I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for baseball alumni games at the Disch.
I went to come cold games as a student, but it was great seeing Longhorns and former Longhorns play on the same field.
And I've covered quite a few through the years, especially in the 90s when the Alumni roster was loaded with big names.
But now, I find it even more fun to be able reunite with old friends.
Braxton Hickman was a solid first baseman for the Horns in the 90s. Played a little minor league ball and then ventured out into the "real world". He's lived in Tennessee for several years, but back in Texas, he was able to come to the game. And it was great catching up with him.
Brooks Kieschnick still lives in Central Texas. He's no stranger to Austin, but was like a kid in the candy store when I saw him today, as he got ready to coach third base for the Alumni.
Doug Lindauer is practically an Austin legend. Growing up here and then going to UT. But he's lived in Atlanta for what seems like forever. But he was back, remembering old times with some former teammates.
And I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time with these guys, and more. There have been some great players go through the UT baseball system through the years. But a lot are even greater human beings.
Dennis Cook stopped by the Alumni dugout for about an inning with his sons, before heading to his daughter's activity for the day.
Johnny Walker told a visitor in the dugout how he played at UT from 87 to 90. "And I played football, too," he said, never bragging about the game-winning catch against OU.
Fun times seeing some "old" players, many of which are younger than me. But that's what's so fun about events like this, as I watched David Lowery (89-90) and Beau Hale (98-00) laugh and cut up and visit.
When something as strong as UT baseball connects you, time stands still.
