Friendly Encounters

This is a series dedicated to my friends meeting celebrities.

When we last featured Rob Mackowiak, it was in a post with Steve of White Sox Cards.  They went to Oak Lawn Community High School together.  Today, I am featuring Mackowiak with two friends of mine, both named Scott.
Pork is my brother-in-law and Swede is his long-time friend (and my not-quite as long time friend).  I met Swede through Pork.  Both Scotts share a passion for beating me (and they have done it often...too often actually).  Pork has won more than his fair share of bets with me, while Swede has dominated me in the highly respected Boone Fantasy League.  Both trends have slightly turned in my favor of late, but I'll say that quietly so as not to incur the famous and highly effective Swede Curse (I'm still reeling from the effects of one particular curse placed upon me in Houston a few years back).
This last winter, Pork and Swede joined a bunch of their friends in Mexico for a wedding.  Also at the wedding was Mackowiak, a friend of the bride's family.  By all accounts, Mackowiak was just a regular nice guy.   The Scotts got a chance to talk baseball and have a good time with Mackowiak, but we all know their main goal was to land right here in Friendly Encounters.

 Scott Parker, Rob Mackowiak and Scott Olofsson in Mexico-Winter 2010.

Johngy Salutes Swede

I have known Scott Olofsson for about 25 years. I first met Swede through Scott Parker, who became my brother-in-law. In 1995, I went on a fishing trip to remote Canada with Scott, Swede and 5 other guys. During that time, Swede recruited me for his fantasy baseball league. Obviously he smelled blood.
This season was one of the few times I have ever finished higher than Swede. Naturally I am celebrating my victory.
On a recent trip to Milwaukee, Swede mocked Matt and me about butt-kissing Manny Ramirez (and some other players). He claimed we were chasing Manny like 2 love-struck school girls. Barbs fly often between us at baseball games. Allegiances switch as quickly as pitches are thrown. I am sure I got some decent shots back at Swede, but today, I am closing the door through pictures. Hey, it's my blog...I can do whatever I want.
The first picture is of Swede (and Parker) that Matt took from our comfortable seats in the Press Box. The second shot is a picture that Matt took from the field (this time, we were 'chasing' Brad Ausmus).
Finally, the above picture is of Matt and me ON THE FIELD! Mock us if you want, King Swede (heck, you can even throw your famous Swede Curse my way), but there Matt and I were, hanging on the field. I won't even mention the respect we received from other fans (like on the shuttle bus).

Swede raising his glass as a sign of respect for my mere presence-St. Joseph, MI-early 00's.