Ron Polk was at the game last night

JackShephard

Senior
Sep 27, 2011
1,541
680
113
He was just sitting off to himself by the front gate of the stadium, in a spot where he wouldn't draw a lot of attention, but could see the game. He was watching with binoculars, basically from behind the CF wall in this little nook that was off the path of where most attendees would be. He was keeping a score book and taking notes. A few people recognized him. I saw him, and left him alone. A few others asked for a quick photo and/or shook his hand and thanked him for all he's done for the program. He didn't seem to mind that. BUT....ONE couple. One stinking older couple who was ruder than all get out, who are so self-centered and self-absorbed that they only cared about getting "their" moment ruined it and ran him off. These are late 60s, early 70s people, best I could tell. The woman was the epitome of a Karen. Entitled, too much make-up, bad plastic surgery, awful attitude, loud, obnoxious, berating the husband, on her phone loudly...you know the type. The husband was a brow-beaten wimp with no spine left. Anyway, his wife comes limping up, acting like she was injured and needed somewhere out of the way to sit. The guy strategically places her where Ron can't get out without basically walking over her. The guy pretends to ask if it's ok for them to sit there like he doesn't know who he's talking to. Then, when CRP is trapped, suddenly they recognize him! They start asking for pictures and autographs, the works. CRP politely says he's just trying to watch the game and doesn't want to start a commotion. In other words "please, leave me alone". The couple won't let up. He can no longer focus on the game. So he relents, gives a picture, then the guy produces a cowbell and asks for a signature, CRP gives it (you can tell he's angry at this point - they couldn't care less), and then he tries to go back to the game. They won't let him. They keep pestering him, snapping photos, loudly calling people and telling them all about it and where they are, come get a picture with Coach Polk! Like, they're literally the worst and most oblivious people on the planet. Ron has enough and pushes by them and leaves. Not sure if he left the game, but he disappeared. Then, the woman can miraculously get up and walk around, call all her friends, post on Facebook, and just have the greatest time celebrating herself. It was disgusting.

If you are those people - you're sick. Get help. There are other people in the world. You should be embarrassed.

If you know these people (maybe they tagged you on FB or called you to describe their awesome time with CRP), please talk to them. They don't know how to act in public.

/end rant
 

Bulldog Bruce

All-American
Nov 1, 2007
4,778
5,409
113
Instead of watching it all unfold you could have ranted right at them. This is why known people ending sitting in suites. I know most of the guys I know that are publicly famous would love to just be able sit with people and be part of the fan base and enjoy the game like everyone else. But people like that make it impossible for them.
 

Xenomorph

All-American
Feb 15, 2007
15,461
9,277
113
He was just sitting off to himself by the front gate of the stadium, in a spot where he wouldn't draw a lot of attention, but could see the game. He was watching with binoculars, basically from behind the CF wall in this little nook that was off the path of where most attendees would be. He was keeping a score book and taking notes. A few people recognized him. I saw him, and left him alone. A few others asked for a quick photo and/or shook his hand and thanked him for all he's done for the program. He didn't seem to mind that. BUT....ONE couple. One stinking older couple who was ruder than all get out, who are so self-centered and self-absorbed that they only cared about getting "their" moment ruined it and ran him off. These are late 60s, early 70s people, best I could tell. The woman was the epitome of a Karen. Entitled, too much make-up, bad plastic surgery, awful attitude, loud, obnoxious, berating the husband, on her phone loudly...you know the type. The husband was a brow-beaten wimp with no spine left. Anyway, his wife comes limping up, acting like she was injured and needed somewhere out of the way to sit. The guy strategically places her where Ron can't get out without basically walking over her. The guy pretends to ask if it's ok for them to sit there like he doesn't know who he's talking to. Then, when CRP is trapped, suddenly they recognize him! They start asking for pictures and autographs, the works. CRP politely says he's just trying to watch the game and doesn't want to start a commotion. In other words "please, leave me alone". The couple won't let up. He can no longer focus on the game. So he relents, gives a picture, then the guy produces a cowbell and asks for a signature, CRP gives it (you can tell he's angry at this point - they couldn't care less), and then he tries to go back to the game. They won't let him. They keep pestering him, snapping photos, loudly calling people and telling them all about it and where they are, come get a picture with Coach Polk! Like, they're literally the worst and most oblivious people on the planet. Ron has enough and pushes by them and leaves. Not sure if he left the game, but he disappeared. Then, the woman can miraculously get up and walk around, call all her friends, post on Facebook, and just have the greatest time celebrating herself. It was disgusting.

If you are those people - you're sick. Get help. There are other people in the world. You should be embarrassed.

If you know these people (maybe they tagged you on FB or called you to describe their awesome time with CRP), please talk to them. They don't know how to act in public.

/end rant
Man, you should see how people treat me in public…
 

JackShephard

Senior
Sep 27, 2011
1,541
680
113
Instead of watching it all unfold you could have ranted right at them. This is why known people ending sitting in suites. I know most of the guys I know that are publicly famous would love to just be able sit with people and be part of the fan base and enjoy the game like everyone else. But people like that make it impossible for them.
I thought about it, but Coach was trying to keep a low profile, and I figured that would bring more attention to it. Maybe a bad call on my part. You definitely have a point. But, in the moment, I decided to stay out of it.
 

patdog

Heisman
May 28, 2007
57,080
26,681
113
I thought about it, but Coach was trying to keep a low profile, and I figured that would bring more attention to it. Maybe a bad call on my part. You definitely have a point. But, in the moment, I decided to stay out of it.
Probably the right choice. But what the heck is wrong with people. I figure a quick hey I enjoy your work, or good luck in you next game/match is plenty. They're plenty busy without me harassing them for a long conversation and photo.
 

L4MANDW

All-Conference
Feb 21, 2018
1,042
2,376
113
After one of the opponents games in a regional State hosted some years back, almost everyone had left, crew was working the field up for later game, it was hot that day but I noticed CRP sitting by himself up the second deck behind 3rd base just smokin’ his stogie. I had a program and I thought I’ll just ease by, ask him for his autograph, no one around, surly he wouldn’t mind. Got to him, made my request, showed him the program and a pen. He just waved me off w/his left hand stogie was loaded in between his first & middle finger. I politely said, thanks anyway, and appreciate all you’ve done for the program. Would have been nice to have his mark on the program but for whatever reason, he decided not to oblige. I told myself walking out, that’s the first and last time I’ll ever ask him for an autograph. Seen him numerous times since. Bumped into him at Bama series in Tuscaloosa. My brother and I actually took a rest room visit at the same time with him at a series in Oxford. Rode the elevator up w/him to the lofts rooftop for a game a few seasons ago. Never spoke to him another time after the day he declined the autograph. People are people and you never know what’s a goin’ on inside the gourd or happening in their lives at that moment in time when you come into contact w/them. I just always tell myself maybe he just wanted to be left alone that day to enjoy his smoke since it was no one in the stands there but us. But to each their own, just try to respect everyone and their time, for we are all going through something. Sometimes no one has a reason for not fulfilling a request, maybe they just don’t desire to do it at that time and I respect it.

On the other hand, my bama friend is able to make it up for statue presentation of T & L a few years ago, I can’t get off to be there. He buys a lil’ miniature bat on the way up, after the presentation, eases up by Raff & Clark and gets both their autographs on the souvenir bat! :-0 I’d a love to had that one.

On a final note, first year CML made it to Starkville, I was eating dinner at Taste one afternoon/early evening. Pay up, turn around to leave, see this guy in a Hawaiian Shirt, yuckkin’ it up w/some folks. I’m like, that dude looks familiar. Then it hit me, that’s The Pirate. Wanted to go meet him so bad but he was enjoying his company there. No doubt he would have taken the time to meet and greet, especially since he had not been in Starkville long, but I just enjoyed watching him conversation w/others, didn’t even sneak a pic. Next day he was in Hoover I believe it was that year for SEC Days. The autographs you may lose but the memories & stories stay w/you always, unless you lose your mind! LOL Through it all HAIL STATE! :)
 

DAWGSANDSAINTS

All-Conference
Oct 10, 2022
2,973
2,699
113
I have met him a few times over the years but the most out of the ordinary meeting was at a Friday night HS football and he walked up the concrete stands and sat down right next to me and my wife.
I introduced myself to him after a few minutes, he acted like he remembered meeting me before but I doubt it but he told me why he was at this particular game and we talked briefly about that and that was it.
He was there to watch the game and so was I or I wouldn’t have been there obviously.
We left mid 4th Qrt, said goodbye to him and that was it.
 

