Willie

Mays didn’t talk race
Though the risk was so much less.
It would have been misplaced
His game was what would impress.

Candlestick

They complained about the wind.
Willie said it isn’t hot.
They pissed and moaned and griped.
Willie told ’em: Learn to win with what you got.

Windy fields

Battling gusts
Outfielder tests his mettle
Keeps his eye on the ball
Not wanting to fall when he pulls down his prize
Receive applause from fans
But especially the guys.

World Series photo 1960

Mazeroski crossing home. Season at glorious end.
All the hoopin’ and hollerin’,
How many players were friends?

Dreamin’

I remember the photo of Mazeroski coming home.
I felt alone,
Longing to be great.
A World Series hero crossing the plate.

1960 World Series

Coming from behind again,
Pirates brought Yankee dream to an end.
Fans know how hard New York tried –
Was the only time Mantle cried.

Poetry in motion

Ty ran.
Determined to win.
Willie’s run was fun.
All the joy in him.

Twenty-two years

Saw three balls coming.
Swung at the one in the middle.
Hall of Famer.
Alcohol abuser.
Hero to boys and men.

1934

Ruth toured Japan.
They waved American flags.
Seven years later you gagged.
Pearl Harbor.
Ships destroyed like tin cans.