This site is a Tribute to all those fathers and sons who live baseball as well as play it, and who are men enough to mist up while watching Field of Dreams…
Basil Pouledouris, “For Love of the Game”
In the movie The Sandlot there is heard the line “Baseball is Life.” Truer words were never spoken. I share in the rare joy of living in a Baseball family. The seasons of our years are marked in our family by this sport which is not simply an activity, but a way of life itself. Spring brings with it the promise of warm weather, green grass, and an entire new season full of potential, fun and achievement. Summer brings the growth and development of Spring to fruition in the All-Star tournaments and Cal Ripken/Little League World Series. Fall brings crisp days with the start of school, the fresh smell of wood bats and pine tar in the air and the Fall Classic. Winter brings time for reflection, looking ahead to next year, focused off-season training and some basketball.
When I first was married I had no idea what I was getting into. My wife Liz told me in off-handed fashion that her father and brothers were into baseball. What she didn’t say was they were INTO baseball, or more properly that baseball was into them like some irresistable life-form. Contagious? Absolutely. I also discovered the gift of baseball can be hereditary when I watched it begin to take shape in the life of my young son Matt, who is a continuing inspiration to both watch and coach.
It is to my wife Liz that I especially dedicate these pages, for she is a true Baseball Mom and without her love and support our lives would be an empty hole in left-center.
Grandpa Earl, West York PA 1947
My late father-in-law Earl grew up in the care of his grandparents in West York, PA. He played baseball up through college at Gettysburg and was drafted as a Pitcher by Kansas City in 1954, but chose a career with the Air Force instead. Years later he would be an award-winning youth baseball coach in Hudson, MA.
My father Al is also a southpaw who played High School baseball in Weymouth, MA. Unfortunately his career as a Varsity pitcher was cut short by a bicycle accident that injured his shoulder. He is the one who first taught me about being a Baseball Dad during my own time playing AAA baseball.
Uncle Dave & Matt at 2009 Western Mass. Championship
Uncle Tom, Hudson High School 1990
Both of my brothers-in-law Tom and Dave played High School baseball in Hudson, MA. Tom continued to play baseball up through college at Framingham State where he was both a Pitcher and team Captain. Years later he continues to throw heat in an Over-30 Baseball League and mentors his nephew Matt in the fine art of being a left-handed pitcher.
- Matt, Littleton Tiger All-Star 2008-2009
My son Matt is the next-generation lefty pitcher in the family who is also a switch-hitter. Already a Cal Ripken District and State MVP, his journey is just beginning.