HailStout

Heisman
Jan 4, 2020
5,405
15,208
113
I’ve told this story on here before. I once was outside the Hump and Jack walked out to smoke a cigarette. It was literally just him and me out there. I didn’t say a GD word. I let the man enjoy his cigarette without having to listen to some random loser fanboy on him. And honestly. Sitting quietly with Jack while he smoked a cigarette was 17’n awesome.
 

ronpolk

All-Conference
May 6, 2009
9,164
4,773
113
After one of the opponents games in a regional State hosted some years back, almost everyone had left, crew was working the field up for later game, it was hot that day but I noticed CRP sitting by himself up the second deck behind 3rd base just smokin’ his stogie. I had a program and I thought I’ll just ease by, ask him for his autograph, no one around, surly he wouldn’t mind. Got to him, made my request, showed him the program and a pen. He just waved me off w/his left hand stogie was loaded in between his first & middle finger. I politely said, thanks anyway, and appreciate all you’ve done for the program. Would have been nice to have his mark on the program but for whatever reason, he decided not to oblige. I told myself walking out, that’s the first and last time I’ll ever ask him for an autograph. Seen him numerous times since. Bumped into him at Bama series in Tuscaloosa. My brother and I actually took a rest room visit at the same time with him at a series in Oxford. Rode the elevator up w/him to the lofts rooftop for a game a few seasons ago. Never spoke to him another time after the day he declined the autograph. People are people and you never know what’s a goin’ on inside the gourd or happening in their lives at that moment in time when you come into contact w/them. I just always tell myself maybe he just wanted to be left alone that day to enjoy his smoke since it was no one in the stands there but us. But to each their own, just try to respect everyone and their time, for we are all going through something. Sometimes no one has a reason for not fulfilling a request, maybe they just don’t desire to do it at that time and I respect it.

On the other hand, my bama friend is able to make it up for statue presentation of T & L a few years ago, I can’t get off to be there. He buys a lil’ miniature bat on the way up, after the presentation, eases up by Raff & Clark and gets both their autographs on the souvenir bat! :-0 I’d a love to had that one.

On a final note, first year CML made it to Starkville, I was eating dinner at Taste one afternoon/early evening. Pay up, turn around to leave, see this guy in a Hawaiian Shirt, yuckkin’ it up w/some folks. I’m like, that dude looks familiar. Then it hit me, that’s The Pirate. Wanted to go meet him so bad but he was enjoying his company there. No doubt he would have taken the time to meet and greet, especially since he had not been in Starkville long, but I just enjoyed watching him conversation w/others, didn’t even sneak a pic. Next day he was in Hoover I believe it was that year for SEC Days. The autographs you may lose but the memories & stories stay w/you always, unless you lose your mind! LOL Through it all HAIL STATE! :)
My bad*****
 

