Tony Mistlin: Lon Simmons, a fine gentleman
Many years ago I was one of the thousands of people who listened to Lon Simmons and Russ Hodges report Giants games. One day Lon came into Ellis Brooks Chevrolet where I was sales manager and asked me if I would like to have some Giants tickets; he promised to send me some. Shortly after that, I left Ellis Brooks and opened my own dealership in Modesto.
One day there was a function in the basement of the Covell Hotel and the head of the Highway Patrol called me over to introduce me to Lon Simmons. Lon took one look at me and said “I owe you some Giants tickets” – which he proceeded to send me.
Years later I was giving out candy one Halloween when the phone rang and it was Lon calling me from Hawaii to apologize for not being available to attend the unveiling of McCoveys’ statue at the Mistlin Sports Park because of commitments he had in Hawaii.
Several years later I was in McCoveys’ box at AT&T Park watching a Giants game when Lon walked in and McCovey asked me if I knew Lon and I said yes, we went way back. I am proud to have known such a fine gentleman.
Tony Mistlin, Modesto
This story was originally published April 7, 2015 at 10:56 AM with the headline "Tony Mistlin: Lon Simmons, a fine gentleman."