Former Yankees ace David Cone still perfect in eyes of Morristown fans

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The long line on Morristown’s South Street this evening wasn’t for happy hour–though everyone seemed pretty happy. The reason: Former New York Yankees ace David Cone was on the receiving end.

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Former Yankees ace David Cone with Ryan Gildea, 12, at the new AT&T wireless store. AT&T is a sponsor at Yankee Stadium. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

The former Yanks broadcaster, who hurled a perfect game against the Expos on July 18,  1999, signed autographs to celebrate the official opening of the AT&T wireless store in Morristown. By AT&T’s count, 189 fans showed up. Some, like Bea Yuan of Whippany, waited more than 90 minutes in the heat to get a moment with David.

“It’s for my boyfriend Chris. He’s a big Yankees fan,” Bea said, clutching a signed photo.

Susan Kolsby of West Caldwell brought a ticket stub from the perfect game, along with Cone’s book and a jersey. David patiently signed them all, despite a limit of one autograph per person. Susan said she is a lifelong Yanks fan.

“You’re born into it. It’s like a religion,” she said.

Another fan asked for advice on how to become a coach in the Yankees system. David inquired about the young man’s experience, and suggested he write a letter to the team. George Steinbrenner, the late owner of the team, occasionally hired people that way, he said.

Two of the first fans through the line were beaming from ear to ear.

“I told him he’s a classy guy,” said Ron Holden, 24, of Milford. His pal, Joey Orfini, 19, of Morristown, said he teased David Cone about his error as a third baseman during last weekend’s Old Timer’s Day.  The pitcher joked about it, Joey said.

Ryan Gildea, 12, celebrated his first birthday on the day that David threw his perfect game.

“I’m the biggest Yankee fan,” said Ryan, who expressed excitement after meeting the man, even though “I sort of pictured him with brown hair.”

Josh Berman, 9, wore his Morristown Nationals uniform. After getting David’s signature, he requested another one–for his coach. Was that an attempt to get penciled into the cleanup spot?  No sir, said the third baseman.

“I am already batting cleanup,” Josh said.

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