Little Pistol Pete

My favorite baseball memory was taking my Grandma (a lifelong fan of the Tigers) to a Tiger's game for her 90th birthday... We took a bunch of family, got a suite...  Got her a hotdog and a cold beer, she was in heaven.  

I know nothing about baseball. The nearest thing I know is the game 'rounders', of which I have no fond memories - if I ever did, they were erased by being hit in the face by a rounders ball, causing considerable damage to my upper front teeth and a spectacular nose bleed. The family dentist was a star and rescued my teeth. Since then I have avoided games involving bats and hard balls, even as a spectator such games make my toes plait in anticipation of injury to a player.  
mbailey~ sounds like Grandma had a great day out.
Maybe today's comments will enlighten me on the subject. The hot-dog and cold beer is a good start.

Wrigley Field. "The Friendly Confines." Real grass, real ivy, intimate atmosphere. The cathedral of America's secular religion.

"The Friendly Confines"? Just ask the neighborhood people that live around the famous,fabled park. Drunken fans, pouring out after the games,staggering only a limited distance from the park before the beer "in"  needed to be the beer "out',and there they were in an upper lifestyle ,manicured ,residential neighborhood... It became such a contentious point, it ended beer sales after the 7th inning (if memory serves). The addition of Night Games started such an uproar in the surrounding residential community, it was a stand-off for several years. The results included traffic management,security, parking restrictions,and a host of other changes the Tribune Company had to acceed to before even the initial contract for lighting was executed. I remember the euphoria on the street that first game. Bars and restaurants surrounding Wrigley were overflowing. The neighbors were mostly furious; now one was "gruntled",but,as time has passed, incrimentally, the number of games,and the addition of "Sky Boxes" that overhang the sidewalks,and other distinctly "Cubbian" "improvements", plus the addition of concerts of high profile entertainers, well, it is a far cry from the idolic "ivy covered walls" of the 60's, and yet, on a late Spring day, before school lets out for the Summer, and the winds are not blowing off the lake, and you're sitting in the fabled Bleachers, Old Style or Bud in hand, you can almost hear the old "Let's Play Two Today"

Forgive the run-on sentence above....it's a lot of memory for a paragraph

The memory that always makes me smile is the time my husband was coaching little league and one of his outfielders had his glove on his head and was watching the game on the next field.

The memory that always makes me smile is the time my husband was coaching little league and one of his outfielders had his glove on his head and was watching the game on the next field.

The memory that always makes me smile is the time my husband was coaching little league and one of his outfielders had his glove on his head and was watching the game on the next field.

The memory that always makes me smile is the time my husband was coaching little league and one of his outfielders had his glove on his head and was watching the game on the next field.

The memory that always makes me smile is the time my husband was coaching little league and one of his outfielders had his glove on his head and was watching the game on the next field.

Aaaawwww, Marypjb! ~ You just did a 'Bert!' Don't worry about it. It's almost a rite of passage. This page isn't exactly fast - click on 'send' and count to 10 before trying anthing else!

Arizona youth baseball games were scheduled in the evenings, I worked as a Baseball Scorekeeper for City of Scottsdale Parks and Recreation; along with being sworn in, as a city employee, the pay was $2.00/game, it was fantastic fun to watch the skills, the sportsmanship, feel the refreshing outdoor weather, and it hardly ever rained on the baseball parade game day. I was in charge of score-keeping and baseball mats placement for home, first, second and third base. Being outdoors was the super part of baseball games and long awaiting excitement of a power-hit long drive home-runs.

I am now a "fair weather" baseball fan..mostly watching post-season but I will never forget when my Dad brought me to Yankee Stadium and not only did I see Mickey Mantle, but the 7th inning stretch singing "Take Me out to the Ballgame" still ranks in my top 5 list of glorious moments.

The posts today have all been excellent.

The memory that always makes me smile is the time my husband was coaching little league and one of his outfielders had his glove on his head and was watching the game on the next field.

Been pulling for the Atlanta Braves for years. Sometimes they have it, sometimes not so much.

