Hoo Makes The Call
Just when I was opening up Robby's glove, and all of the quarter century of diamond dust and debris started sliding and billowing out, he sent along a little message…
Louisville Slugger - G125-11P - c.1993
"I got it new in 1994. We were sponsored by Louisville so we got to choose. I loved the color. That glove has given up hits to JD Drew, Jason Varitek, Nomar Garciaparra, Chad Moeller, Brian Roberts and probably 6 other Clemson guys who had some type of pro career."
If you know me, there are two names in that list that are near sacrosanct in Red Sox lore. And thus, the first commissioned piece I became seriously concerned about screwing up. No biggie though-- it's not like a ran around my place barking unintelligibly for more than 15 minutes. It was definitely far less. I’m not a completely ridiculous person. Probably more like 11-13.
Most know Robby Robinson as the 'Voice of The VCU Rams' Mens Basketball team broadcasting from the Seigal Center and beyond on Richmond's Sports Radio 910 (AM) and Big 98.5 (FM). Few know that Robby pitched at the highest level of collegiate baseball at the University of Virginia. Called on to log crucial innings in relief from his Freshman year on, Robby was also a pivotal cog in the wheel of UVA's very first ACC Tournament Championship team in 1996 which sportswriters agree is the year that launched the program into national prominence. Since then, they have become one of the perennial NCAA Tournament and College World Series contenders.
Robby hadn't had any work done on his glove. Pretty much ever. Decided he wanted to give it a bit of love for the sake of being present as possible for his own son's foray into the game. Went ahead and did the basic overhaul of a deep clean and 3 stage conditioning with Ballplayers Balm products and relaced with chocolate laces from Buy Fast Pitch Gloves. The thumb loop could also not be salvaged so I went ahead and replaced that with a loop from BFP as well. Sealed and reformed the pocket with a bit of oven heated glove grease from GluvLuv.
It was an absolute joy to work on this piece. Definitely a huge leap for me in terms of personal confidence with my stake in the craft. And soooo many gloves accomplished and advancements made in every aspect of my process since finishing this piece a year ago. Looking forward to the next piece that freaks me out