The Peeper

Heisman
Feb 26, 2008
15,561
10,791
113
He was just sitting off to himself by the front gate of the stadium, in a spot where he wouldn't draw a lot of attention, but could see the game. He was watching with binoculars, basically from behind the CF wall in this little nook that was off the path of where most attendees would be. He was keeping a score book and taking notes. A few people recognized him. I saw him, and left him alone. A few others asked for a quick photo and/or shook his hand and thanked him for all he's done for the program. He didn't seem to mind that. BUT....ONE couple. One stinking older couple who was ruder than all get out, who are so self-centered and self-absorbed that they only cared about getting "their" moment ruined it and ran him off. These are late 60s, early 70s people, best I could tell. The woman was the epitome of a Karen. Entitled, too much make-up, bad plastic surgery, awful attitude, loud, obnoxious, berating the husband, on her phone loudly...you know the type. The husband was a brow-beaten wimp with no spine left. Anyway, his wife comes limping up, acting like she was injured and needed somewhere out of the way to sit. The guy strategically places her where Ron can't get out without basically walking over her. The guy pretends to ask if it's ok for them to sit there like he doesn't know who he's talking to. Then, when CRP is trapped, suddenly they recognize him! They start asking for pictures and autographs, the works. CRP politely says he's just trying to watch the game and doesn't want to start a commotion. In other words "please, leave me alone". The couple won't let up. He can no longer focus on the game. So he relents, gives a picture, then the guy produces a cowbell and asks for a signature, CRP gives it (you can tell he's angry at this point - they couldn't care less), and then he tries to go back to the game. They won't let him. They keep pestering him, snapping photos, loudly calling people and telling them all about it and where they are, come get a picture with Coach Polk! Like, they're literally the worst and most oblivious people on the planet. Ron has enough and pushes by them and leaves. Not sure if he left the game, but he disappeared. Then, the woman can miraculously get up and walk around, call all her friends, post on Facebook, and just have the greatest time celebrating herself. It was disgusting.

If you are those people - you're sick. Get help. There are other people in the world. You should be embarrassed.

If you know these people (maybe they tagged you on FB or called you to describe their awesome time with CRP), please talk to them. They don't know how to act in public.

/end rant


He was probably charting pitches from center field so he could see the balls/strikes/pitch for us and just wanted to be left the hell alone because he had a job to do.

Anybody that one deems worthy of getting an autograph from, is probably sick of being asked for autographs unless its a signing event they are getting paid for. Leave 'em alone. I'm past retirement age and have yet to ever ask anyone for an autograph, I don't get the appeal for a name written on a piece of paper.
 

Pilgrimdawg

All-Conference
Aug 30, 2018
1,736
2,243
113
I’ve told this story on here before. I once was outside the Hump and Jack walked out to smoke a cigarette. It was literally just him and me out there. I didn’t say a GD word. I let the man enjoy his cigarette without having to listen to some random loser fanboy on him. And honestly. Sitting quietly with Jack while he smoked a cigarette was 17’n awesome.
Back in around 1973 or 74 I met Jack in Len Lews one night before a basketball game with Mississippi. He was on his way to call the game and stopped in for dinner. He had a cheeseburger and a coke. I sat the bar stool next to him and we talked sports for 10-15 minutes while eating. I might have had several brews as well. Anyway, I had been listening to Jack since I was about five years old and was in awe the whole time. I learned that night that he hated Mississippi as much as I did. That was over 50 years ago and it’s still one of my most cherished memories. And yes, we beat their a$$ that night in the old gym.
 

Xenomorph

All-American
Feb 15, 2007
15,461
9,277
113
I’ve told this story on here before. I once was outside the Hump and Jack walked out to smoke a cigarette. It was literally just him and me out there. I didn’t say a GD word. I let the man enjoy his cigarette without having to listen to some random loser fanboy on him. And honestly. Sitting quietly with Jack while he smoked a cigarette was 17’n awesome.
Your ears were probably too young for what he would’ve said anyway.
 

ZombieKissinger

All-American
May 29, 2013
4,953
8,244
113
I’ve told this story on here before. I once was outside the Hump and Jack walked out to smoke a cigarette. It was literally just him and me out there. I didn’t say a GD word. I let the man enjoy his cigarette without having to listen to some random loser fanboy on him. And honestly. Sitting quietly with Jack while he smoked a cigarette was 17’n awesome.
My college roommate’s brother was at a wedding in New Orleans 20 years ago, and he was smoking a cigarette out one of the doors. After a couple minutes Philip Seymour Hoffman walks out and starts smoking too. Guy was going to leave him alone but after a few minutes said, “You kicked Bill Paxton’s *** in Twister.” Hoffman goes, “I know” takes a drag “but I don’t tell Bill that”.
 

