thought was long lost. When I got home from my mission a guy in my ward put me in touch with a guy that managed Japanese baseball players playing in the US. Two Japanese players came to the old Salt Lake Trappers that summer and I translated for them. That was the summer that the Trappers had the longest win streak in pro baseball history and it was a blast for me.

I would translate the pitching coach's instruction or field balls in the outfield with the team before the games (this was Rookie league and I was about the same age as the players). During the games I'd chat with the Japanese players and watch the game from the dugout. The Japanese players' management had a deal with Kyoto restaurant in Salt Lake. We were always hoping the game would end sooner than later so we could go to Kyoto for a late dinner. At Kyoto they'd bring out a bunch of leftovers from the kitchen and the food was incredible.

Anyway, the ball was signed by Bill Murray who was part owner of the team and occasionally came into the dugout. When Huey Lewis was in town he also joined us in the dugout and coached first base for a couple of innings. One of my most memorable summers ever.