Monday, March 16, 2009
Springtime Means Baseball & Memories Of Grandpa
This March marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of all-time Yankee great, Joe DiMaggio. As a Yankee fan, I’m anxiously awaiting the opening of the new stadium, and thinking that if “Joltin’ Joe” was still around, he’d be as excited as all the fans and players will be when the first pitch is thrown out next month. 
I feel a strong connection to Joe DiMaggio, having heard my Grandpa Ben’s seemingly endless stories about the “Yankee Clipper” in his heyday. Although DiMaggio was long retired by the time I was born, I loved sitting in the stands with my grandfather at the spring training games, as he told anecdotes about his favorite player, recounting highlights of games past, quoting stats, and making his predictions for the coming season.
When I got older, I joined a women’s softball team just so Grandpa Ben could come and watch me play. (I know, softball’s not the same as baseball, but it was close enough for us.) And just before he passed away, I sat with him as we leafed through his old baseball card collection and he shared those familiar memories with me one more time. Of course, I had heard the stories dozens of times before, but this time they seemed so much more exciting and meaningful. 
Now that he’s gone, I’m sure he’d be proud to know that I inherited not only his beloved card collection, but also his passion for the game, and the fresh, hopeful anticipation each new season brings. Good luck, Yankees—and hit one out of the park for Grandpa Ben!
posted by Betty at
9:43 AM
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