Seeing Home – The Inspirational Story of Ed Lucas

There can only be handful of people who remember that many years ago I did a show called “Sports Monday” that aired on WOBM-FM in the early and mid1980s.

A regular contributor to that show was Ed Lucas, who wrote a column “As I See It” which appeared in the Jersey Journal and other outlets. He was a fixture at Yankee Stadium and provided me with some great interviews he did with past and present Yankee players and many others.

I was his guest in the press box on one occasion and he was clearly someone everyone knew and admired for his baseball knowledge and sense of humor.

One more thing. Ed is blind.

I mention this because today his autobiography will be in major bookstores around the country and it’s an inspiring story about a man who simply would not let his blindness get in the way of his passion. Sure there’s a lot about baseball but Seeing Home, the Ed Lucas Story is much more than that.  It’s about losing his sight as a 12-year old but not losing his drive to succeed.

Ed has earned a PHD in overcoming obstacles and amazingly was the first blind father to win custody of his two children with help from among others his dear friend Phil Rizzuto.  You’ll read about another first: him getting married at home plate in Yankee Stadium.

Co-authored by his youngest son Chris “Seeing Home” is the first adult book published by Jeter Publishing (yes that Jeter) in a partnership with Simon & Schuster.  Yours truly even earns a mention in the book and I’m thrilled for Ed and won’t be surprised if there’s a movie in the future.  I wonder if I can get a small role in it.

The Ocean County Personnel and Guidance Association will hold a spring college kickoff fair tomorrow night at the Pine Belt Arena in Toms River from 6:30-8:30PM.  While most high school seniors have or are close to finalizing their college plans this is more for underclassmen and their parents as more than 70 colleges from 17 states are expected to be represented.

There will be a special program before the college fair from 5:30-6:30 titled NCAA Athletes & Academics which is geared for those who expect to play sports in college.  I’ve been invited to be a part of that and student-athletes and their parents will get a realistic idea of scholarships, academic requirements and more.