I’m not in the habit of writing about my husband here because it’s a blog about my challenges, not his, but I want to share some joyful news.
If you’re a Dodger fan, last night was upsetting, but something happened during the game that brought some well-deserved happiness to my dear husband, Don.
Don learned a couple of weeks ago that his company, STATS, LLC, were closing their LA office in May 2018 and moving the staff to Chicago, where their headquarters is located.
FYI: STATS is a sports data, technology, statistics, and content company that provides content to multimedia platforms, television broadcasters, leagues and teams, fantasy providers, and players, in addition to major B2B and B2C brands. STATS provides AP editorial content and maintains relationships with many major sports leagues worldwide. They cover more than 300 leagues and competitions across the globe totaling of 83,000 events annually. (Thanks Wikipedia).
So, Don wrote to Joe Buck, for whom he has provided game notes and stats for many years, letting him know this was his final postseason working for STATS. He wanted to say farewell before “this ridiculously entertaining World Series reaches its finale.”
He explained to Joe that the company was closing down the Los Angeles office and that all 20 of the staff members were offered the opportunity to move to Chicago in order to keep their positions, but he had declined. He wrote, “To be clear, I am not resigning or retiring; rather, my job is literally going away and I am choosing not to chase it.”
He wanted to tell Joe it has been an honor and a privilege to try to provide him with thoughtful analysis over the years.
The news of STATS’ move, combined with the stress of the World Series, were weighing heavily on Don’s heart. He’s ordinarily a very buoyant person, but lately he was not himself.
But then last night, during game 7, in the top of the 6th inning, Joe Buck started praising Don’s work. Among other complimentary things, he said, “And believe me, I can’t tell you how smart he has made us seem.”
When Don came home from the game, he was beaming. His hard work and expertise had been recognized during the most important game of the season.
A few years ago, when I knew I would no longer be working, it was difficult , and I struggled with all the feelings that came up. I don’t know exactly what Don is feeling about the end of his career with STATS, but I can see it’s hard on him.
I’m sorry for all the disappointed Dodger fans, but last night was the best game ever for us!
Dogged Hope 
F A N T A S T I C !!! So glad you shared — initially the thought of moving was way beyond what I could imagine – secretly I had my fingers crossed and I guess the guy up above and Don were all in alignment .. however, not having a place to go to every day is sort of a mind game. But for him to be so commended for all his good work over the years and having the buttons burst off his shirt – congratulations. The two of you deserve so much and it looks like the silver lining is getting larger. I’m so glad — the both of you are so dear to me. (and, of course Henry). Hugs — Linda
Thanks Linda. I love hearing from you! Your messages are always uplifting.
When I wrote the post about Don, I wasn’t sure which of my friends were baseball fans, and didn’t know if it would make any sense. That’s why I over explained what he does for a living.
I think he’ll work through May, as offered, then probably retire, who knows? I’m glad I’ll get to see him more. Take care, and thanks again for writing. Hugs to you too!
Awesome! Congrats to Don and you. I wish I had heard it! 😊
Hi Martha, What a wonderful tribute to Don! I am so happy for him!…and you, of course! And thanks for the explanation of all he does. I am glad you chose to include this in your blog….it is significant dimension in your life at this time. I love you, Mom
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Thanks for reading my post. It was a good World Series for Don!! I think he’s going to work through May and get his severance pay, as offered. He has arranged to work from home 3 days a week until then, which will help, since his commute is horrific. Who knows what he’ll do after that? I’m sure he’ll figure something out, even if he’s not working. I’m just glad he’s not so miserable anymore. I’ll write more via email later. Love you too!
Thanks for sharing in this great post, always good to hear from you! Joe Buck’s words are like catching the winning fly ball – and no one can take it away. I know what it’s like to have a career end too soon. I pray that Don seeks the Lord’s next plan…His team will never lose…and the benefits have eternal value. God bless you Martha! 🍁
Hi Lisa Beth. Thanks for reading my post and commenting. Did your career end too soon? I need to re-read your posts. When I first read your blog, I was so impressed by the work you did, and I’m sure you were amazing at it. Don doesn’t believe in God, which saddens me, but I know he’s in the Lord’s care. That is evident every day of our lives, and I will continue to pray for him.
I thought of you this morning when I visited my dentist, who is Armenian. He and his assistant always give me big, warm smiles, especially when I practice my Armenian with them!
Hope you are well. God bless you!
Hi Martha, I left my job much earlier than expected due to a personal matter involving my husband. I accepted it as God’s will and also valued my husband above the job that I loved. However, weeks after retiring, my husband confessed to a secret life…my life unraveled in many ways….but the Lord truly sustained me. During this time my 1st blog began, http://www.crushedbygod.com – about suffering in the midst of a great God.
Praying for you and Don too….you are a lovely person, and honorary Hye Geena! 🙂
I didn’t KNOW this, Martha and I’m glad you told us now! Don will find something else, even if it’s semi- or full retirement. What a wonderful tribute!
Thank you for reading my post Pam. I was so happy for Don, and told him I wanted to share his good news, but wasn’t sure how he felt about my writing about him. He said.”It’s your blog, do what you want.” We both have a gut feeling that things will be fine. He’ll be 62 this month, so it’s not ridiculously early to retire, but he’s also healthy and young for his age, so who knows what he’ll do?
Well, Marthamydear…thanks to a corporate buyout (a situation much like Don’s) I retired at age 47. There are literally scores of things your Don can do to enrich himself in both the mental and physical way. Just as long as he never really ”sits down,” he can learn, bring happiness to others, and indulge himself in new ventures for decades to come! He has skills which he can put to use for non-profits, in tutoring, etc, and he can also learn new ones! I’m delighted for him!
(PS, please don’t feel too sad about Don’s atheism. There are many of us out here, doing fine, being good to others and enjoying life. xoxoxo)
Thank you for telling me your story. It’s amazing how many people are telling me similar stories. There’s comfort in that. I respect Don’s beliefs, and others with the same, and know that faith is a personal thing, but I find myself biting my tongue when I refer to being in God’s care or anything similar, because people look at me like I’m a naive ninny. I am a naive ninny because that’s what makes sense to me! Live and let live, right?
Whatever gets us through hard times, Martha. YOU are a wonderful person who really ”lives out” the religious ideals (UNLIKE MANY) and I’m glad you have comfort in religious faith. “Naive ninny” isn’t the word combo I’d use when thinking of you…not ever!
Thank you!
Martha, I heard Buck mention a “Don” and his many years of information to “make them seem smart” and I wondered if he was talking about your Don. This entry confirms it and I am so happy that Don has gotten the recognition he deserves for so many years of hard work. And as others have said, he may be sad that this chapter of his working life is coming to an end, there are more things he can now try to pursue that may make him happy.
Hi Nancy. I had no idea how many of my friends were baseball fans, or watching that game. Thanks for letting me know you heard it. I was just so happy that it lifted Don’s spirits. Who knows what the future holds for him. I hope he can do something to use his skills. He still so sharp and active.