Thank You For Making My Day
David Bender writes with a message that makes me warm inside:
As an ancestor of Charles Albert Bender and as an American Indian, I’d like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing “Chief Bender’s Burden.” I haven’t read it yet. I actually just discovered it today on the Borders Web site. What led me to the discovery of your book, was that, just today I was talking to my 9-year-old son about baseball (he’s playing his first little league game of the season tomorrow) and I told him that we have an ancestor who is a legend. He was like “yeah right,” so I found him on Wikipedia and the HOF website.
Then I was curious if any books had been written on Chief Bender, that’s when I discovered your book. I can’t wait to read it and share it with my family. I have always wondered why Chief Bender isn’t as famous as Jim Thorpe or Jackie Robinson. It’s my understanding that he is given credit for inventing the slider’ that is a major contribution to the greatest game in the world if you ask me. I hope your book gains notoriety and gives Charles Albert Bender his due in infamy.
Thank you and God bless.
My thanks to you, Mr. Bender, for your kindness. Your son’s first Little League game … I hope he has as much fun playing as you have watching.
This post was added on Sunday, May 04, 2008 by Tom Swift at 08:11 and is filed under Albert, Reading Material.
"Any idiot can face a crisis. It's day to day living that wears you out." -Anton Chekhov
Brendon Etter (May.04 08 at 15:20)
Hey Tom,
That message made me warm inside, and I didn’t even write the book!
Way to go! That makes everything worthwhile, and think of the gift your work has given that nine-year-old boy. I predict that will be one kid who starts working on his slider before too long.
You and I write very different stuff, but getting messages like this - mine are usually delivered by officers of the court (cease and desist, corruption of morality, etc…) - makes all the difference in the world.
cycledork (May.04 08 at 16:29)
What a great letter. You earned it.
Tom Swift (May.05 08 at 12:31)
Seldom are the messages this gracious, Brendon. But you’re right about how much it means — thanks for your articulation.
Sounds like Mr. Bender’s son already has his pitches in working order. He struck out five batters in two innings in his first game!
Thank you, too, Cycledork.
David Bender (May.23 08 at 18:36)
Thanks guys. I had no idea. Coby is having a fine season so far. He has struggled with his control, which is expected for a kid his age, but he does show signs of real talent. Of course he is only 9yrs old.