We waited a few minutes, giddy of what was to come. Jerry Reinsdorf strolled by, Harold Baines in his coaching gear, many player's wives, and then they escorted us out by the World Series monument. A few short moments later, cue the music, the 2005 World Series team walks out to join us by the monument. Brief back story, this is the team that almost cost Kamm and I a college degree. Back in the fall of '05 we boycotted class, homework, even tests when the Sox had a playoff game. One of the best decisions I ever made. The team took a dozen photos with the trophy before the WS MVP Jermaine Dye locks eyes on me. My face already hurts from smiling so much when he walks over, gets down on one knee and shakes my hand. He told me, "we've all heard you're our biggest fan, but we want you to know we think you're a hero," cue the music, when he hands me an '05 WS customized jersey with GRAHNKE across the back and insists I join the rest of the team and trophy for a picture.
Hundreds of pictures are being snapped, I told the guys I was worried I was going to swear, when Ozzie Guillen grabs my shoulders and says, "swearing, who the fuck cares?!? Fuckiodnbrbvv," that's how I would decipher what Ozzie said. The players dispersed but Jermaine held back and put the trophy on my chair and snapped a few more pictures. He then called over Frank Thomas. Frank is truly The Big Hurt, the man is massive but such a sweet guy. He and Jermaine grabbed a shoulder and we snapped a photo. That's when they turned the trophy over to my crew. They wanted me to hold the trophy but I was terrified my weakening arms would drop the WS trophy! I gave that honor to Kamm and then we took one of the happiest photos my wife said she thinks she's ever seen.
On to Act 2. Our lovely PR team took us to the field through the clubhouse halls. Out on the field we listened to Rowand, Anderson, Blum and Ozzie speak to season ticket holders about '05. While they spoke we met the current White Sox RF Garcia. Another large dude, took a picture, got an autograph. Then, out of the dugout comes my dude Robin Ventura. We walk over to him where he shoots the shit with us. I told him of one of my most memorable games where he hit 2 home runs to win the game. Kamm complements his glasses. He told some jokes. Another awesome picture, another autograph, another manly and classy handshake. Cue the Sox players that just wrapped their interview. They come bear hug us and pull us in for more pictures. Ozzie talks fast and we lost track of his meaning, but who cares, the dude is so cool. Aaron Rowand gives me a little man shoulder massage, Brian Anderson complements my sunglasses.
Act 3. We join Cate, Rosie, Logas, Halter, Joe and Paul in our suite to enjoy hot dogs and beers and take in the WS ceremony where we get another view of our '05 heroes. The videos on the jumbotron gave me chills. We relived every moment of the playoffs as the crowd roared. Kamm, Logas and I recall when the Sox won in '05 and I lead a screaming parade up and down the dorm halls. The day could have ended there and gone down in history as the best day ever right behind my wedding day, but it wasn't finished.
It's the top of the 4th inning, Sox are down when there is a knock at the door. In comes Jon Garland and Brian Anderson, as well as a camera crew. These two studs are here to hang out and have beers with us. Brian and Jon fold into our crew as if they've always known us. Jon and I talked about his daughter. Brian and I talk about hot dogs vs polish sausage. All the while they let me wear their WS rings on each hand. Eventually they had to split but not before taking some selfies with the crew and giving me a hug. We continued to party and enjoy the Sox all the way into the 13th inning.
Now I know this experience would never have happened if I didn't have ALS. Jeff wouldn't have been able to tell the Sox much of a story if it weren't for this disease. As great as this day was, I'd trade it in a second if it meant I'd be healed. But right now the fact is I have ALS and it brought me one of the most epic days of all time. I'll be able to share this experience with my dad in heaven one day. My crew will remember this day for the rest of their lives. There's Grace in that. Cue the music.
