Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Ron LaClair on July 17, 2013, 09:41:00 AM

Title: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Ron LaClair on July 17, 2013, 09:41:00 AM: Detroit Tigers left fielder Andy Dirks stopped in the shop yesterday for a visit. Andy has been a Shrew shooter for a couple years now and has taken some nice deer in his home state of Kansas.

He stayed for a few hours and we had a good visit exchanging some hunting storys. Andy makes his living playing professinal baseball but he comes from a bowhunting family, his dad is a traditional bowhunter who shoots a shrew also.

(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Andy%20Dirks%20at%20the%20Shop.JPG)

Here's one of Andy's Kansas bucks taken with his Shrew

(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Andys%20Buck.JPG)
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: KodiakMag on July 17, 2013, 09:44:00 AM: Only thing I can see that's wrong is that he plays for Detroit and not the Yanks. Pretty cool to meet a pro player and by the looks of it a good hunter as well.
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Mudd on July 17, 2013, 09:54:00 AM: :archer:
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Ron LaClair on July 17, 2013, 10:01:00 AM: I showed Andy my glove and bat that I've had since 1946 (67 years) he thought that was pretty cool

(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Andy_with_my_bat.jpg)
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: killinstuff on July 17, 2013, 10:04:00 AM: Hopefully he will be working this fall and won't have much time for hunting.

As for playing for Yankee's, he can do that when he's old and on steroids.
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Huntrdfk on July 17, 2013, 10:24:00 AM: That's pretty cool Ron, that last picture is priceless.....

David
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: varmint101 on July 17, 2013, 10:28:00 AM: Pretty cool!
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Mike Vines on July 17, 2013, 10:29:00 AM: To cool Ron.
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Lin Rhea on July 17, 2013, 10:45:00 AM: Good stuff! and what memories are made from. :campfire:
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: VictoryHunter on July 17, 2013, 10:54:00 AM: Great story! Very cool.
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: skychief on July 17, 2013, 10:59:00 AM: Thanks for sharing this Ron. Did he offer to use your glove or bat for an inning or two?
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: JMR on July 17, 2013, 11:01:00 AM: That's awesome! It looks like smiles all around. He is a great ball player and trad hunter let's hope he never wears a Yankees uniform.
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: joe skipp on July 17, 2013, 11:18:00 AM: That's great Ron...nice photos and a decent young man. I agree with JMR....but I wouldn't mind seeing him a A's or SF Giant uniform. Who knows...maybe next year he'll have Prince Fielder shooting a Shrew. :scared: :laughing:
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: KodiakMag on July 17, 2013, 11:23:00 AM: OUCH. Some Yankee haters on here. :)
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: RC on July 17, 2013, 11:30:00 AM: An Atlanta Braves uniform would be the only thing better than camo on that young man.RC
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Bob Stager on July 17, 2013, 12:06:00 PM: I knew there was a reason he is one of my favorite Tiger! This may even put him to #1
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: PZee on July 17, 2013, 12:14:00 PM: Thats great Ron.... I love young Pros in the sports world. Whats baseball though? Need to introduce you guys to a real sport like cricket or rugby. :p :p
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: PZee on July 17, 2013, 12:14:00 PM: Oh by the way, what wood would that bat be made of?
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: dnovo on July 17, 2013, 01:10:00 PM: Quite a few baseball players are bow hunters. More of them need to be introduced to traditional bows and play on good team like the Cardinals. Do they even have baseball in New York?
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: kbetts on July 17, 2013, 01:28:00 PM: Baseball is for those too soft to play lacrosse.......ever see an Indian play baseball?

But I've seen Ron's pics and he definitely ain't soft. Good to see athletes broaden their horizons outside the stadium lights.

Cool stuff.
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Ron LaClair on July 17, 2013, 01:44:00 PM: Out of uniform he's just a regular guy

(https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSmzkz3eiQknTO7RfcIGht0msRWgXysRCJGVLmHJ2UUdSOrTcrCUw)

(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRAfSoDQpOE-4R9v2j1CirmGIQ0u3dJgklp1lFNmwWUJ_yiaI3z)
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: kill shot on July 17, 2013, 01:52:00 PM: He wanted a bow that shoots an arrow faster than Verlander can throw a ball. Major league and major cool.
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Vesty on July 17, 2013, 02:10:00 PM: Andy's t-shirt shows his heart. God bless him!
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Steve Jr on July 17, 2013, 02:18:00 PM: That is cool Ron , thanks for sharing the photos and story.
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: abbatoys on July 17, 2013, 02:42:00 PM: I noticed he has a right handed bow, he throws and bats left handed...
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Friend on July 17, 2013, 02:44:00 PM: Enjoyed the highlights of the visit.

