Seeing Home, page 23
Allison and me on our first date at Yankee Stadium, with our matchmaker, Phil Rizzuto, 1991.
The story of my long battle to win back custody of my boys made headlines all over the world in 1980. This is just one of the hundreds of articles that appeared. I’m still touched and humbled by the outpouring of support and love that came our way.
Doing the job that I love the most, broadcasting, with my mentor, Phil Rizzuto, on WPIX in 1990.
Scooter and me at our annual charity golf outing in New Jersey, 1998.
In October 1998, this was one of the last photos taken of me, the boys and my mom together.
At a party in 1999 with Sister Anthony Marie, the teacher who changed my life.
With Cal Ripken, Jr., and my lifelong best friend, Gene Mehl, in 1996.
I’ve known Yogi Berra for more than fifty years. He looks the same to me today as he did when I first saw him in 1947. What an amazing guy.
With slugger Barry Bonds in 2000. His late father, Bobby, was a dear friend.
Me, Johnny Damon, and Chris in the Yankee dugout, 2007.
With Chris and the King of Queens himself, actor Kevin James, outside the Mets locker room at Citi Field, 2013.
Turning the tables on one of my broadcast interview idols, Larry King, in 2008.
At the 2008 Hall of Fame reunion in Cooperstown with Willie Mays, almost 51 years to the date of our first interview.
I’ve been blessed to know several U.S. presidents. Here I am with Bill Clinton at Shea Stadium in 2007. I was quite impressed with his extensive baseball knowledge. (Photo courtesy of Bill Menzel Photography)
In the dugout at the new Yankee Stadium with The Captain, Derek Jeter, in 2009.
Outfielder Nick Swisher in the clubhouse pouring champagne all over me after a Yankee playoff division series win in 2010.
At a dinner in 2013 honoring Academy Award winner Robert DeNiro, who was Mr. Rizzuto’s favorite actor.
I bonded with Robin Williams over our love for the San Francisco Giants. (Photo courtesy of Bill Menzel Photography)
At Citi Field in 2013 with Chris, Eddie, my daughter-in-law, Sharon, and my grandson, E.J.
With my lovely bride, Allison, at our historic home plate wedding at Yankee Stadium, March 10, 2006.
Just moments after the wedding, we posed outside the Yankee clubhouse with actor/director Penny Marshall, who flew out just to share in our special day.
At my 75th birthday party, January 2014, with the whole Lucas family—Eddie; his wife, Sharon; E.J.; Allison; Chris and his two boys, Adam and Sean. I thank God every day for the joy they’ve all brought to my life.
Acknowledgments
* * *
My humble thanks to Almighty God, who blessed me with an amazing dad, and also gave me the gifts to be able to help cowrite and share my father’s inspirational story with the world. I’m also grateful to God for all the family, friends, acquaintances, role models, and teachers that He has placed in my life along the way. The moments and lessons in my journey with them—the highs and the lows combined—led to the creation of this book. I couldn’t have properly told my dad’s tale without those experiences. Thank you, Lord, for providing them.
—CHRISTOPHER LUCAS (ISAIAH 64:8)
My deepest appreciation goes to our literary agent, Jennifer DeChiara, who believed in this project from the beginning and was passionate enough to see it to fruition, and to Marie Lamba, who first brought it to Jennifer’s attention. To Mitchell Ivers, Natasha Simons, Jennifer Robinson, Louise Burke, Jennifer Bergstrom, Jaymee Messler, Alana DeBerry, Maureen Cavanagh, and everyone at Simon & Schuster/Gallery and Jeter Publishing, thank you for your help in strengthening and promoting this book.
I am honored that Derek chose my life story to be among the first he’s published. He has consistently used the gifts he was blessed with to help others, and is an excellent role model. I’m very proud to be associated with The Captain.
Thanks to my parents, Edward and Rosanna Lucas, for their love, encouragement, and for making me the man of faith that I am today. Thanks also to my wife, Allison, for her understanding, love, and support; to my sons—Eddie and Christopher (my coauthor)—for their love and encouragement throughout the years; to my daughter-in-law Sharon; my three grandsons, EJ, Adam, and Sean; my nephews, Jeffrey and Brian Hanks, and my niece, Erin Hanks Carr, her husband, Joe, and their children, Aiden and Talon; I cherish them all.