Xenomorph

All-American
Feb 15, 2007
15,461
9,277
113
My college roommate’s brother was at a wedding in New Orleans 20 years ago, and he was smoking a cigarette out one of the doors. After a couple minutes Philip Seymour Hoffman walks out and starts smoking too. Guy was going to leave him alone but after a few minutes said, “You kicked Bill Paxton’s *** in Twister.” Hoffman goes, “I know” takes a drag “but I don’t tell Bill that”.
His office tirade in Charlie Wilson’s War is one of my most favorite movie scenes ever.
 

greenbean.sixpack

All-American
Oct 6, 2012
8,868
8,177
113
You put a lot of effort into that write up, as Bruce mentioned you should have used that energy running them off.

Polk could have sat anywhere in the stadium had he not wanted to be noticed, so part of it is on him. There are very few athletic heroes for State fans.
 

Barkman Turner Overdrive

All-Conference
May 28, 2006
4,618
3,077
113
He was just sitting off to himself by the front gate of the stadium, in a spot where he wouldn't draw a lot of attention, but could see the game. He was watching with binoculars, basically from behind the CF wall in this little nook that was off the path of where most attendees would be. He was keeping a score book and taking notes. A few people recognized him. I saw him, and left him alone. A few others asked for a quick photo and/or shook his hand and thanked him for all he's done for the program. He didn't seem to mind that. BUT....ONE couple. One stinking older couple who was ruder than all get out, who are so self-centered and self-absorbed that they only cared about getting "their" moment ruined it and ran him off. These are late 60s, early 70s people, best I could tell. The woman was the epitome of a Karen. Entitled, too much make-up, bad plastic surgery, awful attitude, loud, obnoxious, berating the husband, on her phone loudly...you know the type. The husband was a brow-beaten wimp with no spine left. Anyway, his wife comes limping up, acting like she was injured and needed somewhere out of the way to sit. The guy strategically places her where Ron can't get out without basically walking over her. The guy pretends to ask if it's ok for them to sit there like he doesn't know who he's talking to. Then, when CRP is trapped, suddenly they recognize him! They start asking for pictures and autographs, the works. CRP politely says he's just trying to watch the game and doesn't want to start a commotion. In other words "please, leave me alone". The couple won't let up. He can no longer focus on the game. So he relents, gives a picture, then the guy produces a cowbell and asks for a signature, CRP gives it (you can tell he's angry at this point - they couldn't care less), and then he tries to go back to the game. They won't let him. They keep pestering him, snapping photos, loudly calling people and telling them all about it and where they are, come get a picture with Coach Polk! Like, they're literally the worst and most oblivious people on the planet. Ron has enough and pushes by them and leaves. Not sure if he left the game, but he disappeared. Then, the woman can miraculously get up and walk around, call all her friends, post on Facebook, and just have the greatest time celebrating herself. It was disgusting.

If you are those people - you're sick. Get help. There are other people in the world. You should be embarrassed.

If you know these people (maybe they tagged you on FB or called you to describe their awesome time with CRP), please talk to them. They don't know how to act in public.

/end rant
Boomers gotta boom
 

tired

All-Conference
Sep 16, 2013
3,448
1,101
113
"you know the type"

All too well

The pretending to be injured is something my MIL would do. I've had to bail and/or get ignorant on a few occasions with her.

Long story short, we went on a vacation & she just "happened to be in the area" & asked to stay in 1 of our rooms, the kids room, for a night, with her friend.

I didn't allow it but that's the kind of crap she does.
 

TNDawg1

All-American
Oct 21, 2023
7,872
5,974
113
When the Nashville Sounds played at Greer Stadium Vince Gill would often be sitting 3-4 rows behind the 1st base dugout and it was amazing how little people would bother him. He would talk back and forth with people in the immediate rows around him and sign a few autographs when he was arriving or leaving. Occasionally some lady would go overboard but in the 90’s the Sounds had a regular crowd, a high % of people that were baseball purists. I’d go with a songwriter friend that was probably more tempted than most to go down and talk shop but you could tell that VG relished the normality of sitting there and feeling relaxed.
 

champdawg.sixpack

All-Conference
Aug 25, 2012
946
1,012
93
I’ve told this story on here before. I once was outside the Hump and Jack walked out to smoke a cigarette. It was literally just him and me out there. I didn’t say a GD word. I let the man enjoy his cigarette without having to listen to some random loser fanboy on him. And honestly. Sitting quietly with Jack while he smoked a cigarette was 17’n awesome.
My Jack story happened at hump too. In same area. Was in line waiting to get outside to smoke. Was right behind Jack. Two plus size women were in front of him just gabbing away and not moving. Jack said “ excuse me mam can you move up”. ***** ignored him. Again Jack asked nicely “ can you please move up”. Still nothing. I knew it was coming. His next request was “. “ Will you get the 17 out of the way”! I cherish that memory
 

