Berardino: Thielbar's Mother Passed Away

[Seth Stohs]

Mike Berardino just passed along the information that Caleb Thielbar's mother, Janet, passed away. 

 

She was known as the shortstop on her high school boys baseball team in the mid-70s. She was a huge baseball fan and truly loved the Twins. She also was incredibly proud of her son.

 

She and I exchanged a handful of e-mails over time. She would tell me how much she appreciated the minor league reports and articles on Caleb, or just talk to about baseball.

 

I had the opportunity to meet her and her husband in Ft. Myers this spring. I was there early, walking the back fields. The couple was standing at the corner, watching the minor leaguers start their day with stretching and running. I went up and said, "Man, that looks like work!" The response was simply, "What a great job!! What a great way to spend a beautiful morning!"

 

It wasn't long before Janet realized who I was. "Are you Seth from Twins Daily?" Surprised, I nodded. She introduced herself and continued to talk about how much she enjoys this website and "most of" the community here. We talked for a good 15 minutes and again, it was clear just how proud they were of their son. We talked several more times throughout the time I was there, and she was always smiling. 

 

I hadn't heard from her in a while, so when I saw Mike's article, it hit me. It's sad. I can only imagine how the Thielbar family is, and others who knew her. 

 

I know this isn't the type of thing we post here in the forums, but please take a minute to read Mike's blog. It's people like Janet Thielbar that I always think about when I write, and it's why I think it's so important to remember that these guys are so much more than just baseball players. 

 

[Craig Arko]

Condolences to Caleb and the entire family.

[ashbury]

Beautiful writeup by Mike B.

[Thrylos]

That sucks.

 

So young.

 

My condolences to Caleb and his family.

[Sarah]

She was too young and he was too young to lose his mother...very sad.