Howdy A's diehards. Aside from the whooping we put on the Giants over the weekend, I'd like to share an experience I had on Saturday evening, as part of hosting a birthday party for Giants outfielder Michael Tucker.

I was hired to be a poker dealer at Michael Tucker's birthday party, which was arranged by his wife, Dee,(a real sweetheart of a person) at The ACME Chophouse, in the private, "The Willy Mays Room".

Of course I was not sure what to expect from a bunch of professional athletes and was on my guard to just act professional in any case. As it turns out, the majority of the guys I met were real gentleman and very good natured. And, yes, they love top party! Among the players present were Tucker, Moises Alou, Ray Durham, Scott Eyre, Jason Ellison, Jeff Fassero, Jesse Foppert, Lance Niekro, Devi Cruz, and Todd Linden. I had previously met Ray Durham on my birthday a few years ago, even getting him to take a photo with me. Super nice guy and still is.

So, I'm not sure if anyone out in the Nation has had a similar experince but if you have I'd like to know and perhaps you could share here as I have. By the way, Fassero was the big winner and the best tipper. Go A's!