Name is Bill, Im 74 but not senile quite yet. This thread and one earlier about your playing days have become nostalgic for some reason and given me lots of time to reflect (first stage of senility?). Grew up in the Detroit suburbs, never played anything but baseball, didnt even play with myself, told it would cause warts on my throwing hand. Played all the way thru 1 year of NAIA ball in Kentucky, then 3 more years of Army ball. Thought I was good enough for the All-Army team til I found out they were all ex college players (this was during the draft years). In 1956 my American Legion team was invited to Briggs Stadium to spend a day with the Tigers. Harvey Kuenn offered me a chew, Jim Bunning didnt want to be bothered with us, Kaline seemed too shy to talk even to kids, Reno Bertoia spent lots of time with us but my all time favorite was Charlie PawPaw Maxwell. Being an OFer, he spent over an hour chatting and playing catch with me and another kid.
Went to Panama and played on the Army team there for 3 winters, even got to play a few games in the Panamanian Winter League but didnt get paid. Another story. Reenlisted and next month the Army downsized their baseball efforts. Oh well. Stayed in the Army for 22 years. Between VietNam tours spent several years in LA as an Army advisor to reserves and NG. Don Sutton was in one of the units I spent time with but seldom saw him except in winter. He did leave tickets for us several times.
Ive always been more of a baseball fan than a team fan. Followed the Tigers for over 20 years til they went to the WS in 68 (I was in RVN out of even radio range). Live now in western NC Braves county and Reds territory as well. Get to maybe 10 or so games every year, one son lives in Loganville.
I enjoy this board immensely. Knew there was lots of young people here but didnt realize just how young most are. Dont post much in the season but do read it daily (several times)
Reply With Quote