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I recollect on the last time I saw him and his family at Symmes
Tavern on the Green, where I’m a server and a barback, yet was
too busy to get the chance to acknowledge them as they exited.
As I held back a yell from across the restaurant, I just smiled.
Though I do remember some of the last words Nuxhall ever said to
me, which happened to be on my birthday back in October: “You
probably serve better when you’re drunk. Happy birthday.”
A family man
That’s the kind of man he was — open to all — never a dull
moment with the renowned individual who made everyone around him
feel like they were worth something. Nuxhall made me feel like
he was one of us.
And it’s even stronger when the nicest, sweetest family that
I’ve ever met accompanied him.
Nuxhall cared for every single person, and it rubbed off on his
family — his wife Donzetta, and his two sons Kim and Phil.
Like his family, Nuxhall would do anything for anyone. If I
needed a laugh, he’d find some way to give me one. If I needed a
smile, he’d undoubtedly give me one. If I needed words of
wisdom, he wouldn’t hesitate to send some my way.
I am truly honored to ever been acquainted with such a
kind-hearted man who did that to me. Grateful and privileged.
A charitable man
I am also appreciative for the fact that Nuxhall has given so
much to the community in so many ways.
Again privileged to be apart of something dear to Nuxhull’s
heart, I was assigned by the JournalNews a few years back to
cover his annual Joe Nuxhall Scholarship Fund, which is a
handout of scholarships to student-athletes of every high school
in Butler County.
Also created was the Joe Nuxhall Character Education Fund, which
was formed by his son Kim in 2003.
It’s for these actions that Nuxhall was named to the Reds Hall
of Fame in 1968, later becoming a charter member of the Butler
County Sports Hall of Fame in 1982.
And I feel it will get him into that one place in Cooperstown.
A sports man
I wasn’t quite thought of when Nuxhall, who once resided in
Hamilton and played farm ball with my grandfather, became the
youngest player in the 20th century to reach the majors.
He was 15 years, 10 months, and 11 days old on June 10, 1944,
when he gave up five runs on two hits and five walks, retiring
only two batters against the Cardinals.
After his Major League stints with the Reds, Athletics and
Angels, Nuxhall joined the broadcast booth. He was the Reds
radio announcer with long-time companion Marty Brennaman.
During those days I do retain memory of listening to the duo,
simultaneously watching the Reds at my house because my family
didn’t like the announcers on television.
I was saddened to hear of Nuxhall’s retirement following the
2004 season, which ended 30 years of memorable Reds games aired
by the Ol’ Lefty.
And what I’ll keep in mind is his signature line from his
broadcasting era: “This is the Ol' Lefthander, rounding third
and heading for home.”
Now he’s home, and will still be in my heart.
Thanks, Joe. |
