Got to the field just in time to play at Doubleday yesterday. The twenty or so guys in our shrinking dug out representing the "Albany 55 Allstars", welcomed me to what was left of the bench.
On the other side were the Cicero Swamp somethings laughing and smiling at the thought that they were in uniform again.
The atmosphere was congenial, from the introductions of the team to the foul line,to the recording of the national anthem. I stood there with cap on heart, thinking that even a record finds it hard to get the words right.
Being at Doubleday, playing the game, forces perspective. The game itself, is perfect. Life is perfect. Playing in the game, is far from perfect. In the game, there are errors and strikeouts and running blunders, and did I mention errors?
How perfect life is.
-- Edited by Ralph Caputo on Sunday 2nd of June 2013 10:48:30 AM
A great day with great people on the field. I got to throw with my son on the outfield grass in Cooperstown on a sunny day. Then I got to play a game in Cooperstown with legends looking down on us. And we are part of the legend.
Though I have been there before, it still puts a smile on my face that will last for a long time.
I was fortunate enough to be able to spend a few hours in Cooperstown before the big game and take in some of the sights of that little town . Stopping at the HOF and visiting all of my favorite Old Ghosts as well as seeing all the new additions in the past 10 years since I was there last.
Everything pales in comparison to the feeling one gets when stepping onto that grass and taking in the view of that old stadium.
It definitely puts a skip in my step and memories I will cherish.
Gregg Woolston
__________________
Gregg Woolston
Damn Yankees 55+ over
gwool08@gmail.com
Funny story: Tom Maney, Jerry Solomon and I arrived in this pristine, bucolic village about 3 p.m. with sub sandwiches and a cooler in tow. We go past THE HALL to the narrow bridge, take a left and park near the lake. Down the stairs we go to sit and enjoy our lunch two hours before game - one breathtaking view of the endless, sparkling waters of Glimmerglass Lake.
As we discuss the beauty before our eyes and the pending game where the men of yesteryear founded our National Pasttime, we hear the subtle splashes of a gentleman paddling his kayak. From around the corner into view, we look up, and, just as Tom Maney greets him with a warm hello, he just as quickly realizes it's Don Burriesci, who in two hours would be our teammate.
Funnier, Tommy was trying to get his phone number just two hours earlier in Albany to see if he wanted to ride up with us. Don apparently had the ride we wanted - on the lake. After several minutes, Don paddled away, got on his bike and rode past us in the village. The dude knows how to live!
