As the youngest of four children, I was often the family entertainment. My two older sisters Karen and Janice believed those little, defenseless brothers were toys that existed for the sole purpose of their amusement. They enjoyed dressing me up in outfits not fit to be seen in public. They also found great humor in trying to drown me in the lake at
Vila’s Park in Madison, Wisconsin.
By the way, did I ever thank you for that?
Who knew all these years later I would consider them my lifeguard?
My brother Randall is nearly two years older and two inches taller than me, yet I never got spotted any points when we played one-on-one in our driveway. Those games back then would often lead to an argument, but now there is no debate, he’s been a good example of what a big brother should be.
In Chapter 8 off Off Court I briefly talk about moms. I can remember only three or four things from when I was in kindergarten and all of those memories involve my mother. What does that say?
My mother Vila gets credit for every good thing I do. She may have thought her job was over when all her kids married and moved out of the house, little did she know we have never needed her more.
As the son of a college professor, I never did absorb his never-quenching thirst for learning, but I did observe a few things about my role model like his integrity, sportsmanship and wisdom. But the one thing he left with me that I will never forget was he believed in me. I have been called many nicknames over the years. Things like my kids favorite, "Neil, Neil, the Banana peel," to "Phenome-Neil" to "Zuke," but none means more than the one my father gave me, "Mr. Potential."
My father’s gone now and I have a family of my own. My wife Jeannie has been my biggest supporter and continues to believe in me even when I doubt myself. My son Aaron (20) shares many of the same loves I do in playing baseball, watching Green Bay Packer games and a good cut of steak. He has even started reading one of my books. McKinsey (17) is an aspiring actress and was received four stars and two thumbs up from me in her role as Alice in the Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Sammy (13) has read my first book Danny’s Corner eight times. She has such a soft spot for pleasing others that I began calling her "Charmer."
Both would like to know when I’m going to write another book that’s not sports book.
Speaking of books, there is one person I would like to thank for his support. Russ Prestwich shows up at my book signings and pays double for the price of my book and he doesn’t even read them, he just likes to look at the pictures. Now that’s a friend.
As a sports writer for the Daily Herald and the Utah County Journal, I’ve been fortunate to have the chance to cover NCAA’s March Madness. I’ve been to the NBA finals and the NBA all-star game. I’ve covered Major League Baseball, NFL football. I’ve been on bus trips to St. George, Utah and Twin Falls, Idaho to cover junior college games and I’ve been to the land down under for a college basketball tour in the Outback.
What I’ve enjoyed the most over the years, wasn’t the games themselves, it was the people that I’ve met along the way. My life is richer having met Linda Fincher, Robin Thomas, the Richins family. I consider some of my favorite interviews to have been talking to John Amaechi, Mike Mathis, Karl Malone and Kristine Zaballos.
You have all helped me find a reason to write.
I’m really a simple person to figure out. I like to listen to Genesis (the old stuff) and John Waite when I write. When I’m not writing, I’m talking, watching or playing baseball. I still play on a 30-and-over team, which helps dull the pain of getting older.
I have simple dreams; I‘ve found those are often more satisfying. I would love to catch and hold a Gila monster some day. I would like to see McKinsey swim with a dolphin, I want to see Aaron’s face after he hits a home run. I would love to listen to Sammy play "Clouds," on the piano, and I want to see my wife smile.