I remember my father taking me to Tiger Stadium in 1971 or '72 to see the Tigers play the Red Sox. I remember Ray Culp and (I believe) Les Cain hooking up for a pitcher's duel.
It was a scoreless duel late in the game and I wanted one of those plastic Tiger batting helmets. My dad tried to convince me that they would still have them after the game. Try as he might, I was not convinced. So, as any 9 or 10-year old would, I whined until he gave up.
I remember walking with my dad, through the walkway leading to the concession area and hearing the name "Ike Brown" announced as the hitter. The next thing I knew as we were standing in line for my helmet was the crowd cheering wildly as Brown homered for the only run of the game -- and we missed it!
My dad never said anything, but looking back I'm sure he was disappointed at missing that homer. But I also know that he would not have denied me the helmet (which I still have today).
Everytime I go to a ball game, I fondly remember that incident and the joy I had when my dad and I visited Tiger Stadium.
» Charles Mead teaches high school for behaviorally challenged kids. He is also a former college baseball player at Indiana Wesleyan University.
» More submissions
Posted June 17, 2002.
BALLPLAYERS | TEAMS | CHRONOLOGY | TODAY | BOOKS | NEWSLETTER | ERRATA | FAQ
