h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I've only recently come to the guide. I wish I'd been around to thank the author early, and to offer some small addition.
The subject of John's career is certainly enough to fill a book, but I feel that this entry might be even more humanizing with a little bit more about his personality as exhibited day-to-day.

Among the many things that John loved was playing - and, specifically, pitching - Softball. During his tours, he would contact whatever hosting organization arranged the venue and challenge the members to a game against his troupe.

As a personal story, when he got to Detroit, MI USA, the group was the staff of the Detroit Free Press newspaper. There was no organized team, so the editorial staff tried to throw one together so as not to disappoint. I could not make that time, but suggested that my wife - a most ardent fan - appear and see if she could get in the game.

The game went John's way, until all the beer - and lack of available local plumbing - took its toll. They had generously sought to share the libations, but the DFP team realized that the park had no privy.

The DFP won, an honor rarely achieved against the practiced troupe. One of my wife's fondest memories is John calling players in closer as she came to bat, and the look of astonishment on his face as he dropped to the ground to avoid the line-drive heading straight for his face. "Far Out! Way to hit, Sue" still rings in her ears on occasion.