One of the many enjoyable parts of my job has been getting to know some readers and fans at games and other events.

I feel fortunate that one of them was Joe Mauger, a longtime devoted UMass fan, who died last week. Joe was a math teacher and a Korean war vet, but I just knew him as a fan, who referred to himself as Old Bald Grad. He was funny, knowledgable and passionate while still having perspective about UMass sports. He and his wife liked UMass sports so much that they moved from eastern Mass. to Sunderland in their retirement.

I'd see him a home games for several different sports teams and at an occasional away game. He was a good man, who'll be missed, by many, including me.