One thing about the Internet, we hear from more people in more places because they see us online and respond via e-mail. I did a story on Marshall Holman recently and got an interesting e-mail response from a bowling fan who long idolized the Medford Meteor. It’s Sam Villareale, a graphic illustrator in Rochester, N.Y., who, as kid, was a big fan of Holman’s. When the tour stopped in Rochester, Buffalo or Syracuse, he’d follow Holman “for every frame.”
The two finally met when Villareale did a caricature (shown here) of Holman in 1985 and sought to have the player sign it at a stop in Buffalo. Here’s how Villareale described the moment:
“I waited till he was done with his block, he was doing very well till the last 2 frames of the last game when he left 2 wide open splits, just my luck, he threw his balls in the bag and stormed off. I ran after him and in a very scared meek voice called his name, he turned around and said “what do you want?” I said “will you sign this for me?” He looked at me and asked “did you draw this?” I said “yes” he signed the caricature, we went in the snack bar and he bought me a coke. That was 24 years ago, and we have been best of friends ever since, he has been to my home in Rochester many times, we have played countless rounds of golf in Rochester, Las Vegas and Medford. It’s always a thrill for a kid to actually meet your idol, but to have your idol become one of your best friends is a very special thing.”
