Years ago, my dad went into a breakfast restaurant and saw Red Sox legend, Luis Tiant sitting at a table. Stunned, he walked up to the counter and ordered his breakfast. Sitting on one of the stools, he thought back to all of the times that he and my uncle and grandfather shared a summer evening watching a Sox game and marveling at Tiant’s signature, turnaround windup. The urge to acknowledge that, soon overcame his apprehension, but he still didn’t want to make a big scene and embarrass or annoy El Tianté.
He decided to walk to the bathroom, a path that would take him right by Tiant’s table, on his way by he said something like, “Hey, I just wanted to thank you for all the joy you brought my brother, father and I when you were pitching for the Sox.” Luis thanked him and my dad continued to the bathroom and then took a different route back to his stool at the counter. Several minutes later, my dad felt hands patting both his shoulders, it was Luis Tiant, he said quietly, “That’s how you do it!” and shook my dad’s hand with a smile. Basically, he was thanking my dad for not asking for three autographs and nine selfies, while drawing enough attention from other patrons to cause a scene. I remember that this made my dad feel really good and was a memory that he talked about often.
Last week I was down in Orlando, FL for ICAST and the rumor mill was percolating about a certain celebrity being present at the show. That man was, none other than, comedian and Family Feud host, Steve Harvey. I am a big fan of Steve, in fact my Instagram is constantly pushing clips of his hilarious exchanges with contestants in front of my eyes and I think my wife has probably had ‘about enough’ of me sending her these clips. But they make me laugh and his wit and timing are impeccable.
Throughout the first two days, I would catch a passing glimpse or miss meeting him by 10 minutes. ICAST is a wild time, with appointments scattered all over the sprawling event, I logged almost 35,000 steps in three days, I shot videos, attended parties, learned about hundreds of new products and met many amazing people. In the latter half of day three, we had an appointment at 1 p.m. and as we walked by the neighboring booth, I saw Steve sitting at a table, somewhat hidden from the masses, holding court with the staff at Mudhole Fishing.
Matt Broderick and I shot our video with Bull Bay Rods and then doubled back to see if Steve was still there, and he was. Suddenly, I felt a feeling I hadn’t felt since I was probably 14, shy and almost wanting to be invisible. I listened as he swapped stories with the guys in the booth, then he announced that he was leaving and the guys lined up for a handshake. I knew this was my opportunity.
I took the last position in the line and finally got to meet Steve. I learned at the show that he was also a dedicated fisherman who owns a ranch in Georgia, with nine private ponds on the property. He then built an outreach program through the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation, an Atlanta-based charity that provides youth outreach services while contributing more than $700,000 for scholarships. The foundation connects vulnerable youth with mentors through the Steve Harvey Mentoring Program and the Marjorie Harvey Girls Who Rule the World initiative, and, of course, all this comes with a healthy dose of fishing.
As I came to the front of the line, I shoved my hand into his and said, “Steve, I just wanted to shake your hand. I’m a big fan, but I’m an even bigger fan, now that I know about this program with the kids that come out to fish on your ranch. I just wanted to say thank you for keeping kids fishing.” I watched as his face relaxed, he said, “Well, thank you.” Looking at my nametag he asked, “What’s The Fisherman?” I explained what we do and said that we are about 75% saltwater, he grinned that signature grin, “Ohhh, I don’t do saltwater!” he said with a laugh, “Them waves you guys have are GANGSTA!” I laughed and said, “They’re not as bad as you think, but I’ve taken up enough of your time, it was great to meet you.” And I walked away.
Every fiber of my being wanted to get that selfie, but Luis Tiant told me not to, and I’m okay with that.
