NEWSLETTER (KEN)*

GET TO KNOW :

KEN HAND

PERSONAL INFO:

NAME: Ken Hand

WWBA TEAM: Perth Amboy Spots

YEARS IN WWBA: 42 years of working with the best group of guys.

They made me look good throughout the years

For their commitment, I owe pleasure and thanks for their dedication to the league.

HOW OLD ARE YOU?  79 years young.  I keep going.

FAMILY MEMBERS: My wife of 57 years, Irene and two children Matt and Michelle, both married and two grandchildren, Victoria and Thomas

LINE OF WORK: High School Graphic Arts teacher and Administrator.

HOBBIES: Now, responsible for a basketball periodical for International Association of Approved Basketball Officiants (IAABO) Board 33 in North Jersey, to the gym regularly, volunteering at my church and of course family. Keeping busy and look forward to tomorrow.

FAVORITE BASEBALL TEAM & WHY   Yankees, first team I saw on the black/white tv and my grandmother was partial to Phil Rizzuto, whom I met at a diner before he passed. Just seemed good to say hello. 

FAVORITE BASEBALL PLAYER & WHY    Mickey Mantle, the best player of his time along with Willie Mays and Duke Snider.  Went to his restaurant in NY and took some pics with him. A genuine good guy.

FAVORITE BASEBALL MEMORY Yankee Stadium, always sat in the first row down the first base line with friends and when Jose Deleon played for the Pirates, went to see him at Shea Stadium.  He offered me to meet with other Pirate players. Sanguillen calls too many fastballs. Good times.

1ST MLB GAME YOU ATTENDED & WHEN Took a bunch of kids from the Babe Ruth League to the first Bat Day in Yankee Stadium. 60 years ago, who knew.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE WWBA? Played in a mail league which folded but Steve Grapstul and I picked up the slack and began WWBA.  Steve with the NL and me the AL I was the baseball coach at Perth Amboy High, had a club and started playing Strat with the players in the Baseball Club at the high school.  Some of the members of that club began the WWBA with the first year being 81 games.  It worked and still strong as ever.  Thanks to Jim, Tom and Mark and to all the members who remained in the league for many years as our support.

WHAT OTHER LEAGUES DID YOU PLAY IN    Strat leagues and the Replay league IRBL with Barry Koopersmith along with a basketball computer league. Just enjoyed baseball the most.

WHAT YOU LIKE /DISLIKE ABOUT DMB     The online play is not conducive to heads-up play. You would think they would do something about it by now.

YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE          The Natural.

THE TYPE OF MUSIC DO YOU LIKE   As a musician, many types came into my experiences.  I worked as a percussionist, studio musician, concert, shows and of course bars, rock, country and jazz. in my spare time. I was given the opportunity and lucky to work that many venues. I prefer 70’s and 80’s music.

ANY PERSON LIVING OR DEAD YOU WOULD LIKE TO MEET & WHY?:    I will meet him when it’s my time.

YOUR WORDS TO LIVE BY:      “Don’t look back on things you can’t change, always look forward to tomorrow and enjoy the moment with your family as much as you can.  “