A fictitious account:
I had not seen Old Foolish Fan since last summer, and I was a little worried about the old codger. Someone even stopped me in the street concerned about his whereabouts and also asked where the phrase "You mean" had come from. It seemed that it was almost magical in getting past the blather and bull roar of a typical big-time athlete’s response to questions.
My answer: Old Foolish Fan had probably first come across the phrase on a radio program in the late ‘40s. A popular comedian, Fred Allen, used it.
He had a weekly feature called "Allen’s Alley" in which Allen strolled through an alley asking questions of the neighbors such as Titus Moody, a dour New Englander. The question would be asked, followed by a long winded answer. Fred would then say "You mean" and give a short simple truthful answer. It worked for Allen and it seems to work for Old Foolish Fan.
The other day, I celebrated my birthday at the Branding Iron with my wife and two sons. On the way out, I saw Old Foolish Fan sitting in the lounge. He looked fit and tan.
I asked if he had been to Minnesota’s spring training talking with some of the Twins. He said he had. I wondered if he would share some of the information he had garnered. Old Foolish Fan was a little hesitant at first, but after I offered to buy him a beverage, he asked us to sit down.
He had talked with Manager Ron Gardenhire and the following was the gist of their conversation.
OFF: “Tell me Mr. Gardenhire, how does the future of the team with you remaining as their manager look?”
Gardenire: “I am really encouraged by what I see this spring. It’s a little early to tell, but we are rounding into shape and looking toward the start of the season. As far as my future is concerned, I don’t have any worries and am just pleased that I have had these years with this fine organization.”
OFF: “You mean?”
RG: “I just hope I can hang on ‘til next year.”
Josh Willingham was through pounding balls into the left field stands during batting practice and was getting ready to take his place in left field for some fielding practice.
OFF: “You know Josh, there is an old story about Ted Williams playing left field with Dominick DiMaggio in center. Whenever a ball was hit anywhere near left center, Ted would holler ‘You take it Dommy.’ “Tell me Mr. Willingham, how do you feel about your possible new centerfielder Aaron Hicks?”
Josh Willingham: “The centerfielder is the captain of the outfield and I look forward to working with another good fielder out here.”
OFF: “You mean?”
JW: “You take it, Aaron.”
Old Foolish Fan was able to find Terry Ryan in his office to ask a very important question.
OFF: “Can you tell me what you feel is the future of the Twins’ program?”
Terry Ryan: “We have had what I believe to be a successful off-season. There is promise for the future in the air. However, we look toward having a very interesting and competitive team on the field this season.”
OFF: “You mean?”
TR: “Keep buying those tickets.”
I wish we could have talked longer with Old Foolish Fan, but his beverage was finished and he looked anxious to be on his way. We bid him farewell until next time.