Going to the TED (Ted Turner's ball field, museum, restaurant complex right on I-75/I-20 downtown Atlanta) is an all day experience. Especially for those of us who live out of the city.

Try to get seats out of the sun in mid summer or you'll fry. Most memorable days there were being present when Hank Aaron set his homerun record passing Babe Ruth, April 1974 with record attendance in Atlanta, and again in 95 when they went on to win the series....I don't go often enough to be called a fan, but I do catch them on TV about half the time.

A more accessible baseball field is the one in Rome, a smaller venue for the B level Rome Braves....I have attended there and really like the old fashioned, small town game where you can get your parking spot, walk in easily, get your hot dog, find a seat and be close enough to see the players' faces and expressions. There in a picnic, grassy area way in the outfield for the cheap seats, too, where families spread a blanket and enjoy bb as it used to be!

Hazel- Being hit by a baseball must have been traumatic! That would really hurt! The games played here have nets between the field and the crowd, except along the sidelines where avid ball-catchers wait for a foul ball with their gloves ready. It is considered a lucky day if a fan catches a hit ball!!

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=take+me+out+to+the+ballgame+youtube&mid=09F73ACD780FAB42B1F509F73ACD780FAB42B1F5&view=detail&FORM=VIRE3

Singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" is a tradition at most bb games!

Moose~ I was actually playing at the time - 'backstop' - I think you call it 'catcher' - the idiot who stands behind the person with the bat and, if they are fast enough, they catch the ball that the batperson misses, and the batperson is OUT!. If you stood too close to person with bat, there was a good chance of being knocked out by a swipe round the head. Anyway, I wasn't paying attention, and like the guy in the pic up top, we did not wear cages on our heads.
 

1960, standing on the lawn of the University of Pittsburgh listening with uncountable other students to the announcer from the Pirates baseball field.  It was the 7th game and the 9th inning, score tied 9 to 9 when Bill Mezeroski hit the ball out of the field.  We could even see it clear the fence. 
 
We all had been cheering, but, with that hit we all went wild.  About ten minutes later I and a few others with me had to report to Heinz Chapel Choir rehersal.  We were so horse by then we couldn't sing.  "Pop" Finney, our director, finally gave up and told us to go join the crowds of people outside celebrating.  What was also amazing was that the police asked the noise to stop at midnight, and it did.

I love the feel and smell of a leather wallet but I have switched to the metal case brushed aluminum dealio-very hip;industrial looking that holds credit cards and ID and has mini bungee cords to open the top. Slips in the front pocket (hate a Hip National Bank wallet) & supposedly prevents intruder scans and is durable. As to baseball I heard this morning ARod is picking up chicks from the dugout. I smell a trade. In Little League and Beyond many an ass (even mine) was kicked in the locker room. I couldn't help talking to girls I shouldn't. Susan Sarandon is not my cup of political tea but she was a Wild Pitch.

Playing outfield, you get a good jump on the ball as it
leaves the bat and, back-pedaling, you know just where your glove needs to be
to snag it before it can clear the wall.

At bat, the ball looks like a grapefruit as it comes off the
pitcher’s hand and you can see the rotation and every stitch in the ball and
you know the fat part of your bat is going to connect and drive it over the
infield and down the third base line.

On base, you get a jump on the pitcher and you know the
catcher has a strong arm but you are off anyway knowing your fingertips will
reach the bag seconds before the tag hits your outstretched arms.

I love the anticipation and it’s even better when the
anticipation and the reaction connect.

ChefD- lucky dog-my closest attachment to the Mick
http://www.petermanseye.com/photos/295691

TT--I have to admit he did strike out, BUT just the thrill of watching him for 9 innings....#7......

P/anticipa-reac TION connec TION- nicely stated.
ChefD- I still say Lucky Dog!!!!

I am stuck on a plane @ DFW- but I got an upgrade so I have turned a delay into a wine tasting- I just told the FA "no scotch no matter how much I beg" She said "Honey-after watching you- No Way"- Yep, the wing fell off. They are screwing it on as we speak. Please caulk I say.

