Jeff Shoemaker
I don't have many specific memories of Mr. Uhland. I simply regarded him as "the cool dad". He had the looks, the wit, and best of all, he'd actually play with us.
Mr. Uhland was always very athletic and highly competitive. I suspect that this is where Barry (Jr) gets it from.
Nevertheless, we were all over at his house playing a baseball video game. It was a round-robin elimination match and the competition was high, as evident by the trash talk and jeers. It finally came down to the last two players -- Mr. Uhland and me. I was at bat and he was pitching. He was ahead, but I still had a chance to win, if I could get a home run.
Mr. Uhland tossed a zinger. Strike one! (Ugh!) Meanwhile, the grin on his face grew wider. Ready for the second pitch -- another zinger! (#!@$!!) By now, Mr. Uhland was all but proclaiming his victory. Third pitch -- the familiar zinger... but this time, I was ready.
CRACK! The bat connected, sending the ball out of the field! Home Run!! Jeff wins!!! Mr. Uhland's mouth fell agape in disbelief.
That was the only day I had ever beaten a Uhland at a video game.
