On this Friday before Christmas 2017, a spritely and indefatigable 95-year-old raconteur joins Tom in Studio A. His name is Gilbert Sandler, and as WYPR listeners well know, Gil has been telling his Baltimore Stories on this station for the past 15 years. On this particular Friday afternoon, as he prepares to retire the series next Friday, the story he tells is the story behind this popular and enduring narrative.Gil and Tom are joined by Fred Rasmussen of the Baltimore Sun, a longtime friend and associate who provides a retrospective on the many quirky and fascinating characters Gil has introduced us to over the years.Next Friday, December 29th, will mark the end of Gilbert Sandler’s remarkable narrative run. That’s when we’ll hear Gil’s final Baltimore story, which he's already recorded. Fans will be pleased to know that Gil will remain on the WYPR airwaves in the New Year, as we transition to The Best of Gil Sandler’s Baltimore Stories. Stay tuned!