The Phillies' pitcher that night was the awesome right-hander Robin Roberts. He was in the midst of 6 consecutive seasons of 20 wins. And he was facing the Brooklyn Dodger with their awesome line-up, Gilliam, Cimoli, Snider, Furillo, Hodges, Campanella, Neal, Zimmer, and the Don Drysdale as the opposing pitcher.
The game lived up to my imagination. There was excellent pitching and defense. There was a majestic by the great Dodger catcher, Roy Campanella, off the top of the stadium. But Roberts only gave up three hits, pitched a complete game and got the win. For years after that magical night I would want to be a second baseman like Junior Gilliam. And, in my mind, I would pitch, copying Robin Roberts and throwing the perfect pitch in the pressure situation.
Robin Roberts passed away yesterday. But the memory of his mastery will live as long as I do!
2 comments:
Must have been a great experience for that young boy in your past.
In the All Blacks rugby team there are two all time greats, skipper and No 7, Richie McCaw, undoubtably one of the best loose forwards to lace up his rugby boots, and Dan Carter, the No 10 and one of the greatest ever inside backs. They both play for the Canterbury Crusaders Super 14 professional rugby side, struggling a little at present, but seven time winners of the competition.
A lot of youngsters and not so youngsters are in awe of both these players. And like you when going to watch baseball legends in your childhood, in years to come they will recall going to watch these players in the flesh.
There is a special significance for me personally; these are my hometown heroes for a transplanted Cantabrian like me.I have been up in Wellington for forty years now, but the red and blacks still stir my blood.
So I can understand your feelings for your heroes.
peter
Hi Peter, I think I ge more sentimental as I get older, but I love to take my grandkids to the ball game with me, to share with them a love for the game and to tell them the stories of my boyhood.
Sounds like you have similar feelings for your favorite game.
All the best to you
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