The TV is on in the background this morning and I didn’t realize it until just a few moments ago that the movie, “The Natural” starring Robert Redford had come on.
This movie always makes me think of hearing stories from old timers about how players would use files to sharpen their spikes and left their mitts on the field so they didn’t have to take them back to the dugouts. I recall one of my parent’s friends told me stories of growing up with former pro ball player Eddie Stanky.
For those of you who have never heard of Eddie Stanky, look him up. He played in the 40’s and 50’s and managed for a while too. While on a mission to find one of his baseball cards as a kid, I got a number of stories about the way he looked at and how he played the game. Apparently Stanky had a competative drive to win that few others of his time had. He did what he had to to win and would respect others doing the same. Quite an interesting character from baseball that few speak of these days. Definately someone who helped to shape the game into what it is today. If you ever get a chance to talk to someone who lived in those golden days of baseball or even find a book… you will really get a feel for baseball’s roots.
As the movie progressed and the team added the now famous lightning bolt patch to their uniforms, they all stood on the 3rd base line to sing the National Anthem. Yes, I said sing. The whole stadium, the ushers, the players and even the umpires sang every line. Where have these times gone? We get the 15 yr old Whitney Houston wanna-be’s and the Middle school bands, (God bless ’em) but when was the last time someone came out to the microphone to “lead” the crowd in the National Anthem? If Neil Diamond can show up to Fenway Park, as he did last night, and get everyone in the place to stand up and sing Sweet Caroline, I’m sure that Coca Cola Park could sing along to The Star Spangled Banner too.
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I am totally with you on the National Anthem! Once again, I did not get chosen to sing this year – and I would invite the crowd to sing along – and I’m sure it’s because I sing the song in honor of my country, not to be the next contestant on American Idol. Funny, when I sang for the Ambassadors “way-back-when”, Pete Karoly actually thanked me for the way I did the song, and so did many ‘old school’ Americans in the crowd. It’s the NATIONAL ANTHEM, for crying out loud, NOT the next #1 on the pop charts!!!
I do feel like it’s supposed to be an upbeat song and not drawn out. A skilled singer can hit all the notes quickly and not have to build momentum to get to them. The pace that comes to mind is that of the Marine Band. It’s upbeat and quick. I’ve heard some sing it this way and it sounds so much better.
Speaking of singing, there are always a few people near me who sing along to the National Anthem. Virtually every one of them would fall in the 65+ age category.
And speaking of oldtimers, Palmerton’s Elmer Valo used to supplement his major league salary by working as a beer salesman for Horlacher Beer in the offseason. He played in the majors for 20 years, mostly with the Philadelphia A’s and is on the Phillies Wall of Fame. He had 1,420 career basehits and a .282 lifetime BA but is probably best remembered for crashing into walls while chasing flyballs, à la Bump Bailey.
My secret wish is that the Ironpigs would invite Curt Simmons to the “Turn Back The Clock” night on Wednesday June 9th. The Egypt, PA native had 193 career wins in the major leagues.
By chance do you have contact info for Curt Simmons? If you do, and can share please email to me..
editor@lvnoisenation.com
Thanks!
Dan
Unfortunately I don’t have contact information for Curt Simmons although someone once told me he was living in Florida. He still visits the area from time to time. He was in the Valley in the summer of 2008 for an autograph session in conjunction with the Lehigh Heritage Museum baseball exhibit and he has also played in some local golf tournaments over the years. I’ll dig around and see if I can come up with something.
Wikipedia says he is currently living in Pennsylvania.
IronPigs should find Bob Heffner and honor him.