In 2004, my family went down to Mesa, AZ to see the Cubs. It was like a rock show. Sosa, Alou, D-Lee, Dusty Baker, Maddux... All those stars....It was awesome.

Three people stood out that day. Ron Santo, what a stud, signing autographs for everyone and anyone. Ryan Dempster, who had just signed with the Cubs, was throwing on a back field. He talked to me and my older brother... And Kerry Wood, and Matt Clement (sorry 5).

Kerry and his wife had a food drive before the game. Kerry was signing autographs after the game with Matt. I could tell he wanted to go, but he and Matt signed all they could. Two other pitchers in that famed starting five, were too good to sign autographs. Once again, Kerry was my guy, doing the right thing.

It makes me sad that Kerry and Ron Santo and Billy Williams and other decent guys shine so brilliantly one day, and then struggle the next. Before you know it, they are gone.

Their greatness on the field is now captive in your mind forever. There to have you flash a smile on your face, and help you remember a time that was golden and good. And there to tease you of what could have been..... if only....

Matthew Shelton
Cedar Falls, Iowa