Never make predictions, especially about the future.
He retired in 1960 only to return to the game two years later as manager of the "Lovable Losers", the New York Mets. Fans loved them and their "Old Perfesser" coach who captivated the press and broadcast media with his quips and comments, delivered in his famous "Stengelese" style, nurtured over his rich career.
Stengal in 1953 |
I left the Georges Creek Valley in 1956 and have no idea what happened to my baseball pals. For certain, most of them left Appalachia in search of a better life. But regardless of their destinations, I imagine they never left the joy of baseball far behind. Though we are pulled in many directions, and obligations place demands on our leisure, the old pastime is still with us, thanks to icons like Stengel. If you want to honor the old man, go to a game today. If that can't happen, gather the fathers and sons in the family - and the girls who'll understand - and sit them down to watch Field of Dreams (1989). Chances are, Casey will drop by.
To learn more about Casey Stengel, visit his Baseball Hall of Fame page here. The page links to some good multimedia features, as well. Link to Wikipedia's more extensive biography here. The Official Casey Stengel Site has a great list of quotes here.
About the girls who'll understand...maybe they can find something else to do.
Sources
Photo: cover, Baseball Digest, October 1953
Text: wikipedia,com
No comments:
Post a Comment