THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Tag Archives: dailyprompt-2119


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Getting There

The daily writing prompt wants to know – Who is the most famous or infamous person you have ever met?

I answered this question last year in a post called Famous. But I got another one to add to the list due to his rise this year to position I think he always wanted. Talk about someone pursuing his dream.

He started out as an intern and then hired full time in the IT area of the Washington Post. He worked under me for a while before moving onward and upward through the company.

I think he was fresh out of college when he started. He was just a young man named Ken Babby. There were a few things that stood out about him from the start. He was sharp and observant, and not afraid to ask questions. He was very personable and a sponge for knowledge. I found him very easy to talk to and as someone who enjoyed mentoring, I shared what knowledge I had with him.

He quickly rose through the ranks. But before he moved on, he asked me if I liked basketball which he knew I did. He gave me 2 tickets to the Wizards vs San Antonio game for my son and me. That is when he told me his father was a sports agent for Tim Duncan, Bruce Bowen and another player I can’t recall now.

He even asked us to stay after the game for a meet and greet with San Antonio players. What a wonderful experience for my son. I will always be thankful for that gesture.

I thought to myself this kid is very down to earth and genuine. I would never have guessed his family was well to do before that night. The way and speed he moved up through the company was very fast. But like I said, this was a smart kid.

I believe that it was at least 27 years ago that we worked together, maybe more. Well, he has done very well for himself. This year he became the CEO of the Tampa Bay Rays Major League Baseball team. He also owns two minor league teams. One Double A and one Triple A teams.

I’ll ping him before the season starts this coming year and wish him well but remind him the Yankees will win the division. Maybe I’ll see if he’s coming to Baltimore and wants to meet up. I’ll even treat him to a sandwich from Boog’s BBQ.

Play ball. Photo by Mike Hartley


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Famous

Who is the most famous or infamous person you have ever met? – Interesting question from the Daily Writing prompt.

My only encounter with famous or infamous is by pure chance.

I met Hubert Humphrey, Vice President at the time, at Bethesda Naval Hospital. If I remember right we were both on our way up on the elevator headed for tests in the 1960s. He introduced himself to my Mom and me. I believe he asked if we were doing okay and I remember his smile.

I vaguely remember going to a sports banquet once and meeting a lot of Baltimore sports legends like Brooks Robinson and Boog Powell along with some basketball and football pro players.

I had the pleasure of meeting Katherine and Don Graham while working at The Washington Post. We used to see a lot of important people coming in and out for interviews or visits. You would know when it was someone high up was coming because 15th street would clear for a bit, limo out front, guys in suits and SUVs around it, and maybe a guy or two peering over the rooftop of adjacent buildings. One of the 4 lobby elevators would be locked out just for the dignitary.

When my better half wakes up I’ll have to ask her if I’m forgetting anyone. I’m sure there are dozens more. Yeah right.

Oh, almost forgot this one being it was a long time ago also. Mr Yates. He must have been famous, everyone in town knew him.

Mr Yates behind his counter. Photo by Mike Hartley