Chris, Groomsman

Chris (aka: Clarke)

"You've got room!!!"  Those 3 words will explain a few of the scars on my knees and shins. Clarke's another good friend that I originally met playing ball.  I often played next to Chris in the OF, and I was always told there's enough room to make the catch.  Ask the 5 foot pine tree in Itasca that I snapped in half.  Clarke, meanwhile, never slid into a bag in his life.  He'd probably tell you that he's never had to.  Sounds weird, I know...considering the fact he enjoyed seeing me dive all over the place.

Not long after knowing Chris, I remember him coming by the office to discuss the team's lineup for that night (actual work was overrated in those days).  He loved talking the game and strategy more than anyone I knew, so on the surface, you'd think he was a hack who couldn't play.  On the contrary, he's one of the most talented players I ever played with.  He was your prototypical 5-tool player who never got his knees dirty :)

Chris is also the victim of one of the worst ever lean-in moves I've got on camera. That's fellow groomsman Jimmy executing the move to perfection, snubbing Clarke, from what would've been a great picture with Jim Thome during a visit to Pittsburgh...

I feel very fortunate to have met a lot of great people during my years in Chicago, and Chris is atop that list. He's a super guy and incredible friend...despite his lack of care for my health.