In 1971, famed astronaut Alan Shepard returned from the moon and went to get a haircut. Before settling into the barber's chair in Webster, Texas, near NASA's Mission Control, Shepard gave his longtime barber and friend, Carlos Villagomez, an autographed golf ball.
During his Apollo 14 moonwalk, Shepard had conducted a world-famous demonstration of gravity by hitting a golf ball in an out-of-this-world sand trap. It took him two tries.
Carlos, a Navy combat veteran and barber for numerous astronauts, says Shepard gave him the ball immediately after he returned to earth and was released from quarantine.
Had Shepard taken a third ball to the moon? And did he give it to his barber as a token of their long friendship?
The debate provides a backdrop for "The Barber, The Astronaut, and the Golf Ball," a story of two extraordinary men and their lasting friendship. The book is based on recollections of Carlos himself, the authors — both children of NASA scientists — as well as other astronauts, memorabilia experts, and family and friends of Shepard, who died in 1998.
Is the ball one of the most significant pieces of sports memorabilia in history, or simply a gift of enduring friendship? Did the barber's golf ball fly to the moon?
In seeking the answers, this extensively researched account of NASA history provides readers with insight into some of America's greatest space explorers, including Michael Collins, Deke Slayton, and Charles Duke.
"The Barber, The Astronaut, and the Golf Ball" offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of America's space program at its pinnacle and shows the ordinary people who supported one of the nation's most monumental scientific endeavors.
Posts: 53922 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-03-2024 08:53 PM
Barbara and Ed (the authors) interviewed me for the book, as well as a short-format documentary on the same subject.
I won't spoil the outcome, but I'll say the larger story about Shepard and his barber is probably the more important takeaway than if the ball had been to the moon.
Philip Member
Posts: 6299 From: Brussels, Belgium Registered: Jan 2001
posted 10-04-2024 02:13 AM
Curious to see if this book talks about the love of the early "Mercury 7" astronauts interest in golf. After all an interesting history how NASA astronauts started to get golf lessons with semi-professional Danny Lawler, and started wearing crocodile logo "Lacoste" polo shirts.
There are many interesting photos of Alan Shepard playing golf and the makeshift Wilson Iron six affixed to to the handle of a contingency sample return device "golf stick." The United States Golf Association Museum and Arnold Palmer Center for Golf History in New Jersey has a superb collection of golf artifacts and memorabilia.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 53922 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-10-2025 09:46 AM
The Lone Star Flight Museum at Ellington Field in Houston is hosting a panel discussion and screening of the documentary on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 11 a.m. CST. The event is free with general admission.
11 a.m. – Panel discussion and Q&A – panelists Jonathan Richards (documentarian and aeronautical engineer), Robert Pearlman (founder and editor of collectSPACE), Barbara Radnofsky (author) and moderator Herb Baker, longtime NASA procurement specialist.
11:45 a.m. – Documentary premiere
12:15 p.m. – Book signing with authors Barbara Radnofsky and Ed Supkis, and viewing of the golf ball. Books available for purchase in the LSFM gift shop.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 53922 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-18-2025 02:24 PM
Today's event at the Lone Star Flight Museum was great! Thanks to all those who came out (including a few cs'ers).
More book and documentary events to be announced soon...
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 53922 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-19-2025 11:43 AM
The full 25-minute documentary by filmmaker Jonathan Richards can now be watched here:
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 4609 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 01-25-2025 10:09 AM
Not read the book fully yet, but have watched the accompanying movie.
The premise that the ball was flown is plausible; hec, quite likely. But while the insight in to the relationship between Al and Carlos is interesting, and the only evidence suggesting that two balls were flown, the flown status of Carlos's ball will forever remain conjecture.
It's a shame, but Carlos should have asked Al to confirm its status and sign something to that effect... when he had the chance.
perineau Member
Posts: 412 From: FRANCE Registered: Jul 2007
posted 01-29-2025 06:44 AM
Where the ball went doesn't matter - it's the friendship that counts.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 53922 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-29-2025 12:00 PM
I agree, especially from the perspective of the book and documentary, the friendship is paramount.
But since the claim has been raised, I believe it merits some investigation, as was done for other golf balls that have been said to be connected to Alan Shepard's moon shot. Learning as much as we can about Carlos' ball would in no way lessens his experience befriending the astronauts.
perineau Member
Posts: 412 From: FRANCE Registered: Jul 2007
posted 02-07-2025 02:28 AM
Maybe it was just the third golf ball of the same package whereas the other two went to the moon.
posted 10-03-2024 08:42 PM
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