It’s been a thrilling few days for our lovely niece Christine and I! Friday we got to watch batting practice on the field. Saturday was even more thrilling … Christine and I had the tremendous honor of going to private 80th birthday party for Giants Hall of Fame member Orlando Cepeda at our ballpark!!! Then after the party we got to watch the game in a suite the Giants set aside for Orlando and his guests. Talk about a day!!
I had to keep pinching myself to realize this was really happening. Some my favorite Giants players from the 1960s to the 1980s were there and I got to meet all of them!
Thank you to our dear friends Bob & Audrey Sockolov for making this possible. Here’s a few of the highlights we captured in photos.
Meeting one of my baseball heroes Hall of Fame !member Orlando Cepeda aka The Baby Bull the birthday boy! He looks much younger than 80!
Meeting yet another of my baseball idols Giants Hall of Fame member Gaylord Perry! — with Christine Philabaum Desnoyers.
The great Giants player Will Clark! I remember riding my exercise bike in 1986 when Will the Thrill hit a home run of Nolan Ryan in his first at bat in the major leagues! I almost fell off the bike!!
Another Giants player from the 1980s Bill Laskey.
I don’t remember what the lovely Renel Brooks Moon said … But it cracked me up!
Giants President and CEO Larry Baer had some very kind things to say about my book.
Beautiful Christine Philabaum sporting her Orlando Cepeda trademark Panama hat which the Giants gave out as you entered the party. Looks great Chrissy!! ??
In the suite I was delighted to meet original San Francisco Giants player Eddie Bressoud. I have a rule … anybody who is on the cover of my book like Eddie gets a book!
Christine Philabaum enjoying the free beer in the suite. ??
I gave a book to longtime Giants PR Director Pat Gallagher who invented the Croix de Candlestick I earned my share of those prized pins by braving the cold into extra innings at night games at The Stick!
Thrilled to wear Pat’s 2010 championship ring! I almost couldn’t get it off! Wink wink!
No words necessary!!
A perfect cake for the occasion! Feliz Cumpleaños Orlando!!!
3 thoughts on “A Birthday Party to Remember!”
Oh my goodness, dear, dear Chris!!
WHAT a fabulous rendition of this memorable day!!!
Leave it to YOU to write and express such wonderful feelings about this most special time honoring our dear friend, Orlando!
YOU are awesome and we love you!!
❤️❤️❤️???
I grew up with Chris but I don’t know if he is the Chris I grew up with. We played much baseball together. I am Rick Wilson living in Colombia. I hope we can hook up again.
Oh my goodness, dear, dear Chris!!
WHAT a fabulous rendition of this memorable day!!!
Leave it to YOU to write and express such wonderful feelings about this most special time honoring our dear friend, Orlando!
YOU are awesome and we love you!!
❤️❤️❤️???
Thank you Bob & Audrey! I’m glad you enjoyed my recap of this very special day.
Love you both!
Chris
I grew up with Chris but I don’t know if he is the Chris I grew up with. We played much baseball together. I am Rick Wilson living in Colombia. I hope we can hook up again.