by Jeff Papas
This week I’m performing a child’s most difficult duty — saying goodbye to a parent.
My father passed away on Sunday night and while I spend time with family, we’re sharing memories. One of those memories concerns APBA.
My dad was a baseball fan, though not a huge one. He followed the old Minneapolis Millers back in the day, and transferred that allegiance to the Twins when they moved to Minnesota in 1961.
He took me to my first game at the old Metropolitan Stadium, when I was five years old in 1970. I remember we lost to Baltimore — but back then, didn’t everybody? and I was hooked on both the game and my idol, the late Harmon Killebrew.
Three years later, we were playing APBA. My dad was my first opponent.
He let me take the Twins and he played Oakland, using the 1973 card set. That meant he had the World Champions and so, perhaps he was a little bit bigger fan than I gave him credit for.
It was a great pitching matchup – Bert Blyleven against Vida Blue. And neither of us could score. Each pitcher went nine innings in a 0-0 tie, at which point I figured Bert was getting tired and pulled him from the game.
I ran through my entire bullpen, while Dad stayed with Blue. Through the tenth.
The eleventh.
The twelfth.
The thirteenth.
Each inning I’d ask him, hinting, “Dad, don’t you think Blue is a little tired?”
“Nope,” he’d answer, with an easy smile. I’d then go down 1-2-3.
For the record, Oakland won that game 2-0 — in 16 innings. Blue pitched a complete game and gave me exactly five hits. I still have the scoresheet someplace.
Dad liked to win. But now as I get ready to say goodbye to him, I’m realizing that the beauty of baseball as passed from father to son is very, very special.
If you like, please share your memories of your dad and any sport – baseball or any other. And then, if he’s still with you, go give him a hug. While you can.
Very sorry for your loss, Jeff. I lost my father a bit more than a year ago. He certainly inspired my love of football, and hence indirectly APBA.
Jeff,
great story. I couldn’t help but smile at this:
“Dad, don’t you think Blue is a little tired?”
Dad wanted to win. :)
Sorry for your loss Jeff. I lost my Dad about two and a half years ago and it still hits me at the strangest times. I never played APBA with him- I think my ‘addiction’ amused him more than anything. But I still remember the very first time I played catch with him when I was about five years old. I remember him taking me to see the Yankees a short while after that. When we couldn’t talk about anything else, there was always baseball. He wasn’t a huge fan but he knew I was so he became one. ‘Field of Dreams’ wasn’t far off for a lot of boys and their Dads… Certainly not for me and my Dad. What I would give for another game of catch with him…
Jeff, as I emailed you earlier, so sorry for your loss. I think your post is a wonderful testament to the bond one can have with their dad and baseball. I’m blessed to still have my dad and while like Richard, my dad has always admired my addiction and passion to APBA he has never played. He is, however, responsible for installing my love of the game. He taught my how to read box scores, played catch whenever I asked, rooted for me at every Knothole (Little League) game and continues to love to talk about my favorite Cincinnati Reds. Thanks for reminding all of us why that father-son bond is so special. Treasure the memories you’ll always have and again I’m sorry for your loss.
Chris Hurr
Sorry for your loss, my APBA brother. My condolences and prayers go out to you and your family.
Cherish the memories.
DOM IN NY