where he looked like Spiderman.
Two years after our meeting, Andre was involved in a terrible car accident - entering the West Side Highway, around West 72d Street - as a result of improper placement of a sign warning of a curve. And, that led to the end of his career.
And, still, to this day, I have to wonder what could have been for Andre. It's such a shame.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at March 9, 2006 10:48 AM