First and foremost, Dixie is a badass! There is nothing like sharing a love of sports with your kids. It's truly a unique bond. Regarding the Pirates, I sympathize with you. Being a Bucs fan is a mysterious self-flagellation we voluntarily endure every year. I have been a fan since the Golden 70s era of Clemente, Stargell, and Blass. It made me sick when Bonds couldn't throw out a practically crippled Sid Bream in '92, and it's only gotten worse since the '13 NLDS, especially under Bob Nutting's miserly watch. Yet here I am, thrilled to see 22 back in right field, anxious to see what Santana has left, excited to see Cruz' extraordinary length at short, and eager to see if Bryan Reynolds can keep up his heroics. Hopefully, I don't feel like a complete sucker this August like I usually do.
It's like you're channeling me! There are so many badass and hilarious Dixie stories. I barely scratched the surface. Went back the next year when he had a torn achilles tendon. HJe had befriended a bike taxi guy, and we arranged a pickup at out car and to go back to the car. That game was a bummer. Bumgardner.
I’m a diehard Yankees fan Alan, but being a long time Buffalo Bills fan I can appreciate the long suffering years you have to endure to really appreciate the good ones. Thanks for sharing, I too have great memories going to games with my Dad and my kids. Peace.
Great post about sports and how our team affiliations are such an important bond running through our families. I was so glad that my Dad got to see the Eagles win the Superbowl in 2018 before we lost him later that year. Hope your Pirates do well this year but... Go Phillies!
Another couple of great memories! Thanks man, as always! We are huge Braves fans and actually are going to a batting practice on April 11th!!! I've been a fan since Murphy, Smoltz, Glavine days. Not that long for a girl but I was so focus on music and finding myself before then, I had no time for baseball!
Thank you again for all you share with us, it's really cool!
You're welcome and thanks. I have a fondness for the Braves because of my Georgia connections and many fans in the state. And Hank Aaron. And a hatred of them because of 1992 and the damned Tomahawk Chop.
Great story Ala!. I wrote about that amazing 1970's rivalry between the Pirates and Reds. https://almostcooperstown.substack.com/p/cincinnati-reds-vs-pittsburgh-pirates-rivalry-that-has-been-overlooked-forgotten-f3cdf14a2981
Oh great. I'll check that. Have you read Cobra, Parker's bio? Another Reds/Pirates connection. It's a great read.
First and foremost, Dixie is a badass! There is nothing like sharing a love of sports with your kids. It's truly a unique bond. Regarding the Pirates, I sympathize with you. Being a Bucs fan is a mysterious self-flagellation we voluntarily endure every year. I have been a fan since the Golden 70s era of Clemente, Stargell, and Blass. It made me sick when Bonds couldn't throw out a practically crippled Sid Bream in '92, and it's only gotten worse since the '13 NLDS, especially under Bob Nutting's miserly watch. Yet here I am, thrilled to see 22 back in right field, anxious to see what Santana has left, excited to see Cruz' extraordinary length at short, and eager to see if Bryan Reynolds can keep up his heroics. Hopefully, I don't feel like a complete sucker this August like I usually do.
It's like you're channeling me! There are so many badass and hilarious Dixie stories. I barely scratched the surface. Went back the next year when he had a torn achilles tendon. HJe had befriended a bike taxi guy, and we arranged a pickup at out car and to go back to the car. That game was a bummer. Bumgardner.
THAT'S your next book - Dixie stories!
I’m a diehard Yankees fan Alan, but being a long time Buffalo Bills fan I can appreciate the long suffering years you have to endure to really appreciate the good ones. Thanks for sharing, I too have great memories going to games with my Dad and my kids. Peace.
Great post about sports and how our team affiliations are such an important bond running through our families. I was so glad that my Dad got to see the Eagles win the Superbowl in 2018 before we lost him later that year. Hope your Pirates do well this year but... Go Phillies!
I hear you. When the Bucs collapsed again after 2015 I was distraught for my dad. He's 87. Lifetime Pittsburgher and Pirates fan. Deserves better.
Go Buccs!
Alan, this was a wonderful piece of writing. Sports is a good bridge to connection for all of us. What a great memory of time spent with your Dad.
Thanks and yes I did. Tried to get him to come on the podcast but he does not do many appearances any more.
Another couple of great memories! Thanks man, as always! We are huge Braves fans and actually are going to a batting practice on April 11th!!! I've been a fan since Murphy, Smoltz, Glavine days. Not that long for a girl but I was so focus on music and finding myself before then, I had no time for baseball!
Thank you again for all you share with us, it's really cool!
Bazlyn
✌️💖🎼
You're welcome and thanks. I have a fondness for the Braves because of my Georgia connections and many fans in the state. And Hank Aaron. And a hatred of them because of 1992 and the damned Tomahawk Chop.