Remembering my Friend Ed Lucas

 

I met Ed at one of Yogi Bera’s  golf outings when I was around 16 or 17 years of age. I heard someone say , “Hey I would love for you to be a celebrity guest at my golf tournament…,” the Phil Rizzuto Celebrity Golf Outing befitted one of the organizations that Ed Lucas was involved in at the time – and that was the beginning of an amazing friendship with one of the most iconic sportswriters ever. As a reporter for the Mets and the Yankees, Ed Lucas covered the playoffs, the World Series and the All Star game. He was a syndicated radio personality and was inducted into the New Jersey Sports Hall of Fame. Ed Lucas is also blind.

 

There is a must-read book written on Ed’s life (Derek Jeter imprint with Simon and Schuster) titled, “Seeing Home,” “the incredible true tale of a beloved Emmy-winning blind broadcaster who refused to let his disability prevent him from overcoming many challenging obstacles and achieving his dreams.”

 

 

I remember being on the field at Yankee Stadium with Ed for batting practice many times where he introduced to players that he knew so well.  I will always cherish the unforgettable memories  of being around Yogi and Scooter – all because of Ed Lucas.  Over the span of more than 25 years I grew to know and also come to be very close with Ed and Allison (who were married at home plate at Yankee Stadium!). Ed’s golf outing was eventually renamed the Gene Michael Celebrity Golf Outing which supported the Ed Lucas Foundation, and currently David Cone has lent his name to the outing.

 

I was awarded the Gene Michael Humanitarian award in 2013, and I have been so proud to help raise money through my artwork and friends who have supported this wonderful event and charity over the years. Receiving that award from Ed and Allison was one of the proudest moments of my life.

 

Through the many years of golfing in the tourney, I was blessed to have met so many wonderful friends, including a number of former professional athletes, and am honored to have served on the board for the outing for over ten years now. Allison and Ed have done so much for a number of charities and organizations, including  Seton Hall University, Ed’s Alma Mater. So although I am very sad today I  feel blessed and lucky to have known Ed Lucas, and to have participated in a small way in supporting him in his goal to help others.

 

Please visit www.theedlucasfoundation.org for information and to donate.