Thirty-one years ago, after being incarcerated for seven years, five months, and five days, I was the defendant and lawyer in a five-day trial, and on August 31, 1994, I had my conviction overturned, and I walked out of a courtroom after the judge ordered a Sheriff to “Take that man’s handcuffs and shackles off.” I walked out and never looked back. I considered suing the government, but a wise attorney advised me that it would cost me another 10-15 years of my life, including appeals and the like. His advice was “Be successful, write a book, and make a movie.” I decided that they had taken enough of my life, and I focused on the future,
Money was never the motive, and I worked my ass off for 30 years and built (as friends tell me): a Goddamn Empire!
I recall being so broke that I couldn’t pay attention. My wife and I had utilities shut off (many times). We had cars repossessed, we were kicked out of houses, and many times, I went to the bank on Friday to find that the IRS had cleaned out my bank account. We weathered lawsuits, and one day, we put it all behind us. The harder we worked, the luckier we seemed to get! We paid every bill, and now I have more money than I ever imagined. I recently retired, and our company continues to grow like crazy under my youngest son’s leadership. It was never about money – it was about freedom.
This is my 72nd trip around the sun… and I don’t know how many more I have, but this story has to be told and I am going to tell it. There will also be a movie. It’s called “The Mountainmover.” I have hired a professor at Georgetown University to assist me, and from the end of July until May 2026, I will be fully engaged in this project. Consumed! So… I have to cut-out LAdodgerTalk.com. I’ve got to walk away. I’ll keep it open, and we will see how that goes. AVF, Bear, and others will be there… hopefully. I’ll let you know when the book comes out, and you can send me your address, and I will send you a free copy. Thanks for being here, and I consider all of you friends.
This is just the beginning of another chapter. Go Dodgers!
Thanks to my wife, Patty – I could not have done it without her!
Godspeed, Everyone!
NY Times best sellers list a year from now!
I’m not quite sure what these words mean exactly, I mean everything you’ve written, but I think you deserve congratulations and since you’ve been a man who has worked hard throughout his life and has come out ahead, you can be said to be a successful man… Congratulations Mark!
One more success in your life, good luck with your book.
Very cool. Give ’em hell, young man!
Congratulations – and always keep striving!
Your voice will be missed here for the next few months. I don’t always agree, but I always respect what you have to say.
All the best to you and Patty. I’m looking forward to the book and the movie. Good luck.
Mark –
Thanks and congratulations for LADT; this forum has been an important part of my life in my 70’s. As I have done over the past 10 years, I have developed a perspective on my life too. It is a good feeling to look back on one’s life with a sense of accomplishment and pride. I don’t know what the 80’s have in store for me but I will continue to live by the mantra my Dad provided me long ago – “Life is a series of adjustments, the key to being happy is – make the adjustment!” I am hoping Bear and others can keep LADT moving forward and keep my “continuing education” on baseball – and life – moving forward too. Best wishes to you and your future endeavors!!
Thanks Mark, I remember meeting you in Vero with my wife and kids.
You gave us a business card for LADODGERTALK.com; been a reader and commenter ever since.
Looking forward to the book and movie but keep this site open, we need it!
Congrats,
Matt
Just spitballing some casting ideas in case anyone from Hollywood is reading this morning:
Brad Pitt
Denzel [in white face]
Brian Dennehy, Jr.
Nick Nolte
All things come to an end. I hope Mark still drops by and posts from time to time, and what he has accomplished I’m life – in spite of setbacks – is remarkable and inspirational, and is a great example of the opportunities this country provides and the rewards it gives to those who maintain the right attitude and work ethic.
If a moron like Mark Timmons can make it, Anyone can.
Godspeed.
….
And on a baseball note, that was a really fun ASG last night. That was the point. It was fun, which is the whole point of the ASG. I liked the team uniforms. I liked Kershaw and other players mic’ed up. I like the mini home run derby tie breaker at the end. It was good vibes.
#22 is a gem….
I sincerely hope it is a great success, Mark. I consider you a friend and have always enjoyed our visits. Myself, I shall post when I can, I am still extremely busy writing for Jeff’s blog and having to visit the doctors a lot these last few months. It has also taken me away some from my passion of playing music. I wish you nothing but the best. News from today on MLBTR. The Pirates traded Adam Frazier to the Royals for a minor leaguer.
Good luck Mark, looking forward to your upcoming projects. Your story needs to be told. You have lived on extremely interesting life and there’s a lot more to come!
All my best,
Evan
You keep surprising me Mark.
Thank you for the forum to express my humble viewpoints!
Book em
congrats mark! thanks for sharing this site with us and nothing but great things for you and your family! .. speaking of family, let’s keep the dodger family alive. this season will be a challenge! health will play a major factor in the outcome of this season for the dodgers. i really believe that AF surprises us with a major acquisition. what or who i don’t know . But it’s going happen!
Good luck Mark. Sounds like you got of good going on. I’ve been trying to write a book, the commitment it requires is overwhelming. Your knowledge and passion will be missed here but life goes on. The best to you and your family.
Mark –
As everyone noted above – I wish nothing but the best for you on the book writing and possible movie.
You have more than earned your successes!! – and I will definitely want a copy of your book. While I know you don’t need the monies, maybe let us know what charity you would like us to make a contribution to in your name.
Also, how do I send you my address?
You have provided so many of us a GREAT FORUM with this blog and realistically none of us can convey how much enjoyment we have all had participating in it over the years.
I am thankful that you had the dedication and passion that drove you to provide what is easily the best damn blog site I have ever been on.
I will truly miss you posts (and others), but we all knew it was coming to a close as you have been telling us where you were going with the book for the past 1+ years.
Ditto to all of the above Mark. Best to you. I have always enjoyed your Dodger takes and your sense of humor. Something tells me that if you ever need a break from the book you may leave a comment or two which I will look forward to reading.
Thank you so much for providing this site.
Mark – thanks for the immense effort you have put in to make this site so informative. I hope the site continues to be the place of all intelligent Blue info!
Good Luck. Looking forward to reading your book.
Ditto to all comments
I have love LA Dodger Talk since I discovered sports blog 5or 6 years ago and man I would hate to see it end.But I completely understand .
Bravo for your mission! Just remember, it’s easy to take 5 minutes and give us your thinking on our beloved Dodgers on occasion.
Cheers!
Go luck Mark!
I read an interesting trade proposal tonight. Kwan & Clase for Casperius, Wrobleski, and Depaula.
Keep us posted on your progress. Best of luck to you!
Mark, I have thoroughly enjoyed the fruits of your labor on this site. Thank you so much. I was not aware of your back story. As someone who has not had to overcome such an obstacle, I have great respect for those like you who have faced seemingly insurmountable challenges and come out stronger and with the confidence to achieve great success. Congratulations kind sir.
Thanks everyone! I appreciate all your kind words. I will check in from time-to-time.
Hi Mark. Thank you for all the work you’ve done keeping this site open. I’ve been a Dodgers fan for 73 years and never have I learned as much about the Dodgers and baseball as I have from this site. I hope your book does well.
May God bless you and your family.
I think your book has the ingredients to be a success and be a soul satisfying project.
Best wishes.
So…whats the rotation coming out of the break?
Glasnow, Yama, Kersh, Shohei/Sheehan, May?
I can do without May
Best darn Dodger site hands down. You will be missed, but not forgotten . I’ve been a loyal Dodger fan since 1958 when they moved to LA. My parents had season tickets for 40 years so I was able to attend a lot of games. Moved to Reno in 1972 and still watch every game. You have brought a whole new light to the best team in sports. My wife and I have 27 grandkids all growing up to be Dodger fans. Thanks again, best of luck with your book and hope to hear from you from time to time.
Mark, I consider you a friend and wish you the best with whatever you try to do. It would be nice to actually meet some day but if not, God speed. Let us all know when your book is complete.
All the best, Mark! I’m looking forward to reading your book. Respect!!
i think Dustin gets at least one or two more starts. if it doesn’t go well,i believe he probably gets moved as part of a package for a bullpen piece. i would not be surprised to see him land in minnesota. i’m still believing AF does a big one. probably something we are totally not expecting. … I believe Mookie will rebound in the second half. i’m sure he’s tired of all the reports stating his demise. Mookie will be a force again! Count on it!…. Dodgers need to punch the brewers in the mouth this weekend!
After season is over Mookie can talk about all that weight he lost and how he was weak for the entire season.
Classy Rangers give snubbed Eovaldi his $100K All Star bonus. Maybe LA can do the same for Pages if that is in his contract
Good luck on the new ventures!