T ~ If you like a good mystery, baseball, waste management
industry story, Dom DeLillo’ s  Underworld
is a good read about what became of the Baseball that Bobby Thompson
hit into the stands to beat the Dodgers for the 1951 NL Championship.

Mbailey & Chefdeb ~ Tigers v. Yankees tonight.  Sweeeeeeep. (So sorry CD)

T ~ Anticipation, reaction, connection. It is a good thing
when a plan comes together,

especially when it combines two of our favorite pastimes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPwccAqhjQ8

TT~if the rope they pull to start the engine breaks, neckties, and or panty hose can be woven into an emergency rope, but caution, it's only good for one or two pulls, so make sure you're holding your face right...

In elementary school, remember the satisfaction of a
resounding whallop when I managed to find the bat's "sweet spot"
as I hit the ball. Also, when my grown son was a little guy -
hearing him sing "and it's root, root beer for the whole
team, if they don't win, it's a shame!"

Roadie Panty Hose panty raids..loved the 60's and 70's. now I do pantry raids when Ms T ain't watchin' WooHoo!

P- I will order. I love baseball books and books about beatniks. Hmmm, is there a thread?

I am for serving cocktails at these debates. Truth serum and more fun. I was hoping someone would ask the pizza question. Cheese or Pepperoni? These are two good guys. One might get fired One might get hired. Not the end of the world. We need to lighten up. I don't know who runs Hershey's but those little Kisses are sure good. It's the guys and gals on the assembly line that make it happen. I love you all. I don't like terrorists and cancer.

Hazel - A hotdog and a cold beer is the ONLY way to start a game!

Welcome Marypjb!

Oh great and wonderful MissChefDeb ~ Oh ye of the
Yankee pinstripes, if you have the time and inclination, The Last Boy:
Mickey Mantle and the End of America's Childhood by Jane Leavy is an
exceptional biography of the Mick, even if it was WRITTEN BY A GIRL.

I was just a toddler in his glory days and a kid
during the twilight of his career. After reading this bio I have an even
greater respect for the man and the boy that he was. What an honor it is to
know someone who has seen him play and breathed the same air. Do you remember who was pitching that day?  Tell me it was Whitey Ford, even if it's a lie.

O Yes!!! We forgot the wallet - well, except for TommyT ~ what's that all about? Making things that are evocative of treasured memories. My Grandpa used to make rag rugs, that I'd sit on by the fire during winter evenings spotting the snippets of curtains, garments long since worn out and things bought for next to nothing at the church jumble sale, because they were a pretty colour.  ... same as Pistol Pete's leather and grass, those hand-made memories are magical.

Loved Whitey Sourhpaw like me. I loved to throw a spitball and he like me got busted. Mine was sloppy. Better to ask for forgiveness than permission.

Haze- things that people I love touched have a karma that transcends time and space. Useful little things stir my spirit. I touch and love is rekindled over and over again...

PAOLOS, lets just say that hanging on to the bottom of my dad's overcoat as I watched....sure, okay, it was Whitey Ford......and we'll just see about that sweeeep (sob)............

I knew it. I KNEW IT! You were one lucky six year old. (Detroit's up 1-0 top of the second). You're watching aren't you?

So many disjointed items to respond to:  I have one of the baseball glove billfolds, and HIGHLY recommend it...I've been to 11 different major league stadiums, including five that no longer exist, but my favorite baseball memory was the one trip I made to beautiful Holman Stadium in Vero Beach, Florida in 1996 with my Dad...Thanks Road Yacht for revealing the truth about Weeghman Park.  All the so-called Cub fans deon't know or care what the score was two minutes after they've left.  They just go to the friendly Weeghmans of Confine Park to party and get drunk and brag to their friends about how they got their impossible to get tickets.

Up North for a couple of hours to pick up two puppies (one for our son, Little S.) and to replenish a private bar that I helped to deplete. The plane may still be running.
I could not leave without telling Tim Tam 1958 that he, if he is one, is completely off base and ignorant with respect to Cub fans.

couldn't resist this topic could you? xoxox

Tigers did the sweep! Guess the Tiger fans are delirious!

I don't do baseball BUT``` a wallet that smells like leather, especially if it is full of presidents faces, now that is a great memory!!

the love of a glove

If you would like to see a pretty good depiction of true Cob fans, watch the movie Bleacher Bums, which is based on a play bearing the same name.

It is about folks who know and appreciate baseball, are familiar with the great players of the past, and know the current roster better than their families; their strengths and weaknesses.

They also live in the hope that 'next year' just might be the one. Their biggest fear is that they might miss it when it does happen.

And I'm a South-sider

Cob fan, doh......... Cub fan.

welll.........next year...

There has got to be a drink for all the "maybe next years" out there. I don't know what it is, but set 'em up, the first round is on me.

I do remember my "mit", and all the attention I had to invest; oil, and endless tossing of a ball from one of my own hands,into the 'web' of the glove. Yup, there was a smell, and a kind of waxy oil, and it went from deep brown, to kind of yellowy,and then that tan. Today they calls that "distressed", and you pay dearly for that. I, instead,lovingly worked that glove. It was the kind of love I had for my Racoon skin Davey Crokett hat, or the previously mentioned Captain Midnight secret squadron decoder ring, and helmet. And, though it's a faint memory, the six guns and holsters,and hat, Roy Rogers style (Gene Autry?).It took me a few different times today, between calamaties, to write this, but the memories it stirred ,did indeed make me smile. Kinda made me remember the essence of that oiled leather smell,too.

My very best baseball moments were when my Dad would cone home from work with a pair of tickets to go to a twilight double-header (back in the days when teams scheduled double-headers on a regular basis and not just for make-up games like they do now) to see the "Go-Go" White Sox of the late '50s.

It was always such a treat!  Especially coming from a big family for just the two of us to stay out late and take in the games.

It was a pleasure watching Nellie Fox and Little Louie Aparecio turn flawless, seemingly effortless double plays.  Seeing Jungle Jim Landis roam center field like a gazelle, making impossible catches.  Appreciating how pitchers like Earl Wynn, Billie Pierce , and  Gary Peters controlled the game...... And of course, the exploding scoreboard when Sherm Lollar and Ted ' Big Klu' Kluszewski  homered.

The very best part was just being there with my Dad, one-on-one, talking baseball, making nickel bets on just about any game situation, eating hot dogs, drinking soda and ice-cold beer (my Dad of course had the beer and it was my job to divide the number of beers by two should my Mom ask how many...... Which never happened 'cos she really knew her 'Bill'.

I have broken the golden rule of Chicago baseball fandom.  Growing up on the South-Side automatically made one a Sox fan, just as being a  North-Sider meant you were a Cub fan.  I grew up watching Jack Brickhouse announcing both teams on the same channel for years and I came to love both teams.  I chose to be a Chicago team fan and always will be..... A fan of the game.

My Dad would like that.

Play ball!

Mooseloop - The Tiger's are delirious and so is The Giraffe.  NO Yankees.
The Orioles did so well this season and were beaten by the Yankees but the Yankees are out all the same.  Alleluia!!

Hey, sorry I'm late to the game.  Actually been watching baseball all night with the Monkeys.  Just posted photos of favorite baseball moments.  Thanks.  JP also used to offer a "baseball glove" Passport cover.  Didn't buy it when I saw it...now I don't see it.  Snooze, you loose.  Maybe it will come back.   Hope so.

Paolos, I'm thinking that drink just may be a microbrew? At any rate, I'm still trying to put your Perfect Bumper Sticker Song to a tune & seriously recommending you send it to someone like Randy Rogers or Cross Canadian Ragweed...better yet, Joe Ely! He deserves that kind of artistry! I love it...

Never been to a MLB game...only one minor league...a hundred peewee games...
BUT...

I did represent cattle for Nolan Ryan...he IS, after all, a cattleman first and foremost...I milked those cattle for all they were worth and got the buyer and his son an invitation to Mr Ryan's "family picnic"....
I also have the Nolan Ryan "barbie" doll & baseball card & Christmas ornament? Anyone else have a ball player's barbie?? Didn't think so...maybe that will be my trump card someday....save the ranch with my Baseball Barbie....