To my lifelong friends and “second parents,” Phil and Cora Rizzuto, whose support and encouragement helped me to reach my dreams: I owe you a debt that I can never fully repay. Thanks for showing me how to pass your gifts along by blessing others with kind words and philanthropic deeds.
Many thanks to those who have touched my life in a meaningful way, in many areas:
My extended family: Nana Elizabeth Furey, Aunt Jean and Uncle Arthur Fitzhenry, Aunt Rosemary and Uncle Bill Furey, Aunt Claire and Uncle Vincent Furey, Aunt Jean and Uncle Eugene Furey, Aunt Marion and Uncle Jack Irwin, and Aunt Jerry and Uncle John Slowinsky, James and Maureen Fitzhenry, Carol Ann Furey, Cathy Furey, Eugene Furey, Kevin Furey, Claire Furey, Timothy and Karen Furey, Timothy Furey Jr., Matthew Furey, Allie Furey, Jackie Furey, Vincent Furey Jr., Vincent and Jeannie Hartnett, John Hartnett, Cornelius Hartnett, Michael Hartnett, Thomas Hartnett, Marguerite Hartnett, Bobby Irwin, Larry Irwin, Rene Kegelman, Joanie Fitzhenry Kegelman, Jeannie Fitzhenry Morris, Geraldine Slowinski, John Slowinski, and Patty Slowinski. Uncle Joe and Aunt Ann Lucas Boni, Uncle George (Luke) and Aunt Evelyn Lucas, Uncle Chris and Aunt Mary Lucas, Uncle George and Aunt Marge Lucas Lunney, and Uncle Bill and Aunt Josephine Lucas McCarthy, Joe and Elaine Lucas Cidoni, Ralph and Janet Lucas DeFiore, Duke and Betty Lucas Johnson, Jim and Joan Lucas Keiter, Charlie Kuster, Bobby and Doris Kuster, George (Bubba) Lucas and Phyllis Lucas, Ray Lunney, Kenny and Pat Lunney, Denis and Annemarie McCarthy, Marilyn Kuster McGowan, and Jacqueline Lunney Murphy.
Members of my wife Allison’s family: Aunt Marlene Greene; her twin sister, Lorrie, and husband, Brett Conner; Lorrie’s son, Jason Jaeger; his wife, Moriah; and Brett’s daughter, Shannon; her sister, Robin, and her husband, Ron Patane; and children, Ronald, Rebecca, and Ryan; and his wife, Sarah; her sister, Jill, and her husband, Kevin Durham, and children, Justine and Kimberly.
My friends and neighbors from Jersey City: Beverly Beechum, Joe Breslin, Marie Breslin, Theresa Breslin, Timothy Breslin, Msgr. Robert Coleman, Joan and Jim Collins, Arlene Collins, Mary Ann and Pat Conte, Benny Darvalics, Joe Darvalics, Barbara Donahue, Joe Doyle, Carol Garrett, Barbara Garrett, Rev. William Hornack, Rev. Michael Hornack, Gladys and Tom Kelly, Patricia Kelly, Carol Kelly, Colleen Kelly, Kerry Kelly, Dennis Kelly, Tom Kelly Jr., Tommy Martin, Rich McCrystal, Billy McCrystal, Peggy McCrystal-Spina, Larry McGucken, Mary Ann McHugh, Donald Nagel, Claire Ruggiani, Joe Scarpa, Donna Smith, Tommy Timmerman, Gene Turner, and Joe Walsh.
My lifelong friends: the Dunphy Family; Eileen, Ed, Regina, Ann, and Mary.
My former classmates and teachers at PS 22: Margaret Boasci, Miss Burke, Robert Cauldren, Miss Demming, Anthony Gallo, Gene Mehl, Robert O’Brien, Tommy Scerbo, Louis Schuman, and Eileen Schwartz.
