I want to thank everyone for congratulating Ted on his national HOF induction!
We have been playing ball since we were 10 years old, and I couldn't be happier
for my best friend. We grew up in Colonie. I was a skinny pimpled kid,
Teddy was big and muscled. He broke every offensive record in Colonie LL,
we would meet at Teds house in the summer and choose up teams before heading
up to the schoolyard. We always played with a new ball, because they gave Ted
his LL home run balls. I remember one morning riding my bike to Teds house and
he was sitting on his stoop eating ice cream, he hit one over the
Sealtest billboard the night before, and they give you a half gallon of ice cream for that.
How the hell would I know.
At night the kids on my street would chase the mosquito truck down the road,
(my complexion cleared up, but my hair fell out) dodging
in and out of the smoke, I would brag to my friends I played ball with Teddy Poleto today.
He had a scout from the Reds visit the house, you'll have to ask him to share that story,
but its hilarious.
His dad was a huge influence coaching all of us, he never let Ted relish his many records,
and was always talking up the bench warmers. I loved him for that, and I will always
remember the positive influence he had on my love of the game.
love you bro.
Congrats!

mane