Thank you Ron!
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: elknutz on July 17, 2013, 03:49:00 PM: Very nice! From a life long Tiger fan, and a Shrew owner.
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: ishoot4thrills on July 17, 2013, 03:58:00 PM: Awesome stuff! :thumbsup:

Nice buck, too! :notworthy:
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Lynch Mob on July 17, 2013, 03:58:00 PM: I always liked Andy Dirks, now I know why. Ha
Thanks Ron for sharing maybe would get him to hunt geese with us this fall with our bows.
George
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: PZee on July 17, 2013, 03:59:00 PM: Thats great Ron.... I love young Pros in the sports world. Whats baseball though? Need to introduce you guys to a real sport like cricket or rugby. :p :p
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Joshua Grimshaw on July 17, 2013, 04:15:00 PM: Very cool!
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: wooddamon1 on July 17, 2013, 04:20:00 PM: Andy's a Trad Ganger too I believe, cool stuff Ron!
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Quickblood on July 17, 2013, 04:25:00 PM: Nice! Keep in mind Ron that Andy was feeling the same way - he was visiting a notable Archery Legend!
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: J. Cook on July 17, 2013, 04:58:00 PM: The pic with your old glove and bat is really cool!!!
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: coconutdave on July 17, 2013, 05:00:00 PM: It is good to see an athlete who is shooting traditional gear!
Go Tigers!
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Knawbone on July 17, 2013, 06:06:00 PM: That's some good PR there Ron, thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: dhermon85 on July 17, 2013, 06:26:00 PM: Andy Dirks Of the FIRST Place Detroit Tigers :)
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Jim Boettcher on July 17, 2013, 06:36:00 PM: Great story and pictures Mr. LaClair. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: DennyK on July 17, 2013, 06:49:00 PM: That's Awsome Ron! Glad he's a trad shooter and a Detroit Tiger. Reminds me of the story Jerry Brumm was telling me about Travis Fryman and Chad Curtis stopping by his shop and walking out with a couple of bows. GO TIGERS!
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Jon Stewart on July 17, 2013, 07:37:00 PM: OUSTANDING, thanks for posting.
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: 4runr on July 17, 2013, 07:53:00 PM: OUTSTANDING post Ron. Glad to see someone in pro sports still living right.

But... I gotta say GO TRIBE!!!
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: dad on July 17, 2013, 09:28:00 PM: I'm glad he is a Detroit Tiger! I like to see a professional athlete that kids can look up to.
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: JJB on July 17, 2013, 10:25:00 PM: Very nice story Ron, good stuff there.
-Jay
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Gen273 on July 17, 2013, 10:52:00 PM: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: damascusdave on July 17, 2013, 11:38:00 PM: Way to go, Ron...this thread reminded me that someone that hunted moose with us last fall has known Andy since he was a kid...now I am going to be up all night trying to remember the circumstances that came up under and who it was...if you get the urge to shoot a big old ugly Canadian moose give me a holler and bring Andy and his dad along

DDave
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Pokerdaddy on July 17, 2013, 11:50:00 PM: It just doesn't get better than this! Ron, Andy, Tigers and Traditional Archery!

When Ron first shared that picture of Andy and his buck on TradGang some time ago I pm'd Ron, saying "I know that guy, but I just can't put my finger on where I know him from." Ron replied, "well, he's got the same first name as you and wears a ballcap to work." The lightbulb went off!

I've been a diehard Tigers fan forever, never missing a game either on TV or the radio. Before I even knew Andy was a trad bowhunter he was one of my favorite Tigers. The way he plays the game, old school, with dignity and heart and having fun.

Now, when watching the Tigers, every time Andy's up to bat the kids yell...

"Daddy, the bowhunters up to bat!"
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: PBNJ on July 18, 2013, 07:49:00 AM: Lets hope he stays with good ball clubs like the Tigers. If he unfortunately ends up on the Yankmees one day, he'll probably end up switching to a compound and hunt behind high fences!! Seriously its cool to see that some pro ball players enjoying archery like we do. Thanks for sharing Ron.
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Ron LaClair on July 18, 2013, 07:54:00 AM: Andy's flying out of Michigan today, I forwarded him a link to this thread and told him that he had a lot of fans on Trad Gang, I'm sure he'll appreciate all of the kind words.... :clapper:
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: longbowman on July 18, 2013, 08:28:00 AM: I believe that was the same Andy that played his minor league baseball in Erie, PA. He and I were planning a get together when he headed off to the big leagues?
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Big Lefty on July 18, 2013, 04:43:00 PM: Count me amongst the anti-Yankee crew! Although I bleed Royal blue, I'm now an Andy Dirks fan.

