I’m a little early with this tribute — but as my grandpa always said, “If you’re early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late. And if you’re late, you’re out the door!”

That quote has stuck with me my entire life. My wife will probably never understand why it’s so important for me to be 15 minutes early to everything, but it’s just in my blood. It’s one of the many lessons my Pop-Pop passed down to me.

He passed away on October 25, 2012 — a date I’ve written under every one of my baseball hats since that day. It’s a date I’ll never forget. He was the best, and he gave me the true gift of knowing what it meant to have a grandpa — someone who showed up, supported you, and always had your back.

He was there for every game, cheering me on, offering advice, and somehow always knowing exactly what to say. I used to love riding home with him after games in his red Ford Mustang. We’d snack on Oreos at my parents’ house, and when the bag was finished, he’d say, “Well, I have to go check on the dogs,” and head home. To this day, my parents still have the marks on the wall where my brother and I would stand as we grew up, and he’d measure our height.

I think I get my tendency to over plan from him, too. I’ll never forget the first time I went away for a travel baseball tournament without my parents. Before I left, he handed me a folder. Inside, he had mapped out every day of the trip — what I’d be doing, when I’d eat — and even included a preloaded food card with just enough money for meals each day. He also snuck me a $50 when my nana wasn’t looking and told me to “have some fun, too.” My buddy and I used that for mini golf!

I also think my grandpa just loved to hear about my good games. He’d be there to see a two-run homer I hit in the first inning, then call me later that night and ask, “So, what did you do when you were up in the first inning?”

“I hit a home run, Pop-Pop.”

Then he’d burst out laughing — one of those laughs I wish I could hear again.

A relationship with a grandfather is one of the most special bonds that simply can’t be replicated. I miss him so much and the relationship we had. I hope he’s proud of me and looking down smiling. I often think about how much we’d have to talk about today. I wish I could have one more advice session with him, sitting in his chair with three dogs on his lap.

I also want to give a shoutout to Pop Jim Lapoint — my friend Wes’s grandpa. He always made me feel like one of his own grandkids, and he did that at the perfect time in my life. He didn’t replace my grandpa — something no one ever could — but he gave me that same feeling of having a grandfather figure to look up to and get advice from. He’s always been someone I respect deeply and appreciate. Thanks, Pop! As we always say when we see each other, “You’re looking pretty good for an older fella!”

To grandfathers everywhere — thank you. It’s a gift not everyone gets to experience, but it’s one of the best relationships there is on this earth. Hug your grandpa, Papi, or Pop-Pop close, and tell them you love them.

Sometimes I still hear my Pop-Pop’s voice and feel his presence. If you’ve ever heard Luke Combs’ song Ride Around Heaven, it gives me chills — and I have those dreams. If you haven’t heard it, you need to check it out… but be ready to cry.

Have a great week.

“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” ~ Proverbs 17:6: