10/16/2026
It is with heavy hearts that we share that today we laid to rest our dear friend and one of the longest-standing members of the Shortstops community, Old Man Chris. A wonderfully sweet man who meant so much to so many of us.
Chris first graced our doors in the mid-to-late ’90s, way back when we were next to Hungry Howie’s. For nearly 30 years, through three different sets of owners, Chris remained a loyal customer and a fixture at Shortstops. That’s a long and meaningful relationship by any measure.
But over those many years, Chris became so much more than a customer. Family gatherings, fishing trips, or just getting together for some wings and a football game. There were always laughs, always stories, and always good times.
To Justin, he was something of a cool uncle and a mentor in the business world. To Travis, an elder statesman and honorary grandfather. When your entire extended family lives 1,500 miles away, people like Chris become family. And that’s exactly what he was to us.
A funny story about OMC:
Chris had been known as “Old Man Chris” around Shortstops practically since the day he walked in, mostly because we had so many customers named Chris that we needed a way to tell them apart.
When Travis came along some 15 years later, he was simply introduced as Old Man Chris. The name had become an institution.
Here’s the funny part: Chris was roughly the same age Justin is today when they first met. Which means there’s a pretty good chance some teenager walking into Shortstops right now is already referring to him as “Old Man Justin.”
(Editor’s note: Great.)
Travis still has some time, but his day is coming, too.
Chris was also a MASSIVE Miami Hurricanes fan. Now, we’re not exactly the biggest college football guys, but in honor of our old friend, we’re going to make a point of watching some Hurricanes games. It’ll be one more way to
keep a little piece of him with us.
Nearly 30 years of friendship. Countless stories, laughs, and memories. And one hell of a legacy for a guy who walked into a little card shop all those years ago and never really left.
Rest easy, OMC. We’re certainly going to miss you, old friend.
GO U! 🙌
