ESPN's coverage of the little league world series brought to mind Newark's own PAL Little League at Newark Academy. I was trying to remember the names of the teams. The Little Yankees, Continental Can, The Boosters, Albanese, Dr. Santiago, Capornegro Fuel, The Three Bees, and Explorer Post came to mind. One of the biggest differences from today is the league started when school got out and ran through the summer. Today the leagues begin in April and end by the close of school.
Do you remember Mr. Gallo? I do I lived on First St. Between Orange and Sussex Ave. He was a nice man. I played on the little yanks and Joe Fried was the manager. I believe we were just as good as these kids of today in Williamsport.
It is wonderful to see 'Beans' back at the diner. A Newark Academy all star. The guy who dragged me to Joe Freed's tryouts for the 'Lil Yanks in '63. And then took me to Lucy's luncheonette on Orange Street for a meatball sandwich.
His dad managed the Yanks to our undefeated season a few years later. A soft spoken man who led us with motivation not theatrics. He made us a pre season deal. Every time we won he'd buy us pizza at Ting-a-Ling's. As I mentioned, we went undefeated. Tom, I'll never forget your dad.
Thanks John for your kind words about my Dad. You have a great memory. Looking forward to lunch at Luger's next week. As you said its been 41 years since we have seen each other. I'm really looking foreard to it.
Thank you John Crowley. The trickle down effect of your idea & creation, "Bodholts" has struck again. Tommy Gowers & I had lunch the other day after not seeing each other in 41 years. Two boys from Roseville, First & Fourth Streets, reunited in the shadows of the Brooklyn Bridge, telling tales of long ago as if they were yesterday. This is the stuff that sets the foundation of short stories. A 'who woulda ever thunk' it would happen.
Crowley, you are a genius!
Aw, shucks. But it's true. John, I am glad you had a good reunion with your pal. By the way, I saw Rick D. today and he sez hi. He was hanging out with Jim Egan not long ago.
Strong before our birth are the Sons of the Garden State.
John, I had the best time the other day. Re-awakening old yet just down right great times. I would like to thankyou for sharing those times/memories. It was pure joy just hearing you speak with such a passion concerning your family, interests, and old times. I wish your family much joy with the upcoming marriage of your daughter. And remember what I said about that dance with her at the reception. Enjoy. My best to your family. Thanks again.
Bob, I told John the other day what someone said about him.
The quote was from Brother Naclario who coaches the throwers
at Rutgers and the US Olymic team on learning John didn't
steer phenom thrower Walter Henning to Rutgers rather than
accepting U of No, Carolina.
Mc Cree huh, Yea he's in the book, but out of the movie!"
Jimmy,
I did what I could for Tony Naclerio (Rutgers). I owe him that much. He's a great man. But the recruiting was wild and RU track couldn't go toe to toe. After 'Track & Field News' named him the # 1 HS athlete in the country, any college not already parked in his driveway, was googling map quest. I believe he did ok with North Carolina (unfortunate for St.John's they decided to eliminate men's track a few years ago). There will be a media event later today in the school library when he signs his scholarship letter. Afterwards they are hauling us over to the Town Hall for a special proclamation. Local politicians know how to milk it! Especially the day after election day.
With the pressure of his college decision over...we start official winter track workouts Friday. Far cry from Mr.Casey in the Sussex Ave armory!
