Jerry Coleman was the epitome of a gentleman, a professional, a giving, caring person who put family and country above all else. Baseball (with the Yankees and the Padres) and broadcasting always came in second.
I’ve known Jerry since 1997 upon the launch of Channel 4 San Diego. We met at the announcement of the new channel, and then while overseeing Padres Magazine, a show he hosted, using features from the pre-game show. We co-hosted a special on Tony Gwynn’s Road to 3000, and I featured Jerry two times on the TV show One on One: in 1998 — the first time he shared in-depth for television about his life and Marine Corps service, and then in 2005 when he was honored at the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuyJCIWyiqY&feature=share&list=PL667AD5D63643506A&index=2
He is featured in a chapter in my book — both my behind the scenes experiences and the transcript of the show.
Those are all tangible items to be viewed or read to remember Jerry. It’s how he was in the course of those productions and many chats in his booth overlooking the field, or at my home for special parties, or at our annual winter lunch, that I will treasure most. He was generous with his time, respectful of the job my team had to do for the interview or getting video. That’s a nice thing when sometimes high-profile people think they can steer the ship, and try to make the process difficult. Not Jerry. He was also genuinely interested in me, my life, my profession, my family. I so admired his military service, as my father had also served, in 3 wars, and was also part of the Greatest Generation, as Tom Brokaw so poignantly calls it. It seemed Jerry would be around another decade, as he was so fit and full of vim and vigor. But, while that was not to be, his legacy will live on forever. It’s especially important, I believe, to share who he was with the younger generations, so they understand the value of the qualities Jerry Coleman had.
We all can learn so much from him: his humility, honor, dignity, kindness and how he checked his ego at every door.
The last time I saw him was Opening Day 2013 when I went to the ballpark 1 month away from having my baby girl Lily. He was so happy for me. I hope he’s up in heaven talking with his old buddies from the Marine Corps, baseball, and maybe even meeting my dad.
Rest in Peace, Jerry Coleman. Rest in Peace.
I will miss you my friend.