CONSIDERING EVERYONE’S AGE, “Farewell Tour” seemed a bit too fatalistic. So “Grand Tour” it is—2½ months and a few thousand miles driving East then South to visit with friends and family. With the schedules of so many other folks to consider, it has already become a logistic nightmare.
Dan and Nicole in the Heartland, Lawrence KS
Labor Day found us at the home of Connie’s old Air Force buddy, Dan and his partner, Nicole. Their neighborhood in Lawrence, KS looks like something from a 1950s TV show complete with maple trees, white picket fences and rockers on the porch. I wouldn’t be surprised to find them living between Nelsons and the Cleavers.
Idyllic campus, Univesity of Kansas
KU Jayhawk
Kansas—Wind and Corn
Of course Dan and Connie took the obligatory stroll down Memory Lane, aided by some adult beverage. After checking into our hotel (thanks, Dan) we all took a walk around the KU campus where Dan attended law school. It’s everything I’ve ever imagined a college campus to be, complete with some comely Jayhawk coeds. I’m happy to report there is more to Kansas than corn. But, god, there is an awful lot of corn!
Buck O'Neal, soul of the Negro League Baseball Museum
Recently Recognized Negro Leagues Golden Glove Winners
Uniforms from some of the teams in some of the Negro Leagues
Connie examines baseballs signed by Negro Leagues players
I still can’t figure out why Kansas City is in Missouri, not Kansas. Nevertheless, we crossed state lines and checked in at the Best Western at Kaufman Stadium where we had tickets for Tuesday night’s Royals/Guardians game. Like all REAL baseball fans we took time to re-visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. It’s even better now that the MLB Hall of Fame has inducted Buck O’Neil; player, coach and driving force behind the Museum.
Night game at the "K"
Bobby Witt, Jr. gets another hit
We were able to walk to the “K” from our hotel and had great seats—upper level directly behind home plate—and a chance to see future Hall of Famer Bobby Witt, Jr. in action. Witt went 2-for-3 but first-place Cleveland hammered the home team Royals 7-1. What a shame.
