It's not what you think.

Mark and I are firmly friends. We met in 2005, the year of our White Sox.

                                                    With Landon and Mark at my Going Away Party  

Mark is one of my funniest friends. He's also ridiculously smart and talented. I hope he doesn't ever realize I'm not quite as smart as he is. We've had many great conversations over the years so my smiling and nodding must not have tipped him off quite yet.

While we'll talk about many matters of life and faith, our conversations eventually veer toward the White Sox. Invariably I will mention my dream for Aaron Rowand and Jermaine Dye to return to the team. Then he smiles, nods, and pats me on the head.

Not really. We both know the chances are unlikely but he finds my enduring bitterness to be humorous.

For those of you who are unaware, Jermaine Dye is my favorite player. It doesn't matter that he hasn't been on the team since 2009 or that he officially retired this year. I mean, he was the freaking World Series MVP. Plus, one time while he was warming up, he waved at me.

One of the highlights of my White Sox-obsessed life.

I wasn't sure it could get any better than this. Oh me of little faith!

I was lucky to see Mark a couple of times while I was back in my hometown. Both visits occurred at Landon and Jill's home because I couldn't get enough of her sweet daughter.  The first visit, Mark mentioned that he had a treat for me and he'd bring it on Saturday. He refused to tell me what it was, except that it had to do with the White Sox.

I thought it would be a bobble head.

Saturday afternoon, Mark strolled in and dropped a pink gift bag in my lap. I pushed the tissue paper aside and peered in.

A baseball.

My heart stopped.

I picked up the ball and turned it over, finding Jermaine Dye's signature sprawled across.

My heart stopped again.

A smile stretched across my face as I started giggling. "Is this for real?"

Mark confirmed it was legit.  His friend had worked there and when she left, bequeathed many Sox-related items to him.

The next few moments are a blur. My laughter may or may not have turned hysterical. I may or may not have cried, I was so happy.

To have an autographed baseball from my favorite, albeit retired, player? Priceless.

But you know what made this gift even more precious? That Mark had received the baseball, thought of my love for JD, and passed it on to me.

I'm glad Mark puts up with my requests for prom-like pictures

That, my friends, is true friendship.  And that is why Mark shall henceforth be known as my Favorite Friend.

What is one of the best gifts you've ever received?  Are you a baseball fan?