Holy Family School for the Blind Sisters, former students, and faculty: Sr. Gregory, Sr. Rose Magdalene, Sr. Anthony Marie, Sr. Redempta, Sr. Theresa Catherine Carbury, Sr. Ann Rutan, Sr. Ann Taylor, Antonio Cabrero, Martha Chojnacki, Diane Grimes, Sharon Kelly, Tommy McDoyle, Michael Moran, Margaret Mary Norton, Lois Perillo, Rafael Redding, Nancy Romer, Nancy Howes Scotto, Johnny Westerfield, Charles Wilson, Pauline Zook, Nadia Cartagena, Pat Conte, Mary Dixon, Ellen Fellicetta, Ella Frye, Donna Mejcz, Herb Miller, Zinnia Miller, Jerry Miller, Carolyn Norman, and Vincent Romano.
My neighbors and friends from the Weehawken/North Hudson County area: John Amato, Linda Peterson Connors, Peter Ellebrach, Madeline and Richard Gross, George and Frances Hanks, Buddy Hanks, George Hanks Jr., Jeannie Kelly, Rose Lamiere, David Lamiere, Donna Lamiere, Leon Malattia, Lois Kelly Marazzi, Ron Mardenly, Laura McLearmon, Donald Moeller, Richard Olsen, Stanley Olsen, Kevin Olsen, Gary Olsen, Ronald Olsen, Frank and Dorothy Pelsang, Nancy Pelsang, Charlie Richardson, Bob and Annmarie Riley, Augie and Rita Robbiani, George and Terry Robbiani, Janet Sofield, Dominic and Maryann Vitolo, Bruce Weil, and Steve Weil.
NY Institute for the Blind faculty and former students: Barbara Crane, Jolee Crane, Fred Dalton, Dr. Merle Frampton, James Francis, Lester Freel, Howard Green, Chuck Harther, Seth Hoard, Miss Kerney, James Meyers, Paul Mitchell, Sam Page, Sandra Penn, Pat Pepe, Miss Quinn, Harold Ray, Morton Romano, Miss Rosenberg, Bob Sullivan, Ed Taylor, Mary Alice Travis, Bob Whitstock, Myrna Witzkecz, and Sam Wolfe.
My former classmates and instructors at the Seeing Eye: Marjorie Dunn, Morris Frank, Fred Kreitzer, Peter Lang, Richard McStraw, Mrs. Pendleton, Marshall Seiber, Betty Sue Smith, Robert Stewart, and Morton Wagman.
Seton Hall University clergy: Rev. James Carey, Msgr. John Davis, Msgr. Thomas Fay, Msgr. Walter Jarvais, Rev. Edward Larkin, Msgr. McNulty, Rev. Rocky Provenzano, Rev. Phil Rotuno, Rev. Joseph Russell, Rev. Shea, and Msgr. Robert Sheeran.
Seton Hall faculty and Home Study readers: Ann Arlinghaus, Al Close, Claire Durasmo Copozzi, Mr. Flood, Martha Leet, and Marilyn Dundero Violone, and all the divinity students who helped me out.
My former classmates and buddies at Seton Hall: Claudio Assini, Barry Baum, John Bauman, Drew Bauman, Ed Bonner, Tony Capone, Richard DeFonce, George Franconero, Ed Gracken, Frank Kelly, Lou LaSalle, Gene Lynch, Bob Monahan, John Olsen, Louis Pagano, Mike Palowicz, Chuck Paolino, basketball coach Richie Regan, Jim Rhatigan, William Rhatigan, Mario Rosellini, Howard Rosenberg, baseball coach Mike Shepherd, Martin Smith, and Dick Vitale.
Former and current Seton Hall administrators: Matthew Borowick, Alan Delozier, President Gabriel Estaban, Joseph Guasconi, Heather Hurd, Jennifer Loysen, Greg Tobin, and Tom White.
My colleagues at Provident Mutual Life Insurance Company: Gladys Fetch, Morris Frank, Phil Gillis, Doug Johnson, Fred Kiefner, and Bill Lindemann.
My longtime Meadowview Hospital associates: Joe Barcelona, May Barcelona, John Buffano, Doreen Busacca, Terri Colligan, Mike Cusack, Don Daley, Evelyn Ellis, Carl Holzberg, Hilda Klapperstuck, Chief Arthur Mack, Roberto Muniz, Whitey Murphy, Dusty Murphy, and Al Stamboni.
