Rick Wise...Johngy Not So Wise

When I was young, I was a big fan of Rick Wise. The bespectacled Wise pitched for five teams over 18 seasons and was a two time All-Star. He retired with a record of 188-181. He also batted .195 for his career, not bad for a pitcher.
Wise pitched a no-hitter in 1971. He also hit two home runs in that game. This was an awesome feat, one which we would discuss many years later.
Fast forwarding to 2009, Wise tossed out a trivia question to all near at the convention. He asked who made the last out for the Reds in his no-hitter. I foolishly guessed Larry Stahl, then Bernie Carbo, (Stahl wasn't even on the Reds that year). The correct answer was Pete Rose. Hey, at least I knew Wise hit two homers.
Wise was very entertaining. He goofed around with a woman who was getting a ball signed for her husband, but didn't know what he would want written on it. He winked at the crowd while he kept his mock irritation going. Everyone had a big laugh, including the woman and her husband (who finally appeared).
It's always extra fun when meeting a childhood favorite who is actually very nice. Meeting Wise was a lot of fun.

Rick Wise and me in Oaks, PA-October 2009.