An Ode To Bill. The Usher in Section 271.

I would like to take a few moments to mention a coworker who is one of the coolest ushers in the entire stadium, Bill.

Bill is an usher near section 271 (Big Mac Land) Bill is a much older gentleman...probably in his mid 70's. He is rather tall and built as if he was a boxer back in his prime. He reminds me of a guy that would probably gather his grand-kids around a fire and tell them old war stories and how he made it out alive with a few gunshot wounds. He has a few scraggly white hairs that stick out from under his ball cap and always has a smile on his face. He's like an old grandpa everyone would want to adopt.

I first met Bill on Opening Day. He asked me if it was my first time working in the stadium. I responded with a yes. He told me to hang on for the wild ride this season and to never let go of my dreams.

I have made a point to go by and say hello to him and shake his hand everyday that I work. It just seems like the right thing to do. He usually is always there standing around is section, almost looking as if he's lost, but knows exactly where he needs to be.

Occasionally Bill will tell a few stories of what he's seen over the years of being an usher. He's never come out and said how long he's worked there...almost as if he can't remember.

Before the Saturday game of opening week, I just finished shaking Bill's hand, told him hello and then he said that today was his brothers birthday. Another beer man that was standing there told Bill that his brother should have come to the game and he would have bought him a beer for his birthday. Bill paused and then kind of chuckled with a replied, "well that would be a little difficult for him to make it since he's been dead for several years." Bill's smile never left him as he told us a little about his brother.

If you ever make it to a game and sit near Big Mac Land, say hi to the usher up there.

Tonight I ask that you raise your glass with me and solute Bill, the usher from section 271.