Free Republic

A pleasant and caring man, one who reveled in his mostly modest playing career in the big leagues, his receded -- not receding -- hairline and, it seemed, all facets and phases of his decades on the planet, has left us behind, behind and smiling. Joe Garagiola, a most entertaining, engaging and convivial sort, has died, bringing to an end a full, rich life and leaving the game without one its most enduring personalities, an energetic crusader and folksy humorist.