Saturday, March 30, 2002
Pats' Brady takes swings at Pebble
Bill Burt
Eagle-Tribune Sports Editor

Usually, when Nancy Shaheen and her son, Billy, a freshman at Brooks School, go visit the Perocchis on the famed Monterey Peninsula in central California, they have many stories to tell about Pebble Beach.

Bill Perocchi and his wife, Nanci, were born and bred in the Merrimack Valley. And Bill, the CEO of Pebble Beach Golf Resort, oftentimes entertains family and friends.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady takes time out from his round at Pebble Beach to take a shot with Andover's Bill Shaheen and Pebble Beach resident William Perocchi. Well, this past week, during school vacation, the pristine beauty and tradition of Pebble Beach took second fiddle when it came to talking about their trip.

The Shaheens, of Andover, had a better story to tell. One of getting to know New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

Coincidentally, the Super Bowl MVP and his parents were guests of Bill Perocchi. They played a round with Bill on the famed course before heading back to his home for lunch.

Before their round was over, several people, including Nancy, Billy, and Perocchi's wife Nanci and their son, William, and daughter, Christine, went out to watch the last few holes.

And take about two dozen pictures.

"I had heard about five days before we went out there that Tom Brady might be there the same time," said Billy, 14. "It was unbelievable. He is one of the nicest guys I've ever met. The guy is huge."

After taking several pictures on the course, the families went back to the Perocchis' home, which isn't far from the famed 18th green.

And who was most excited of all?

Billy's mom, of course.

"I started getting into the team this year because of Tom Brady," said Nancy. "And at some point, I remember saying, 'Hey, he's pretty cute.' Well, I saw him in person. And he is cute. But really, he is a great person. And so are his parents. It was great meeting them."

One recollection Bill Perocchi had of Brady on the golf course, was his sheer power.

"I've never played with anyone that almost got to the 18th green in two shots," said Perocchi. "He was about 10 feet off the green. He hits the ball so long, it's incredible."

Billy Shaheen said Brady talked about how hard it was to go from being the fourth quarterback on the team to being the starter then winning the Super Bowl.

"He also talked about how his older sisters are great athletes," said Billy. "I still can't believe it, I got to meet the Super Bowl MVP."