Priests, if they like people and are half way good at the job, hear the best stories. Here’s one I heard while serving Grace in the Desert Episcopal Church in Las Vegas.
An elderly man came to the late service one Sunday. He was by himself, so I made it a point to pigeon hole him after the service to get the scoop. His name was Bob and he moved to Las Vegas to be closer to his son, who owned a neighborhood bar in Summerlin. At the time, Christina and I were part of a dinner group meeting regularly so we invited him to join, which he gladly did.
Over the course of my time with Bob as he, like we all will, made the transition to the next life, he told this story, which I think may be one of the best baseball stories I have heard.
He and his wife were married in 1954 and for a honeymoon gift he — being an avid baseball fan (she not so much) — talked her into buying two tickets to Game 1 of the World Series. It was at the Polo Grounds in Upper Manhattan in New York City and featured the New York Giants (now the San Francisco Giants) against the Cleveland Indians.
As they were newlyweds on a budget, they bought tickets to the cheap seats in the center field bleachers. In the 8th inning with the game tied 2-2, Vic Wertz blistered a fly ball to center, sending Willie Mays sprinting toward the wall. Mays made an over the shoulder catch to make the out. The Giants went on to win the game 5-2.
“Wow, did you see that,” Bob exclaimed turning to his bride.
“See what?”
Bob’s wife had turned her attention somewhere else and missed the entire play, which is now called “The Catch” and is considered to be the greatest play in baseball history.
“What a way to start a marriage,” I said. “How did it work out,” I asked.
He replied: “I kissed her and thanked her for going to the game with me.”
They stayed married for 50+ years until her death.
Baseball. Love. History. Doesn’t get much better than that.
Postscript: Willie Mays died yesterday at the age of 93.
Thanks for reading. Remember to laugh a little, avoid soreheads and always question authority. You can follow me on Facebook and X and reach me directly via email at shermfrederick@gmail.com.
Willie Mays was my hero as a kid growing up in the Bay Area. Saw him play three times at Candlestick Park. When he stepped into the batters box the stadium became electrified. Wonder if Ruth and others greeted him on the other side.