DawgNsuds

Junior
Jun 4, 2007
653
249
43
I personally do not ask anyone for autographs, I only have two that mean anything to me and one is an 1985 baseball and the other is Alan Shepard. The baseball was a gift and the Shepard autograph was from an event that was at NASA that somehow I got invited to while living in Florida. Not knocking anyone that does collect them just not anything that interest me for the most part.
 

bolddogge

All-Conference
Aug 23, 2012
977
1,161
93
I’ve told this story on here before. I once was outside the Hump and Jack walked out to smoke a cigarette. It was literally just him and me out there. I didn’t say a GD word. I let the man enjoy his cigarette without having to listen to some random loser fanboy on him. And honestly. Sitting quietly with Jack while he smoked a cigarette was 17’n awesome.
We lucked up and had club level seats for the 2011 eggbowl. We were kicking UM's tail at halftime and as I was heading back to my seat. I noticed Jack standing outside the booth taking a smoke break. I said something "good game so far" as I was walking up. He responded with "damn right" and proceeded give me his opinion on how things were going. We talked for several minutes as he was finishing his smoke and I'm glad that I took a pic with him before we parted ways. He was very cordial. Looking back at that photo, it's obvious by the looks on our faces that we were both having a good day.
 
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Trojanbulldog19

All-American
Aug 25, 2014
10,010
5,791
113
Slight sidetrack but related.

Wife and I had this conversation recently about athletes coaches at professional and college level and "fan girling" some people get with professional athletes coaches or even college players. We usually just leave them alone or just treat them like anyone else. My wife works for an org that interacts fairly regularly with saints and pelicans. When you see them and dont fan girl and just treat them like a regular human being it throws them off just because they are so used to being hounded for photos or autographs. Now we might ask for something for our kid like sn autograph but as an adult it's just weird to us to fan girl and harras someone for pics or autograph outside of a media or signing event.

now there aren't certain athletes that get upset if you don't give them that celebrity treatment. but typical I avoid those type of dudes.
 

Delmar

Junior
Jan 8, 2008
470
279
63
My first year at State, the Kang did his call in show from Abners. My roommate said we should go watch. I bought a paint pen and took my cowbell with me. I didn’t know any better so during one of the commercial breaks I went up to him and asked if he’d mind signing my cowbell. He just smiled and said I’d be glad to. I just said thanks, coach and shook his hand. He does have hands like a catchers mitt. The cowbell sits proudly in my office.
 

onewoof

Heisman
Mar 4, 2008
15,212
13,410
113
Leave people alone. They do not exist to make you feel important or popular. A silent tip of the cap or nod is all you need to do.

You're expecting 1 person to give 200,000 people individual attention. Don't put your need to feel special on someone like that.
 
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Maroon13

All-Conference
Sep 29, 2022
3,648
3,752
113
I ran into Jack immediately following the 1997 egg bowl. I was walking to the doors of the hump. He was too. So I had to say hello. But I say, hello. How are you?

he says in a great Jack tone.... "I've been better!"

needless to say, I left him be.
 

tenureplan

All-Conference
Dec 3, 2008
8,564
1,200
113
I ran into Jack immediately following the 1997 egg bowl. I was walking to the doors of the hump. He was too. So I had to say hello. But I say, hello. How are you?

he says in a great Jack tone.... "I've been better!"

needless to say, I left him be.
I met him at the Hump in 96 or 97 during halftime on the smoking deck. He came up to me and said "got a light?". I gave him the light then told him how much my grandparents and myself love listening to him. He said "That's nice", and then walked away...with my lighter.
 

onewoof

Heisman
Mar 4, 2008
15,212
13,410
113
I saw him in passing and left him alone. Just told him my roommate who he knew said hello. To which he said, "ohhhh. Hello. "