There are cricket fanatics, cricket tragics and cricket fans.
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Greg Hodgson of Bowral is each of these wrapped into one. To the point where he has a miniature statue of an umpire guarding his front door.
Greg needs a guard. Open the front door and walk into a veritable gallery of Bradman memorabilia.
This 89-year-old Bradman believer ushers me down a hallway of his home.
I don't need reminding I am in Bowral, but I wouldn't lose any sleep if informed I was actually living in Bradman.
"This is my 'Bradman Walk," Greg says, pointing to a series of framed photos featuring The Don in several historic occasions.
Such as the one showing Bradman scoring his 100 th century batting for an Australian X1 against India at the SCG.
There are the 1948 Invincibles Greg received from his dad when he obtained the Immediate Certificate at the Shore school.
When 16 he went to the SCG where Bradman made 234 in the second Test against England The SCG is full but a photo clearly shows Greg in the crowd.
Look at the of the 1938 Australian team. Sid Barnes hangs there.
Bradman once said of Barnes: "He is a better player than me."
Bradman all over the house but there is also space reserved for personally signed photos of Dennis Lillee, Eric Bedser, Bill O'Reilly, Alan Davidson, Brian Booth, Ian Craig and Keith Miller.
Greg was at the SCG when Miller opened the bowling for the first time in a Test against England.
"I couldn't believe my eyes," recalls Greg. "The first Miller ball went for four leg wides!"
Silly question, but Greg, Bradman is obviously the best cricketer you have ever seen?
"Actually, no,' is a rapid response.
The West Indian Garfield Sobers was a better cricketer. Bradman was the best batsman but Sobers was a master in the three forms of the game, batting, bowling and fielding."
We digress, leaving the memories of Bradman and Sobers to summarise the modern game.
David Warner: "Brilliant batsman. I am pleased that marriage has tempered him."
Steve Smith: "His double century against England will rate as one of the all-time best. But he is not a captain.
Twentyx20: "More like baseball. I watch it but don't enjoy seeing Test players make fools of themselves.
"Today Greg Hodgson, whose son Thos is a leading barrister and a fellow cricket aficionado, continues his involvement in Pharmacy Cricket played by chemists Australia wide."
A story for another day.