Longtime friends: Richard and Maureen DeFonce, George and Arlene Franconero, John and Nancy Koneckny, George and Annette Mancini, Ron and Barbara Mardenly, Nick and Maryann Masters, Gene and Karen Mehl, and Skip and Bunny Willard.
Fellow Lions Club members: John Bacchia, Roger Barr, George Bassett, Herb and Kathy Bodensiek, Phyllis Boscio, Victor Braun, Melvyn Bray, Dennis and Rhea Brubaker, Jamie Brum, Jerry Caputo, Winster Ceballos, Dave and Florence Chandler, Rick Chittum, Lou Corsaro, Tim Courtney, Billy Blair Cunningham, Ralph DelPiano, Lenny and Dotty Dian, Bob and Marge Diehl, George and Barbara Dolan, Emery Duell, Louis Enthrop, Ed Fedush, Bob Frank, Jeff Gans, John Garbo, Ed Garrett, Tom and Claire Gartley, Bill Gaughan, Dave Gotha, Victor Graziano, Stanley Grossman, Vic Heineman, Jim Hynes, Elie Katz, Arthur Keyes, Marshall Klein, Al Knaub, Richard Kubik, Robert LaHullier, Charles Landesman, Jerry LaRosa, Gene Leperiore, George Lesnik, Joe and Helga Liccardo, Don and Rita MacAteer, Bob May, Doug McClure, George Meglio, Chris Metcalf, Paul and Sandy Meyer, Bob and Pat Millea, Bob and Elspeth Moore, Jim Murphy, Jack and Denise Nagel, Jose Nieto, Fred and Wilma Nolting, Mary Devon O’Brien, Alberto Perez, Bernie and Dottie Pryor, Chris Reichert, Manny Reyes, Nat Rogoff, Mike Roman, Al Rottini, Phil Rottini, Bud Rottini, Carl Rubenacker, Al Ruffini, Paul Sarlo, Doug Schembs, Dick and Helen Schneider, Chris Snyder, Joe Solda, Dan Stenchever, Phil Stern, Bob Talamini, Tim Trossman, Ken Turtoro, and Bob Warsak.
Political friends and associates: Gov. Brendan Byrne, Maureen Corcoran, Gov. Richard Cody, Gov. Jon Corzine, Richard Cullen, Mayor Glen Cunningham, Congressman Dominick Daniels, Tom DeGeise, Ann Dudsak, John Dudsak, Mayor Frank Eggers, Freeholder Maurice Fitzgibbons, Mayor Steven Fulop, Councilman Bill Gaughan, Eileen Gaughan, Mayor Frank Hague, Bernie Hartnett, Mayor Jeremiah Healy, John Higgins, Gov. Richard Hughes, Gov. Thomas Kean, Democratic leader J. V. Kenny, Mayor Charles Krause, Bill LaRosa, Senator Frank Lautenberg, Steve Lipsky, Michael Luggiero, Nick Mastorelli, Mayor Jerry McCann, Senator Robert Menendez, Freeholder Bill O’Dea, Judge Tom Oliveri, Chief of Staff Regina O’Neill, Councilman Charles Pruscetta, Assemblyman David Russo, Mayor Brett Schundler, Judge Richard Simeone, State Senator Loretta Weinberg, Gov. Christie Todd Whitman, Willie Wolf, Judge John Yengo, and Jeannie Zampaglione.
Directors and staff of New York Yankees Media Relations: Marty Appel, Rick Cerrone, Jackie Farrell, Bob Fishel, Harvey Greene, Irv Kaze, Mickey Morabito, Ken Nigro, Arthur Richman, Joe Safety, David Szen, Larry Wahl, Jason Zillo, Dolores Hernandez, Kenny Leandry, Justin Long, Michael Margolis, Lauren Moran, Connie Schwab, Alex Trochinowski, and Ben Tuliebitz.
The Steinbrenner family: George M. Steinbrenner III, Joan Steinbrenner, Hal Steinbrenner, Jennifer Steinbrenner Swindal, Steve Swindal, Jessica Steinbrenner Lopez, Felix Lopez, and Hank Steinbrenner.
