Treasure The Memory

[tbob]

In 1961 our local Little league in Hamilton, Ohio, right before the State tournament, took us in uniform to a Reds game at Crosley Field. We were paraded on to the field before the game and all of us were being Vada Pinson and Frank Robinson, making imaginary catches up against the fence in the outfield. I wish I could tell you we won the State tournament and went on to the Little League World Series like this year's edition of Hamilton, Ohio did, but after tripling in 3 runs with the bases loaded to win the first game 4-3, I popped up with 2 outs in the bottom of the last inning with the tying and winning runs on base and we lost 7-6. It was the only time in my life I cried after a game. 12 years old and I thought the world had ended. Still, going to the Reds game that day is a memory I will never forget...