I grew up a Royals fan in the 1970's, going to see Darrell Porter play at the stadium in KC through the ages of 8-12. My father used to get tickets right behind home plate so I had the opportunity to see him closeup and I still remember what an impression he made with me at that young age seeing him hustle.
Then later, when I was 23, I was flying a freight airplane out of downtown KC, and I had the opportunity to meet Darrell. It seems that he knew one of guys that owned the company and I was scheduled to take the airplane back to Springfield, MO after maintenance was through. Darrell wanted to hitch a ride with me in the airplane to go get a deal on a van that he was interested in buying. I just remember seeing him walk across the hangar floor and I instantly recognized him from my childhood days.
What a thrill for me!! Darrell sat right next to me in that Piper twin-engine as we lifted off to Springfield ... and I just remember looking over at him and thinking ... here I was sitting next to the 1982 World Series MVP. It was awesome, and he was truly a nice guy that treated me with respect.
My heart goes out to his wife and children. There's no way around his death -- it's shocking and sad. But he was a tender and kind giant.
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Posted August 18, 2002.
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