I HAD his rookie card! I HAVE his rookie card!
Back in the day, my passion at the ripe young age of 11-15 was
collecting Baseball Cards. Topps brand Baseball Cards, thank you very much.
No Fleer. No anything but Topps.
This is going to sound incredibly dated, BUT "back in the day", not so long ago
really, the 1980's, players actually stayed with their teams for awhile. These were
the days before "free agency" kicked in and so when you collected baseball cards,
the players were actually playing for that team awhile before that card became obsolete.
Frank Pastore was signed by the Reds in 1979. And when I heard that he was in line
to become the afternoon host on sister station KKLA, I was pretty jazzed.
I had really never known a professional or former professional baseball player,
That was 8 years ago. He has since become someone whom I consider a dear friend,
a kindred spirit and a guy who I flat out what to be like, period.
He and I goof around all the time together. Whenever he feels like he needs to body
slam someone into a wall: He finds me. Whenever Jeter or A-Rod or Pujols signs for
ridiculous money? I find Frank to remind him of it. And how is sense of timing couldn't
be better! Whenever listeners are fuming over a topic of his, I know about it because
when I answer our phones 5 doors down the hallway to the right, I answer the Fish lines,
"95.9 The Fish Big Wave Dave here" "I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT..."
"Excuse me--this is The Fish! I bet you want Frank?" "Oh-BWD sorry about that--KKLA is
next to you guys on my speed dial" "No worries", I say, "Let Frank know I said Hi".
Whenever he needs to vent on someone--he finds me in The Fish tank. Whenever I need counsel
or a chance to vent-I can find him in KKLA.
We've talked about some pretty deep subject matters over the years and with his wealth of
knowledge in the real world, studying and becoming an Apologist of the Gospel, writing an incredible
book and his passion for being authentic and real, he's become a favorite of mine.
He and I spent time on a missions trip to El Salvador. And he kissed LAX when we got home.
Whenever I need $20 to get me home because
I forgot my wallet, he's my man. He actually asked me to spot him once because he forgot his.
Of course, I gave him grief. So many stories about my friend, Frank Pastore.
Six nights ago, he had a commerical to cut with his Producer, Josh Jacobs. I was finishing up
for the night and ran into him in the bathroom. We had our friendly banter, I pushed him, he pushed
me (He's 6 foot something and 250+ pounds of sheer muscle I might add. I'm a 5'5" 175 pound wimp}
and I wished him well on his ride home as he disappeared into the elevator.
I found out the next morning that he had been in a horrible accident and thrown from his bike. He loves
that motorcycle. If it's ever raining he always says something like, "Dave-had to take THAT darn
cage today." Anything with four doors and a roof is a cage to him.
He is still in a coma, with broken wrists, ankles and a mighty head injury.
His family is beautiful. His bride, his daughter and son and their spouses are some of the best
people you will ever meet. When I had the chance to visit with him, it was very surreal.
Frank is a strong, vibrant, loud soul. Not today or for the last week.
In that room, as I spoke to him, I mentioned that I'd like my friend to wake up because
all my lines are blinking and I want to know what's going on in there.
Frank is a man's man. He's a man that God continues to use in so many lives including mine.
He has taught me a great deal about being genuine in my faith. To be committed to it. Even when
it feels frustrating and difficult. In essence, that's what faith is, yes?
So, may we all be like Frank: Committed. And ready to let God work through us. And to stand back
and watch what happens.
Wake up Frank---you have more chapters to write in your next book, "Shattered 2"
Besides, another insane contract is going to be signed by someone who hits or pitches a ball for a living and I want to remind you of your sense of timing...........
dave@thefish959.com
