Nov. 21, 2008

(11:58 p.m.): Just saw an e-mail from the Reds saying that Glenn Sample died this evening. I'm kind of stunned by this news.

Here's the Enquirer article about him.

With all his associations at UC, Glenn continued to come around at times for football practice and roam the sidelines. He always had a smile on his face. When I told him I was writing a book on UC football, he was excited and eager to help. He invited me to breakfast a few months ago with some of his old UC football-playing buddies, and they regaled me with stories of Sid Gillman and other personalities from the late 1930s, 1940s and early 1950s. I had a blast with those guys, and they - and Glenn - will be very instrumental for me and my book. He also continued to keep in touch with Gillman's wife, who I believe lives in California and is in her mid-90s. Plus, it was always comforting to see Glenn at Reds games. Actually, I had been meaning to call him for the past month, and I'm upset I won't be able to place that call.

Frankly, I'm really sad about this. He was such a nice guy, and he was always up for a conversation. He seemed to be in good health and in good spirits all the time.

Thanks, Glenn, for all your help and all your smiles. I didn't know you for very long, but I felt like I was a buddy, and I know people associated with UC and with the Reds will miss you greatly. Godspeed to you, my friend. The city of Cincinnati has lost a good friend.