My own moment with Muhammad Ali

I lived in Louisville, KY when I was young.  Every Saturday, I had All-City orchestra rehearsals. I played the oboe, the "ill wind that blows no good."  After rehearsal, I often went to a nearby steakhouse for lunch.  It was a thrill to eat out alone or with my brother.  One day, then Cassius Clay came in for lunch.  He was born in Louisville, a local legend, and was already a hero to many, so he caused a big stir in the place when he came in.  I just had to get his autograph..... but the only thing I had was my state-issued math book.  He signed the inside cover.  I was so happy..... but at the end of the year, we had to turn those books in and, being a little goody-goody, I did just that.  Boy, did I feel stupid afterwards.

So, somewhere, there exist an early autograph.  I sure hope someone ripped the cover off the sucka or at least tore out the page or stole the book.  Anyway, that's my moment with Ali.  He was my hero very early on in my life, always loved and respected.