New York Yankee executives and staff: Randy Levine, Lonn Trost, Brian Cashman, Clyde King, Gene Michael, Sonny Haight, Al Rosen, Gabe Paul, Debbie Tymon, David Bernstein, Michael Bonner, Theresa Buonomo, Gina Chindemi, Rob Cucuzza, Lou Cucuzza Sr., Lou Cucuzza Jr., Steve Donahue, Mary Durante, John Esposito, Eddie Fasthook, Samantha Giraud, Betsy Leesman, Chris Granazio, Annette Guardabascio, Rocky Halsey, Eddie Layton, Ann Mileo, Gene Monahan, Tony Morante, Debbie Nicolisi, Bob Sheppard, Frank Swain, Joe Violone, and Monica Yurman.
New York Mets executives and staff: Fred and Jeff Wilpon, Jay Horowitz, Shannon Forde, Ethan Wilson, Stella Fiore, Sandy Alderson, Frank Cashen, Jim Duquette, Al Harazin, Joe McIlvaine, and Omar Minaya.
Broadcasters and writers: Al Albert, Kenny Albert, Marv Albert, Steve Albert, Mel Allen, Joe Angel, Richie Ashburn, Red Barber, Jack Buck, Joe Buck, Harry Caray, Skip Caray, Joe Castiglione, Tom Cheek, Gary Cohen, Jerry Coleman, David Cone, Ron Darling, Bill Daughtry, Bob Delaney, Dick Enberg, John Flaherty, Ray Fosse, George Frazier, Joe Garagiola, Marty Glickman, John Gordon, Don Gould, Doug Gould, Curt Gowdy, George Grande, Wayne Hagin, Ken (Hawk) Harrelson, Ernie Harwell, Fran Healy, Keith Hernandez, Russ Hodges, Jerry Howarth, Rex Hudler, Jim Hunter, Tommy Hutton, Jay Johnstone, Jim Kaat, Harry Kalas, Michael Kay, Gene Kelly, Ralph Kiner, Al Leiter, Josh Lewin, Ann Ligouri, Dick Lynch, Tom McCarthy, Tim McCarver, Frank Messer, Jon Miller, Rick Monday, Joe Morgan, Bobby Murcer, Bob Murphy, Richard Neer, Lindsey Nelson, Paul O’Neill, Bob Papa, Ed Randall, Phil Rizzuto, John Rooney, Howie Rose, Spencer Ross, Chris Russo, Byron Saam, Vin Scully, Mike Shannon, Lonn Simmons, Dave Sims, Chris Singleton, Ken Singleton, Charlie Steiner, John Sterling, Gary Thorne, Jeff Torborg, Al Trautwig, Bob Uecker, Pete Van Wieren, Suzyn Waldman, Chris Wheeler, Bill White, Bob Wolfe, Jim Woods, Maury Allen, Joe Auriemma, Andrew Baumgarten, Bruce Beck, Juan Benet, Joe Benigno, Dave Buscema, Pete Caldera, Dan Castellano, Duke Castiglone, Scott Clark, Ed Coleman, Jack Curry, Bill Daughtry, Joe Donnelly, Maurice DuBois, Charlie Einstein, Mark Feinsand, David Fenster, Mike Francesa, Bill Gallo, Dan Graziano, Jim Hague, John Harper, Jon Heyman, Kim Jones, Raquel Julich, Harry Jupiter, Howie Karpin, Tyler Kepner, Kevin Kernan, Bob Klapisch, Moss Klein, Arnie Leshin, Otis Livingston, Bob Lorenz, Matt Loughlin, Mike Lupica, Bill Madden, Steve Malzberg, Mike Mancuso, Rich Marazzi, Andrew Marchand, Sal Marchiano, Bill Mazer, Mike McCann, Bud Mishken, John Montone, Sweeney Murti, Hideo Nakamura, Ian O’Connor, Paul Post, Evan Roberts, Ken Rosenthal, Chris Russo, Art Rust Jr., Russ Salzberg, Dick Schaap, Jeremy Schaap, Dan Schlossberg, Bill Shannon, Joel Sherman, Claire Smith, Steve Somers, Bobby Trainor, George Vescey, Joey Wahler, Willie Weinbaum, Kevin Williams, Warner Wolf, Bob Wolfe, and Harvey Zucker.
