"The two most important requirements for major success are: first, being in the right place at the right time, and second, doing something about it" (Ray Kroc)

Flying Baseballs

What I really liked about Ray Kroc - that hard-nosed businessman who founded McDonald's and built it into a world class, mega-corporation - was that even in the late autumn of his years, he continued to possess that wonderful, little kid-like sparkle of one still in awe of two nearly magical things: Baseball and airplanes. I could relate.

Mr. Kroc could be cantankerous. He was known to occasionally berate employees - including me. But this always amused more than bothered me . . . although I certainly respected and immediately obeyed his requests. Nevertheless, although I did not know him well, I sensed we might have had a little something in common. He certainly had my respect, and I believe I held his. I also believe he had a fighter pilot mentality, and would have been one of the best in that role.

My furlough notice from Continental came early, which thankfully gave me time to seek other employment. On a neighbor's offhanded suggestion, and almost on a whim, I contacted the San Diego Padres. At the time, I wasn't sure they even had an airplane. What I learned was that yes, the Padres had a team airplane - a B-727. But more importantly, Ray Kroc wanted to start his own air charter business. He had just attained an FAA airline charter certificate that allowed him to charter any group in addition to flying the baseball team. And he was in the process of acquiring more B-727's from American Airlines.

My timing couldn't have been more perfect. After three phone calls, I was literally hired over the phone, without ever having a personal, face-to-face interview. And on the same day I was furloughed from Continental was the same day as I walked into what is now Qualcomm Stadium to start yet another adventure.

Previously, the B-727 airplane had been for the exclusive use of the San Diego Padres baseball club. Now with an official FAA charter certificate, we were open for bids. Much to the chagrin of the players and others, the following season we contracted to fly the 1981 Oakland A's and the San Francisco Giants , more than the Padres.

I usually oversaw the ground handling on our trips. Sometimes, during a flight I would take a box of baseballs and pass them around the cabin for the players to autograph, if they desired. Many did. Then, whenever we received exceptional ground handling service, my "tip" would be to toss our handlers one of the autographed baseballs, or two. The response, once they realized what they held in their hand, was classic.

Needless to say, we always received the best of service when that word got around. (Regrettably, I gave all those rare baseballs away, never keeping one for myself. And while all the autographs were important, there were a number of Hall of Fame autographs on those baseballs.)

In the off-season, we flew NFL teams, and college football teams, among others. We also had a contract with Universal Studios, and flew their cast and crews around the country for movie location filming.

Unfortunately, Ray Kroc's health deteriorated. A decision was made to cancel the planned expansion of Padres Air Travel. The order for additional aircraft was cancelled. I knew by the end of the season, the remaining aircraft would be sold. Still officially on furlough from Continental Airlines, it was time once again, to seek other employment.