[jammin' jamey]

The news of Joe Nuxhall's passing has deeply saddened me and, I'm sure, all Reds fans worldwide. I agree with "Jammin' Jamie" when he said we all lost an uncle today. Being left-handed my "uncle" and I had something in common. Yeah, he was an uncle alright, an uncle that made you actually look forward to his visits. An uncle that captivated me for nearly forty years, whose words either made me laugh, or cry, filled me with joy, or brought me to anger, depending on the situation he was describing.

I prayed when I found out my "uncle" had cancer, and thanked God with him when the operation was successful. Prayed again after his heart attack and was once again grateful to the Almighty when I heard his voice after the ordeal. When he told me he had finally had enough and was retiring, I wept. When the day of his retirement came I cried even more. Although he would visit less frequently over the past few years I was thankful for the visits I got. When I heard my "uncle" got sick earlier this week I just knew he would be O.K., and visit me again next spring.

At the end of each story my "uncle" would close by saying that he was "rounding third and heading for home" but I knew he would return shortly with more stories but this time he rounded third for the last time and is telling his stories to another audience. I am eternally grateful that for almost 40 of my 44 years on this earth Joe Nuxhall was a part of my life. Even though I never met him personally, I've known him all my life.

You know how I feel Hermit...Great post and stick around the site, we need guys like you here! :thumpsup: