I was interviewed yesterday by the local CBS affiliate in Austin, Texas and was caught off guard a little bit. I thought it would be a quick 5 minute type of thing. However, we actually sat down for about a half hour. After I answered all their questions they wanted to see my car and how I set it up to sleep in it. I had parked a couple blocks away from the stadium so I left my stuff with the camera guy and walked over to get it. When I got to the car I realized my keys were in my “man purse” so I had to run all the way back to get them. I was really surprised how thorough they were along with the camera guy taking a lot of shots of me at the game. I would be lying if I said it was no big deal, I wish I was that humble. The recognition made me feel very good with the attention I was receiving. Even though, I will keep this experience in perspective so my head doesn’t swell too much. I suppose you can call this ‘my 15 minutes of fame’! The camera guy, I believe his name is Antony, introduced me to a well respected retired Texas high school baseball coach who agreed to talk to me.
John Langerhans was a coach for 29 years for three different schools. Through his career, he compiled a record of 615 wins 200 losses, winning one Texas State Championship in 1997. If you think that is the end of the story you are sadly mistaken. During John’s college years from 1969-1972, he played for the Texas Longhorns as a first baseman and pitcher (none of this specialization they have now-a-days). John would pitch on Friday and then play first base Saturday and Sunday! He was drafted out of high school by the Minnesota Twins in the second round but decided to go to college. In 1971, the Milwaukee Brewers drafted him in the third round, once again he elected to stay in college for his senior season at Texas. Finally he went on to play pro ball for the Cleveland Indian organization who drafted him in the third round in 1972. If you are confused about all the drafting, so am I.
As I was writing the profile on John, I fell asleep! I think I have officially hit the wall. I am going to post what I have written so far and profile him later today or tonight, I apologize.
I was in Austin on Friday for the game between Texas and TCU which finished up around 9 p.m. I left the game and got on the road, driving five hours to Lake Charles, Louisiana. I pulled into a truck stop to get a few hours of sleep, met with another reporter, watched another great high school game between Barbe and Sam Houston. That ended around 3 p.m. I was back on the road for another five hours to Hattiesburg, arriving here about 8 p.m. I checked into a “nicer” hotel than I usually do, started writing and dozed off. Currently it is 7:30 a.m. and I need to post yesterdays blog! But, the bed is extremely comfortable!
It sounds like you’re having new experiences all the time that you didn’t expect John. Glad you enjoyed your 15 minutes and Happy Easter John!