Major League Baseball officials: John Blundell, Dr. Bobby Brown, Tony Clark, Leonard Coleman, Blake Cullen, Charles (Chub) Feeney, Katie Feeney, Donald Fehr, Bart Giamatti, Bowie Kuhn, Bob Laurie, Lee McPhail, Phyllis Merhige, Peter O’Malley, Bud Selig, Horace Stoneham, Faye Vincent, Michael Weiner, Bill White, and Bob Wirz.
National Baseball Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson and Vice President of Communications Brad Horn.
Ed Lucas Foundation Gene Michael Golf Classic Committee members: Herb Bodensiek, Tom Bragen, Ray Bulin, Tim Courtney, Rich Cutter, Donna DelMauro, Joe DiDio, Ed Dunphy, Mary Dunphy, James Fiorentino, Eileen Fitzpatrick, Jack Grew, Michael Grew, Brian Hirschberg, Howie Horowitz, Joanne Ippolito, George Kolodinsky, Dan Leonardi, Frank Luca, Michael Mortorano, Jim Murphy, Charlie O’Neill, Regina O’Neill, Ronald Patane, John Pennisi, Giovanna Psolka, Gene Rear, Harold Reeves, Rick Reeves, Dan Replogle, Andy Richter, Tom Rushforth, Al Russo, Christopher Russo, David Russo, Lydia Russo, Matthew Russo, Rhoda Russo, Robert Russo, John Sasso, Diane Tagliabue, Diane Thomas, Vince Thomas, Cathy Werner, Jay Zaslower, and Harvey Zucker.
Special friends: Elliot and Lynn Abbott, Gracie Abbott, Liza Abbott, Danny Barrett, David Berkowitz, Yogi and Carmen Berra, Larry Berra, Lou Biancone, Jay Boyle, Ann Brindisi, the Staff at Brooklake Country Club, Larry Brown, Ken and Jennifer Browne, Jimmy Brozzetti, Ed Byrnes, Fred Cambria, Gary Cardiello, MD, Frank Cardiello, MD, Donald Cinnotti, MD, Shaun Clancy, Patsy Ann Connor, Kevin Connors, Pat and Mary Ann Conte, Dominic and Carmella Conte, Gerry Cooney, Gene Coppola, Mike Costa, Ed Crouse, Al Cruz, Howard Danzig, Ken Dashow, Bill Daughtry, John and Theresa Dillon, Bob Dixon, Jim Donovan, Al Durrell, John Filone, Paul Finnazo, Greg Floyd, Steve Fortunato, Pete Francisco, Mary Gallagher, Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel, Barbara and Lefty George, Bonnie George, Ron and Lynn Goltsch, Bob Greenhut, Richie Gutch, Joseph Hakim, Barry Halper, Randy Hamlette, Al Hamrah, Bruce Harper, Paul Holden, Steve Jezek, Tommy John, Steve Kalafer, Alan Kalter, Jeannie Kelly, Robert Klein, Chris Kotsopolous, Norma Kreitzer, Bob Lang, Lou LaSalle, Tommy Leach, Jerry Lioi, Lorna Mack, Paul Magda, Bob Mannetta, Mark Markowitz, Tommy Martin, Ryan Millea, Paul Mirabella, John Mooney, Ross Moschitto, Mike Murphy, Eamon Nally, Karl Nelson, Randy Neumann, Kevin O’Connor, Tom and Tracy O’Neill, Lucille Pennisi, Joe Pennisi, John Pennisi, Tom Pennisi, Paul and Elaine Piscitelli, Sue Ragas, Joe Ressler, Scott Ring, Cindy Rizzuto, Patty Rizzuto, Penny Rizzuto, Phil Rizzuto, Jr., Dennis Rizzuto, Lee Rizzuto, Sr., Lee Rizzuto, Jr., Mitchell Ross, Tom Sabellica, Chuck Sales, Patrick Sales, Al Santorini, Barbara Ann Reilly Schick, Stan Schick, John Setzer, Tommy Shine, Luke Stahl, Alice Steller, Steve Stone, Penny Taylor, Jim and Terri Wentz, Robert Willard, Tom Witt, Mark Yusko, Bill and Heidi Ziff, and Dominick Zurzulo.
