PLAY BALL!!

I’m going to be a little giddy in this blog report and here’s why. When I was 7 years old, I lived in Lincoln Park, a suburb of Chicago. One of the earliest memories I have is walking to Wrigley field with my big brother Steve to watch the Chicago Cubs play baseball. One of the players we use to watch play was Ferguson Jenkins.  

Fegie Jenkins walking to our dugout

In todays old timers’ game at Scottsdale Stadium, I was privileged to play with some of baseball greats in front of 10,000 screaming fans on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.  As the public address announcer called our names we lined up along the first and 3^rd base lines in preparation for the national anthem. After they called my name I went down the line high fiving everyone and took my position along the 3^rd base line. Next to be called was Ferguson Jenkins. There I was standing on the field between Billy Horton and Fergie with a smile a mile wide. The color guard came on the field and the national anthem was sung and then the announcement came to PLAY BALL!!

And for an afternoon on this sunny Sunday in Scottsdale, AZ, I was a kid again right back there in Lincoln Park. The only difference being this time I was on the field instead of being in the stands.

Other greats that were in uniform included; “Downtown” Byron Brown, Mike Adams, Jeff Cook (NBA) Gene Hiser, Jim Marshall (Cubs Manager) and Robin Yount.

I rode the pine until the 5^th inning when the coach put me in and I trotted out to play center field. I now know how some people may feel when they sit down to play poker with professionals. I felt out of place and a little overwhelmed being off the green felt and on the green grass.

Tony Womack and Me

The first ball that was hit to me I looked up into the bright sunny sky and was blinded. I didn’t know whether to move in or go back and stood there putting the glove over my head trying not to get hit. The ball landed 20 yards in front of me and I had to scramble to get it and throw it in. Embarrassing! Doh!! Tony Womack (who played till 2006 with the Diamondbacks) are short stop couldn’t help but laugh. 

The next batter was Tony Phillips (Detroit Tigers). He promptly hit it over my head all the way to the warning track and 2 runs scored. I made one more error in the inning before the 4 run 5^th mercifully came to an end.  After that I played 2^nd and was much more comfortable there seeing I never got a ball hit to me after that.  Mike Hamilton who I also remember watching as a youth was pitching for us and he shut down the side.

As far as my offense, I got the bat on the ball twice, but was not able to reach 1^st safely. I did give it the old college try sliding into first, but to no avail. It really was a special afternoon and thankfully it was all for fun and raising money for a good cause.

Gaylord Perry and Me

A big thank you to Arizona Baseball Charities and the time I spent with them over the past 6 years on

the board helping to raise money so that kids can play baseball. It’s been a helluva ride. To Gaylord Perry, Ron Gardine and all the other great players I met and had a chance to play with over the years, my sincere thanks. I’m glad I had the chance to help contribute in some small way.

It was another great day on my Journey.

Enjoy the Journey!

Kenna