I have been an Associate Scout for the Atlanta Braves for the past 3 years and I wanted to meet Bobby Cox. When I found out that 2010 was going to be his last year of coaching I was just hoping I could meet him and also share in that experience with my son who is the kid on the mound of the book. He is now 25 years old and I thought it would be cool to have my son meet Coach Cox.

I had been going over to the Astros games a few times over the past few years since I had become friends with Larry Dierker. Larry wrote a great testimonial in the book. Well I got up enough nerve to ask Larry if we could come over during the final series with the Braves and the Astros. I figured that was as close as I could get to have a chance in meeting Coach Cox. My son had never met Larry Dierker so this would really be cool for him, and he seemed excited about the trip. I prayed about the possibility and then I got an e-mail from Larry asking which game I wanted to attend. I told him and it was a done deal, however there was no mention from Larry about the Bobby Cox introduction. Well my son and I was off to Houston as Larry's guest hoping for the best. My son was still excited just meeting Larry Dierker. Once we arrived at Larry's Bamboo Restaurant, which is part of the stadium, Larry met us with good news. He had given my book to Bobby Cox before I had arrived with the hopes that Bobby would want to meet me. Well it worked and the next thing my son and I knew we were going through the press box and down into an area only certain people can go, and all of a sudden we are on the ground floor walking out to the field. Coach Cox was standing next to his dugout waiting for us and once to the gate he invited us in. It was like stepping on to the forbidden ground. Coach Cox thanked me for the book and had already started reading it and as he put "So far so good". He shook my son's hand and I thought I was going to lose it. Here I was getting to experience what I had prayed for just weeks before and it was all coming true. I told Bobby how much the Braves and especially the scouting corps was going to miss him. Even though I was a lowly first level scout he treated me as part of the Braves Nation. As if it couldn't get any better, Larry told us to turn around and he would take a picture. Here I was standing by a shoe in Hall of Fame Manager and a Houston Astros Hall of Fame pitcher/manager /and broadcaster taking our picture while my son had the biggest smile on his face. On our way home my son said "Dad; now I know why the book is so important to you. It validates how much you loved the game and what it stands for. Its also cool that you know all of these guys. I'm proud of you Dad". My mission was complete. God is well in your lives if you include Him in all that you do.