Forget baseball. He said he liked the hot dog I cooked him and that made me a fan for life.

News station after news station showed scenes Wednesday from Manhattan's Upper East Side, where a small plane carrying New York Yankees Cory Lidle and his instructor slammed into a 40-story apartment building.

I couldn't believe the news -- Lidle, who had played for my beloved Phillies. Lidle, 32, died doing one of the things he loved -- flying. I like, many fans couldn't believe it.

But, he also enjoyed playing golf. And that's where my story begins.

Two summers ago, I worked at Shore Gate Golf Club in South Jersey. It was one of those jobs that fell under the category of South Jersey's best-kept secrets. I basically got paid for driving around a beverage cart serving beer to "deprived" golfers on the course, who needed a little lift to their swing, as well as practice gourmet grilling for golfers at the turn. We fondly called ourselves the beer chicks.

The job also came with some perks. I made mad tips and played golf for free on a fairly new, premier 18-hole course.

But, it wasn't everyday that a celebrity strolled into the pro shop -- especially one who at the time played for a Philadelphia team.

That morning excitement brewed in and outside of the pro shop.

Everyone waited anxiously as Cory Lidle's tee time approached.

When he arrived, he looked taller and bigger than I imagined. (I guess people look a little different from how they look standing on top a mound on the tube.)

The course's head golf pro Gregg Johnson, the biggest Philadelphia fan I know, had the opportunity to take Lidle around the course to play 18 holes. Johnson, to say the least, was in his glory.

Those of us in the food and beverage department took turns driving around the beverage cart, pretending to do our job, but really sneaking peaks at Lidle's drives.

The head golf pro called in an order for four hot dogs when they arrived at hole nine. And we immediately got busy. I grilled up a fresh batch of our plump, golden hot dogs, while my fellow employees organized the snack party decorated with homemade signs declaring our love for the Phillies and their pitcher, giddy with excitement.

When they arrived, Lidle took the time to sign golf balls and scorecards. But, it was the moment that Lidle took a bite out of the hot dog and asked who was the cook that I became even more star struck. I came up to him beaming, feeling that all our welcoming efforts had paid off.

Not to seem over dramatic, but I felt like I had beaten out baseball's dollar dog night any night out of the week.

But, it was also how he conducted himself. Having a bunch of Philadelphia-crazy fans surrounding you may have been overwhelming.

But he was gracious and down-to-earth. Just a typical guy, out enjoying a summer day playing golf.

Although I never knew him personally, for the time I met him in passing I will always remember.

I think Johnson summed it up when I was talking to him late Wednesday night about the day's events.

He said the people who were at the course that day had some kind of feeling or remembrance about Lidle.

For Johnson it was playing a sport he loves with one of his idols making it one of the best times he had playing a round of golf.

For me, it was something as cheesy as having a chance to grill a hot dog and wishing him luck on the back nine.

My heart goes out to Lidle's family. His memory not only lives on in the Major League Baseball world, but also in good ol' Jersey.