In 1995 I had a press pass to the Yankee Fan Fest in the Javits Center before the season started.  I got to meet a number of the ball players past and present.  I had the pleasure of meeting Houk there and he signed a ball for me (Mike – you have it).  Back then, he looked bad and had the shakes so bad that he had to steady the ball against the table to sign it.  He had that big red drinking nose.  But he lasted 15 more years.  Nice man.  Good player’s manager.