Neat story, thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: habujohn on July 18, 2013, 07:41:00 PM: Very cool pictures Ron. We love Andy and knowing he is a traditional shooter makes it all that much better.
habujohn
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Thunyor on July 18, 2013, 07:56:00 PM: Go Tigers! I haven't head a favorite Tiger for some time now, but it looks like that is changing!
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: ChristopherO on July 18, 2013, 10:13:00 PM: Okay, Ron, I've just got to ask: is the dog under the table a loyal friend or another stuffed part of the ambiance of the store? LOL!
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Ron LaClair on July 21, 2013, 03:33:00 PM: Quote
Okay, Ron, I've just got to ask: is the dog under the table a loyal friend or another stuffed part of the ambiance of the store? LOL!
That's Dolly my Beagle Buddy. She likes to hang around the shop and let visitors pat her head and scratch her back. I take her up to hunting camp sometimes. One year we had a bear come in to the deer pole behind the cabin. Dolly smelled him from inside the cabin and wanted to be let out. When I opened the door She flew off the porch like a banshee and ran the bear off... :D

(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Dolly-me.JPG)
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Jon Stewart on July 21, 2013, 07:02:00 PM: Andy hit one out today. Straight away center field!!!!!!!
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Jon Stewart on July 21, 2013, 07:03:00 PM: Andy hit one out today. Straight away center field!!!!!!!
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Ron LaClair on July 21, 2013, 10:51:00 PM: Quote
Andy hit one out today. Straight away center field!!!!!!!
Andy and Cabrera were the only two H R's in the game and it put the Tigers into an early lead. Andy also got a single and stole a base and was voted Player of the game with 43% of the vote.

Congratulations Andy... :clapper:
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: skychief on July 21, 2013, 10:52:00 PM: Was he using Ron's bat ???
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: DGW on July 21, 2013, 11:02:00 PM: I am very blessed, I first shot bow with Andys dad Rick over 30 years ago. He is a realy good trad bowhunter and woodsman and taught Andy well.
Andy told me he was going to Rons shop and he sent me that pic of him and Ron, I text back priceless!
I get to shoot and hunt with Andy in the off season and he is a very good shot with that longbow!
Go Tigers and Dirks!
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: collofthewild on July 21, 2013, 11:38:00 PM: Great picture Ron!
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: ermont on July 22, 2013, 12:06:00 AM: Very cool. Looks like a grounded young man.
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: huntnmuleys on July 22, 2013, 12:12:00 AM: Awesome!!!!!!
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: damascusdave on July 22, 2013, 08:01:00 AM: Well Ron, that problem of who I was thinking about is now solved...one DGW, aka Daniel Wilhems, would be the gentleman I was trying to think of...I suppose that since we only had two traditional moose hunters in camp, the Wilhems brothers, I might have caught on to the fact that it would have been one of them

DDave
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Paul/KS on July 22, 2013, 08:32:00 AM: Nice pictures and a good story.
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Tim on July 22, 2013, 11:08:00 AM: Very cool!
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Rathbuck on July 22, 2013, 11:30:00 AM: As a lifelong Tigers fan, that is awesome!
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Bonebuster on July 22, 2013, 12:55:00 PM: The Tiger and the Shrew!

Way cool!
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Ray Lyon on July 22, 2013, 04:15:00 PM: Quote
Originally posted by Bonebuster:
The Tiger and the Shrew!

Way cool!
There used to be a Tiger Shrew way back when in the 1990's. Must be Ron was a psychic, because now a Tiger has a (Super)Shrew.
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Ric O'Shay on July 22, 2013, 04:44:00 PM: Way too cool!
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: tarponnut on July 22, 2013, 09:21:00 PM: That's pretty cool!
Funny comment CJ!
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: cacciatore on July 23, 2013, 06:57:00 AM: Great pics of good people!
Title: Re: I had a noteable visitor in the shop yesterday
Post by: Lynch Mob on July 23, 2013, 02:21:00 PM: Yea Andy had a homerun in their win the other night.
Way to go Andy!!!!