Back in the mid-80's, I was working out of town quite a bit. On one of my weekend journeys, I ended up at having Sunday brunch at the Danville Hotel in Danville, CA. Sitting by himself & making it well known that he did NOT want to be disturbed, was Billy Martin. Wouldn't sign any autographs (I tried) & wouldn't take pictures with people (also tried that ). I could understand as he had people coming up to him constantly during brunch.

Fast forward to later that same week -- I'm working out of my "home base" in Long Beach & I get a call from a friend. He's at "Happy Hour" at a small restaurant / bar about a mile away, having drinks with -- Billy Martin!!. I finished up my work & made it down to "Alfreds" about an hour later. Sure enough, Billy Martin was there along with about five or six of my friends. He was feeling no pain & was keeping us in stitches telling stories. My friend even asked if he could try on his World Series ring & pretty soon we ALL had tried it on. He was the friendliest guy around that night, quite a difference from my encounter with him earlier in the week.

Bedo