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August 11, 2004

The Memorial Recap

On most Wednesdays, I go downtown for lunch with friends. It’s a bit of a tradition and one I enjoy immensely.

Today, though, I skipped it and went to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. No, I haven’t suddenly found religion but I did go to honor the memory of Bob Murphy. As I mentioned the other day, Bob and his Mets broadcasts are part of the fabric of my life so his loss is keenly felt.

I wound up attending alongside DC’s ace librarian Allan Asherman and his wife, our diligent proofreader Arlene Lo. The usher at the door kept out the tourists, this was just for fans. The cathedral was packed, as it should be. As we waited for the service to begin, the organ began playing music. Within a few notes it was obvious we were listening to a uniquely arranged “Take me out to the Ballgame.”

Listening to the music, waiting for things to begin, I was reminded of the one time I saw Murph in person. It had to have been about a decade back; we were at Shea for a Sunday afternoon game with San Francisco. The kids were allowed to run the bases after the game and we entered through the Center Field fence and lined up against the padded wall. As we snaked forward, we got to the Mets’ bullpen and I noticed movement. Looking over, there was Murphy, still in his suit jacket, his collar open, heading to the parking lot. Others spotted him and we all joyously called and waved. He seemed genuinely stunned we’d notice and care. He gave us a short wave and hurried out the door. An unassuming, thorough pro.

Cardinal Egan opened things with some warm comments and the service was respectful and moved without delay. The recollections were limited to Mets owner Fred Wilpon and Murph’s broadcast partner since 1985, Gary Thorne. Wilpon said all the right things, with the right tone. Thorne, though, was animated, his booming voice clearly heard with or without the microphone. He told many anecdotes, about Murph and the game, his relationship with the 42-year Met veteran and more. It was rousing, letting us laugh amid the somber setting.

Given his Marine service in the 1950s, the 6th Battalion performed the traditional presentation of the Flag, to a recording of “Taps,” giving it to Bob’s widow, Joye Murphy.

And then, at promptly 3 p.m., it was over. The recessional music was an oddly improvisational version of the “Star-Spangled Banner” but fitting. We stood in our pew watching as players, ex-players, staff and others exited out a front side door. According to the one on-line news report I could find, those in attendance included manager Art Howe, current players Mike Piazza and Al Leiter and ex-Mets Keith Hernandez, Ed Charles and Bud Harrelson. Thorne was among a number of Murphy's broadcast partners who attended the service. Others included Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner, Hernandez, Gary Cohen, Howie Rose and Fran Healy.

I’m glad I was there.

Posted by Bob Greenberger at August 11, 2004 08:59 PM

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Comments

The usher at the door kept out the tourists, this was just for fans.

How did the usher know? Did you have tickets or something?

Posted by: MABFAN [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 11, 2004 10:43 PM

You were turned away unless you specifically said you were there for the memorial. It was open to the public, no tickets required.

Posted by: BobGreenberger [TypeKey Profile Page] at August 12, 2004 09:10 AM