Post by carl on Apr 12, 2009 19:48:48 GMT -6
I know some of you don't care for the navy tales, so you may not be interested in my reminiscing, either.
The latter part of my high school days were in Atlanta. I had long been a Milwaukee Braves fan, and I still remember fondly the announcing/commentating by Dizzy Dean and Peewee Reese.
In those days, Atlanta had only minor league baseball, but I was a staunch fan of the Atlanta Crackers. My Dad took me to some games in the early 50s at the old Ponce De Leon park. I still remember a long ball hitter, who played center field - Montag was his last name. As far as I know, he never was a major leaguer, but he could really pound the ball.
When I was in high school, the Crackers became Double A, and then Triple A. I think it was when they were still Double A, they had a manager named Rube Walker. There was a pitcher named Pete Richert who could blaze a fast ball and had the strike-out record for the Southern League. Our catcher was Tim McCarver, who went on to the majors and to the hall of fame, and then took up announcing. My favorite player was the shortstop, who also went to the majors when McCarver did, but he was good field, poor hitter, so while he was a good utility player in the majors, he didn't do as well. Trazewski was his last name.
My favorite writer for the Atlanta Journal and Constitution was Furman Bisher. Several years ago, I started corresponding with him about our memories.
Another writer who could really spin a yarn was Tom (Red) McEwen, of the Tampa Tribune. Retired now, and the current crop don't come close to the quality of writing, in my opinion.
I've never been great at quoting statistics (in baseball, football, basketball, or any sport for that matter), but I truly love the games. I've played a little, but I admire the excellence of those who play with great flair and excitement.
The latter part of my high school days were in Atlanta. I had long been a Milwaukee Braves fan, and I still remember fondly the announcing/commentating by Dizzy Dean and Peewee Reese.
In those days, Atlanta had only minor league baseball, but I was a staunch fan of the Atlanta Crackers. My Dad took me to some games in the early 50s at the old Ponce De Leon park. I still remember a long ball hitter, who played center field - Montag was his last name. As far as I know, he never was a major leaguer, but he could really pound the ball.
When I was in high school, the Crackers became Double A, and then Triple A. I think it was when they were still Double A, they had a manager named Rube Walker. There was a pitcher named Pete Richert who could blaze a fast ball and had the strike-out record for the Southern League. Our catcher was Tim McCarver, who went on to the majors and to the hall of fame, and then took up announcing. My favorite player was the shortstop, who also went to the majors when McCarver did, but he was good field, poor hitter, so while he was a good utility player in the majors, he didn't do as well. Trazewski was his last name.
My favorite writer for the Atlanta Journal and Constitution was Furman Bisher. Several years ago, I started corresponding with him about our memories.
Another writer who could really spin a yarn was Tom (Red) McEwen, of the Tampa Tribune. Retired now, and the current crop don't come close to the quality of writing, in my opinion.
I've never been great at quoting statistics (in baseball, football, basketball, or any sport for that matter), but I truly love the games. I've played a little, but I admire the excellence of those who play with great flair and excitement.