Yes. Literally.
Before manicured fields,
before fathers pretending
to be big league coaches,
before batting helmets, knee braces,
and elbow pads – there was a sand lot,
in reality, a vacant lot, a rough patch of dirt
squished between two apartment buildings.
We learned the fundamentals
without benefit of introduction
through trial and error, mostly errors, lots of ‘em.
We named ourselves, “The Generals,”
Crayola-emblazoned on our white tee shirts.
We played until the ball
disappeared in the gathering darkness.
I still remember my number, 14,
proud of the fact that at nine years old,
I belonged to the community of ball players,
the Brotherhood of Baseball welcoming me.
THE POETRY OF THE GAME