America’s pastime fits Daryl Grigsby perfectly. Its slow pace allows for conversation, reflection and family interaction.
Growing up in D.C., he was naturally a Washington Senators fan and spent many afternoons with his grandmother and friends taking in the sun, wisdom and hotdogs at Griffith Stadium.
SLO’s public works director recently sat down to talk about the inspiration behind his book on African-Americans and baseball, his early desire to be a history teacher and the thought of playing catch with his dad again.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Well that’s a good question; I loved reading books and – my favorite subject was history. When I visited my grandparents’ home I used to pull out the World Book encyclopedia’s and just did my own study of historical events, military battles, and various periods in world and US history. So – one thing I really wanted to do was be a history teacher. I was really influenced by some teachers at my junior high school in Washington D.C. who exposed me to African-American literature – James Baldwin, Ralph Ellison and others. Through their writings I was impressed on how powerful literature could be in explaining historical events and illuminating patterns, cycles and trends.
What personal quality do you appreciate most?
The personal quality I appreciate most is passion. Life is short –our time here brief – and the way to make the most of this life journey is totally embracing and loving what we do. It’s inspiring to be around people who are passionate about a subject or a goal. Also – passion is what keeps us moving forward even when times get difficult, if progress slows, or obstacles are in our way. Also – having passion is a reminder that it’s not just about the destination – but also about the journey; if we care deeply about something, the work, time and means to get to that final goal is just as valuable as achieving our goal.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
The most important lesson I have learned is – we often worry about ‘doing’ – when our focus should be on ‘being’. We are the person we are no matter where we are – so if we pay attention to our character, authenticity, and connection with others – then the ‘doing’ will flow from who we are. So – we don’t have to go someplace to ‘do’ something; or – figure out what we are going to ‘do’ next – but rather – be our best self wherever we go – and leave that legacy and impact whether at work, home, school, recreating, or wherever. Also connected with the focus on ‘who we are’ is also a recognition of the importance of the spiritual life. While my spiritual life is nourished in the Catholic faith (which despite its many historic and current flaws nevertheless for me holds profound spiritual truths), I am always amazed at the variety and depth of people’s spiritual life. And in the broadest sense – is not necessarily with a formal religion but is a vital foundation of their life and character.
Where would you like to be right now?
Easy answer, nowhere but here. I have lived in great places – Washington D.C., Chicago, San Diego, Kirkland, Washington and Pomona, California. But here – with the quality of people, the natural beauty, the proximity to Big Sur and Yosemite on one hand – and San Francisco and Los Angeles for a different experience, along with the universities, wine country, ocean and overall quality of life – this by far is the best place I have ever lived. Essentially how I see my life now is – I live where a few years ago I saved my money to come vacation once a year.
What inspired you to write Celebrating Ourselves: African-Americans and the Promise of Baseball?
Ironically – the inspiration for the book comes out of the decline in popularity major league baseball has experienced among African-Americans. I wanted to understand why there was a decline in the number of African-American players; and why the apparent decline in black fans. For me – baseball is more than just a game – for – the history, culture, global nature, and above all – pace of the game – allows for time for reflection and community and family interaction. For example – in the 1960s I attended Washington Senators games with my grandmother and the retired dean of Howard University School of Medicine. Those times were memorable – for as a teenager I listened to the wisdom – on life and on baseball – from two wise elders. During the game we talked about the game, as well as politics, current events and life in general. In addition – after slavery and before integration through Jackie Robinson – black baseball and black leagues flourished in the United States. So the book explores that rich history of baseball in the black community – and concludes that though the number of fans and players has declined; there is still a vibrant love of baseball among parts of black America – and many youth academies that teach both baseball and how to succeed in education and in life.
Who would you like to play catch with?
Definitely my father. He died young, at age 44; and I was 21 at the time. So much of who I am and what I have learned is from him. Yet – because of his early death – I have not been able to share my marriage, children, career, with him. He taught me a lot about life – and – growing up in Washington D.C., how to survive as an African-American male in a predominately white country. Also – he taught me through sports the lessons that apply to life – that is – do your best, always represent your family and race, and never quit. I imagine us playing catch now – and literally catching up with what happened over the last 40 years – talking about things we didn’t experience together – my marriage, children, career – and – catch up on what’s been happening in major league baseball.