‘Danny Noonan’s’ big adventure

These things always begin the same — at least for me.

In a room full of strangers, everyone seems to know everyone. I don’t know anyone, and hello-it’s-nice-to-meet-you handshakes turn into awkward conversations over appetizers.

“Kerrville is in Texas, north of San Antonio.”

“Yes, I’m old enough to be drinking this Bud Light.”

“I shaved in February, I’ll be just fine, thank you.”

I’ll remember my trip to the 2010 APSE judging in Kissimmee, Fla., because these things rarely end the same — with so many new friends, a head full of ideas for my section and an attendance sheet I didn’t hesitate to sign with a different name than I did on Saturday.

Danny Noonan.

My first impression of APSE will always be a memorable one. Not because of what I did, but because of what everyone else did for me.

When I didn’t know anyone the first night, Ruben Luna talked with me about Detroit sports until everyone left the hallway.

When I played in the poker tournament, guys were genuinly nice as I took their chips. It wasn’t the best career move (I’m no longer allowed to work in California, Ohio or any other part of Texas), but the extra spending money was nice.

When I accidently skipped out on my hotel breakfast the first morning, Steve Trosky covered for me. For penance, he made me tell the story at least five times.

When I didn’t know where our judging room was, Mike Sherman was right there with me, knocking on the doors of high school cheerleaders.

When I spent my evening at the ballpark hitting on Disney interns, Garry Howard was waiting inside with a “thataway young man!” every time I came in the suite.

When I clapped all the blood out of my hands as the Phillies made the final out, Frank Corsoe was with me clap for clap.

There’s dozens more stories from dozens more guys, and I couldn’t be more thankful. Who would have thought that reading 124 sports sections in three days could be so much fun? Not me, so thank you to Phil Kaplan for making me go, Jack Berninger for paying for it and every editor there for making it so worthwhile.