Toward the end of my junior year at Weequahic High School in Newark New Jersey, I started hearing from my friends that I was going to make All City. How did they know I asked myself? In my usual mood of high esteem I was thinking that there was no way I would make the all city team. "Vailburg's catcher was better than me" is what crossed my mind. I make the grade ? No way. I told you I had high self esteem.The two best teams in the city at the time, Barringer and Vailsburg would receive the most recognition for their players.
We were 3-15. And our record did not display how really bad we were. I think I was the only player that batted over .
300.In the last game of the season we were playing Central High. A poor to average team at best.
But they had Richie Glenn. An above average pitcher with speed to burn. I went up to bat thinking home run. I was so determined to hit a home run I remember standing closer to the plate thinking I could reach an outside pitch.
Most if not all of my hits that year were singles. While I had power I had not displayed much of it. I dug in deeper ready to smack one when Richie let loose with one that was very high and very tight.So tight it stuck in my ear. I guess it did not curve like I thought.
Down I went. Out like a light. While the ball did not stick in my ear it made quite an impression in my head. I think some thread from the ball is embedded in my ear lobe to this day.
I was slowly escorted to Coach Ginsburg's office. When I finally awoke which seemed like hours, but was really minutes, Mr Ginsburg told me I had made the Star Ledger All City Baseball team. I was elated and soar.
I was happy and groggy. I was proud and queasy at the same time.Wow what a day. I wonder if Babe Ruth or Lou Gehrig ever went through something like this.
.Aron Wallad has been a baseball lover for over 45 years. His passions have included; playing, watching, reading, evaluating, and coaching the game he adores. Do you love inspiring quotes, unusual statistics and most of all, heartwarming baseball stories? If you love baseball you will love his baseball ezine.Go here right now to join his ezine http://www.baseballsprideandjoy.
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By: Aron Wallad
