I had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Leonard speak at the library in Philadelphia on 5/14, and meeting him afterward during the book signing. It was an honor.

When I was a kid my father used to buy me baseball cards and one time he bought me a set of replica cards from the early days of baseball; the set contains cards of Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, etc. I remembered hearing how Mr. Leonard got his nickname of “Dutch” from a baseball player who played the game in his youth. I dug through my set of replica cards and was able to find a card of Dutch Leonard who played for the Detroit Tigers. I took this card with me to the book signing and presented it to Mr. Leonard as a gift. I wasn’t sure if he would accept it, but he did. He was very down to earth as he thanked me. But I should be thanking him. I am a crime writer, and he has been an inspiration to me with the work he has given us. Thanks, Elmore.

I just wanted to share my story with you all.

Take care,
Felix Cruz