Hagy Does Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

Wild Bill is gone, but obviously not forgotten

By Matthew Taylor

"I'd give anything right now to hear one more time, hear my friend's jokes or stories."

-Chris Franklin, a friend of Wild Bill

Baseball season is over, but the memories of Wild Bill live on. Keith Maisel of The Catonsville Times covered another of the many local tributes to everybody's favorite former cab driver. It's just further proof of the legacy left behind by a man who, like many us of, loved what the O's once were.

Consider some of the comments left by Roar from 34 readers during this past season:

"Living behind Memorial Stadium for 22 years, I spent a lot of time in Section 34, as well as other sections at Memorial Stadium. I have so many fond memories of those days and appreciation for WB. What was better than he and Dempsey on the O's dugout? It's too bad young O's fans weren't lucky enough to know him, but he'll always live in our memories."

-Crystal Hall

"As a 'charter member' of he section 34 rowdies...I applaud the effort gents!!Thanks for keeping the spirit alive."

-"Young" Doug Reaves

"We were so privileged to have a first class organization like the Orioles during the "Orioles Magic" era and a group like Section 34. Like my friend "Young Doug", I was also a charter member. We had some great memories. Our fan base drew people from all professions and faiths -- steelworkers, cab drivers, accountants, doctors -- out for a fun day or night at Memorial Stadium to cheer our lungs out for the Orioles. We also had a softball team that raised thousands of dollars for various charities in the games we played. Our section was one large family of fans. In this era of sports with high ticket prices and the wine and cheese crowds, there may never be a group like Section 34 again. Thanks for the memories Wild Bill -- rest in peace my friend."

-Glenn