Jim Greengrass played in the outfield for the Philadelphia Phillies during the 1950’s, arriving via a trade with the Reds, I think. He threw right and batted that way too, I think. It was said that he would hit with power, I think. He was not of Indian decent, I think…
It was a hot steamy summer night, one of many that summer. The Phils were in town. By Saam was explaining things on the radio next to my bed. The darkness and the open windows highlighted the lingering smell of a recently manicured lawn, but did nothing to sooth my tired muscles. At least, the Phils were in town.
I can’t imagine there were many fans at Connie Mack Stadium that night. The Phils struggled at times through those years, and it was a Tuesday, I think.
So, there I was, sharing the heat and the drama, sweating it out like the rest.
The Phils went into the bottom of the ninth trailing by two runs. They managed to get two runners on base, and there were two outs when Jim Greengrass came to the plate…
My decision to pray came easily. It had been a team effort all night, and after all, The Almighty was a Phillies fan too, I think. It was a short prayer, hastily submitted between near misses and foul balls. Then it happened!
Despite the technical limitations of the time my radio heard the crack of the bat meeting the ball, and By Saam describing as the ball sailed and disappeared into the left field bleachers. (Some say the best pictures are on radio) I wonder if my yell was heard at Connie Mack Stadium that night, lol)) My parents sleeping nearby were startled, but not for the first time. Some parents would get angry, but mine (especially my Dad) were mindful of my landscaping skills. He convinced Mom to ignore my outburst, to try and understand…The Phils were in town…Dad’s are cool))
In spite of the heat, I slept well that night, waking the next day happy for good endings, and really happy the lawn would not require another mowing for at least a week. Thank God)))
…
SPAZZ
THE RAMBLERS
JIM GREENGRASS
THE INDIANS
THE PREACHER’S KID
THE KNIGHTS
PUBERTY
THE BULLDOGS