Thanks for the memories Bill Grigsby
Bill Grigsby, the legendary Kansas City-area sportscaster goes to work every morning at the country club near his home. His office is situated in the lobby, right near the door, so he can see all of the people who come and go throughout the day. He’s 85-years-old now and a heart attack survivor, but he’s never been able to shed his reputation as a carouser and bon vivant.
On this morning, his phone rings, and on the other end is Randy Covitz, a sports writer for the Kansas City Star. Grigsby takes in a deep breath, settles back into his leather chair, looks out over the snow-covered course and asks, “Who is it this time?”
He’s had a storied career – he broadcast the first Super Bowl, used to hang with Phog Allen when he handled the Kansas basketball announcing duties. He endured the Charlie Finley Kansas City A’s era as their play-by-play announcer. He’s in several sports broadcasting halls of fame, and he’s a sought-after toastmaster – the kind of guy who has a story for every occasion.
Now, he’s primarily a source for obituaries.
Last year, he was telling stories about Hank Stram, longtime head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. Sure, Grigsby will eulogize his friends with honor and respect, but he also likes to share more intimate stories. Remember when Grigsby and Stram were seen pointing down at the turf before the game? They weren’t discussing field conditions – they were pitching quarters.
He would share the story of the time they both had a speaking engagement at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas. Stram spoke first and Grigsby followed. As Stram was speaking, the general at the fort passed Grigsby an envelope with their pay for the event. A bit of a hustler himself, Grigsby took the envelope to the bathroom, turned the hot water faucet on high and steamed the envelope open, whereupon he found four $100 bills.
“That’s too much,” Grigsby thought, pocketing $100 and resealing the envelope. When Stram was finished, Grigsby gave him the envelope and delivered his speech. On the drive home, Grigsby turned to Stram and asked how they made out.
“Those tight bastards,” Stram growled. “They only gave us $200!”
The last time Covitz called, it was about Lamar Hunt’s passing. Today, he’s calling about Hank Bauer, former Yankee great and manager of the Kansas City A’s.
“Good ol’ Hank,” Grigsby said. “We had a friendship that goes back over 50 years. … Bauer typified the Marines – roughhewn in every way. He could scare the enemy just by talking to them, and he faced life, and baseball, the same way.”
Later that night, Grigsby retreats back to his home and beloved wife, Fran, where they share a martini together. Sure, the fast days are over, but there’s plenty of living left to do.
“I have a vitamin every morning and a martini every night,” Grigsby shares. “My doctor says that as long as I don’t reverse the two, I’ll be all right.”