Gabbo's sons brought him out to the reunion game on Saturday. He is suffering from Parkinson's disease. It was an incredible moment when they arrived, as the game immediately stopped and the players all gathered around him. It was very emotional. Gabbo was probably the toughest guy to ever wear a Quakes uniform. I don't mean violently tough. He was a hard nosed, absolute rock of a player.
I used to get the impression that he would run through the wall at Spartan! With my mom having Parkinson's disease, I can understand what his family is going through...
Would anyone possibly have taken video of the event that could or has been uploaded to Youtube? I would love to have been there to see the reunion.
There were a few people taking video it seemed. I did get pics of both teams, the original team huddled around Gabo, and a few action shots of Hewitt and one of Godfrey Ingram taking a penalty kick. Also got the starting kick off, and a few others. I'll load them up tonight and send you the link.
Tony, I would respectfully ask you not to post photos of Gabbo. He is a very private man and I am sure he would always want to be remembered as a very fit, strong individual and I hope you will respect his privacy. Thank you Johnny
As I mentioned in another thread, there will be a DVD of the reunion weekend festivities available for $15. Don't know when, but when I find out I will post on BigSoccer. Also, during and after the reunion match many of the NASL Quakes were interviewed on camera by Harvey Ranola of Center Line Soccer for SSV Community Foundation's Soccer Legacy Project at History San Jose. Ranola was commissioned to do the interviews to preserve them for future exhibits and documentaries. I know Ranola got some footage of Gabbo when his former teammates mobbed him on arriving at the game. And I agree with everyone else, it was an incredibly poignant and moving experience. The SJSU practice fields area is quite large and Gabbo was being wheeled from over a hundred yards away from where the oldtimers were playing and as soon as he was spotted the game stopped immediately and everyone ran over to meet him before he could reach the sidelines. No one who was there will likely ever forget it.
Of course Johnny...I completely understand, and will keep those for my private memories. However, I have a nice shot of you at kick off ;-)