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.

Purity and progress

There was no time limit,
But in those days darkness was the clock.
It wasn’t until night ball that the game might never stop.

Virility

Men in old days didn’t talk about sex.
They talked about baseball.
Had lots of kids.
The meaning of it all.

Heroes

Old time players drank.
They didn’t take steroids.
Proud and hungover,
They inspired men and boys.