Fri, Oct 4 at 1:23 PM
On the third of October, 2024 hearts were broken in Milwaukee
While Met fans cheered in two stadiums, in Wisconsin and Flushing,
And no doubt in parts of 50 states and several knowing nations.
When the game began, my daughter, knowing how I loved the Mets,
Had texted her support, telling me and that she had her “Fingers crossed.”
As the Amazin’s headed into the ninth trailing by two, being shut out,
Facing wild card elimination and a tasteless early vacation, and
While I metaphorically closed my eyes and ears in too much pain,
My granddaughter watched in Fair Lawn, and I texted her,
“We need a miracle,” to which she replied, “Praying” – – –
Which seemed fitting, for baseball approaches a religion to its lovers.
Then there were tears of joy to wash away eight deadly empty innings.
After the miracle happened, after Alonso hit the homer that sent our team
To Philadelphia for the second round, Granddaughter screamed
Sounds of joy and texted, “I think I broke my voice.” My love of more than
Half a century absorbed my joy and my relief and smiled – – – and with me
Watched the magic homer again and again, and listened to the lukewarm
Call by emotionless, impartial TV announcers – – – and later, to the
Excited, full-of-Life screaming radio call by a professional biased fan – – –
And she understood the meaning of the Moment. Soon after, my son
Texted simply but with a million words of meaning, “LFGM!!!!”
The next morning, my grandson, a Bronx Bomber fan, texted me,
“What a comeback last night!” I still shiver with a combination of
Relief, excitement and anticipation of the next round as I recall the
Alonso Moment. But here’s the point: THIS is why baseball is special.
It brings people together, people of different religions, politics, languages,
Cultural backgrounds. on this occasion, it brought thousands to
Citi Field to view the game on a gigantic TV screen, to share the joy
And the anxiety of the game being played 743 miles away, at
American Family Field, a truly fitting name for the sport cherished
By American families (and many others).
It also brought a special closeness to my family which, in my eyes,
Is more treasured than precious stones and elusive wealth!
I am pleased that I became the focal point of this time of happiness
In a fractured world, and all it took was a minor miracle
Off the bat of Number 20.