Johnny Norton remembers Joey

It's interesting how passing comments, simple gestures, and friendly smiles can stick with someone over the years.

I had the opportunity to grow up with Joey in our little town of Escalon, and played with him on a few baseball teams as kids. When first learning the game of baseball, I played in the Babe Ruth league and faced Joey a few times while he was on the mound and I have to give it to him...he threw some heat when he cranked it back! On the Escalon High baseball team a few years later, not much changed...Joey was still better at baseball than I was, wore his hat a little to the side that I couldn't quite pull off, but there was something different about him that I didn't notice before: his humor! Joey had a knack at jokes, story telling, livening situations, and the ability to turn the most "serious" sporting scenarios into laughter when the coach wasn't looking.

You don't come across unique individuals like Joey everyday--they are few and far between--and when you do, you make sure to become their friends.

I'll miss you buddy.