‘Strike Zone; Scoreboard Lights’

When Brian was looking for 2020 monthly contributors, I suggested a monthly item in the form of a song since that fits in with what I’ve been doing over the past couple of years.  This first song emanated from an Art Shamsky trip to go see Tom Seaver.  There were some photographs taken at a local restaurant out by Tom Seaver’s vineyards.  Shamsky and Seaver were joined by Ron Swoboda, Bud Harrelson, and Jerry Koosman.

The photograph is just a bunch of old friends sitting around but of course there is some sadness behind the smiles.  The health conditions of both Seaver and Harrelson underscore the fleeting time of athletes and their relationships to each other, their fans, and their on-going legacy.

There are two versions of the song.  One is just me.  The other is me with the whole group.

The Lyrics:

Is this the last time we’ll be together?
Is this the last time we’ll see old friends?
String some moments still together;
We may not get another chance again.

Five of us laughing at the old times.
The crazy things some of us would do.
Teary Eyes over those not with us.
How did all of us become just a few?

Grab another sip of wine now.
Tell another joke -maybe two.
Rosin bags and the pine tar
I remember; do you?

Twilight – young girl sings the anthem
Lined up – hands upon our hearts
Later champagne and cigarettes.
And time to replay one another’s parts.

Sometimes tears are memories
And sometimes memories are tears.
Laughter frames the photos that I’ve kept with me
And all of you have helped to frame my years.

Late lunches – early dinners
Watch that old sun giving way to night
It’s getting dark and I know you must be going
Dream about the strike zone and scoreboard lights.

Listen here:

Solo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QME8ks-n6yI
The Valeros: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sciapgASPgM