One thing I do remember about being out at a restaurant with Mattarrazo was that he was more than willing to let little kids come up and see who he was. I have seen, on numerous occassions, where little kids just run up to these massive guys as if they are seeing a superhero live in person. Mike was great with a young boy who did that and even put the kid on his lap and made a muscle with his bicep.
A very similar incident happened at Universal Studios in Florida the day after the 1999 Nationals. I was with Craig, his wife Jennifer and their newborn daughter enjoying the park on an extremely hot and humid day. Craig had been walking around in overalls with a football jersey underneath. Yes, I do think that is a bit strange but he, like many other pros, feel funny displaying their physiques in public. No, I don't fully understand that but that is a whole new topic for a new thread perhaps. Anyway, it was so humid that Craig, depleted from competing the previous day was almost to the point of passing out until I insisted he take of the jersey so that he could cool down. He kept the overalls on of course and continued to walk the stroller with both his wife and I next to him. As we were sitting on a bench, two very young children broke from their parents and ran over to Craig. I happened to catch the look on the parents' faces and could easily detect their fear and apprehension. The kids got to Craig before they could and ran up to feel his arm. Craig knelt down, smiled and introduced himself and his baby daughter in the carriage. As the parents sprint ended, they arrived to see that their kids were safe and enjoying a ride swinging from Craig's bicep while a few inches off the ground. I can understand the concern any parent would have in their kids running off to greet a stranger but running off to some huge pro bb who just finished competing had to be a most unnerving experience.
Both Mike Mattarrazo and Craig are examples of quite a few pros who are great with the fans and just people in general. I hope Mike's memories of how many people he made smile as a pro help him during his premature retirement.
