MY BASEBALL MEMORIES

HELLO GUYS AND DOLLS,

 I told you the other day, I would like to write about my baseball days and memories as a youngster.  My first glove was a "Scooter" Phil Rizzuto glove.  It looked liked the ones from the 1920's, small with a little web to catch a ball with but it was all mine  I never threw that glove away and I still own it today.  Once on my birthday, I received a first baseman's glove from my aunt it was my favorite glove.  Growing older I purchased an infielder's glove which I wore out playing baseball on the local fields or parking lots.  I loved the game, but never had a chance to play Little League.  My parents thought it was too dangerous being hit with a hard baseball and I never made an issue of the fact.  I'm sorry I never questioned their decision.  My sons Joey and Jeff played Little League baseball and I'm glad I allowed them to enjoy the sport.

The fondest of Roe and my memories is taking the boys to see games at Veteran's Stadium in Philadelphia.  We also attended Spring Training games and minor league games here in Florida.  Glad we had the opportunity to do so.

I would like to thank my Dad for my memories of baseball and him.  Dad was a Yankee and than a Met's fan.  I always was a Phillies fan and I want to pass along some memories about my Dad and me attending those games in Philadelphia.  Dad, his friend Ted, Ted's son and I would go several times during the season to see the games.  At that time, Connie Mack Stadium was the Phillies Ballpark which was located in North Philadelphia.  We had to park on the street in those days and walk a few blocks to reach the stadium.  The first time I ever saw Connie Mack Stadium, it looked like the Roman Coliseum, but a little more modern. On the lower level outside stood the ticket windows and up above the offices were deals and decisions were made.  It was a sight to see for a small boy.

Across the street was a cafe/bar that was packed before and after the games, selling beer, hot dogs and all those other baseball treats.   I remember the fans standing in line to get in.  Connie Mack Stadium had those old time turn stile gates to enter the sacred field of play.  Once in you could smell the aroma of the beer and dogs that would be served during the game.  You had an usher who showed you to your seats and cleaned them off for you.  To a young boy who loved baseball this was heaven for me.

I saw some of the best in Phillies history to play the game, Robin Roberts, Richie Ashburn, Curt Simmons, Del Ennis, Don Cardwell, Ruben Gomez, Chris Short, Sparky Anderson, Turk Farrel, Harvey Haddix and Stan Lopata just to name a few.  One September, Sunday afternoon in 1958, I remember the game was a double header, which to my distraught the game was rained out and reschuled for Monday as a double header to start at 5:35 p.m.  The National League Batting Championship was on the line Richie Ashburn and Willie Mays.  Ashburn won the title that night going four for four.  Coming home, Dad told me it was okay for me to miss school the next day.  Thanks Dad for the great memories of you and baseball.

This will be my last post for a week or so as I have personal matters to take care of.  Please feel free to read all my posts. Will post upon my return.