NEVER HAUNTED

What’s in the mind of a retired Major Leaguer,
One who will never stand before the entrance
To the Hall of Fame and make an acceptance
Speech as preamble to his plaque latching on
To the wall of honor? What does a man who
Tried his best but fell short of eternal glory
Think about when he is alone with his memories?
Does he find solace in the fact that he was a
Rarity among achievers – – – better than the
Schoolyard athletes or the kids who played
Organized ball but reached their limitations,
Better than life-long minor leaguers who ate
And slept and fantasized of making the Show
(but who were never called up, even for a cup
Of Joe – – – or were brought up to the Big Team
Only to be boomeranged to their Minor League
Home? Is he weighed down by regrets that he
Reached his professional goal but was a cut or
Two below the permanent glory that is offered
By Cooperstown? Does he lose sleep despite
His rare achievement of being a solid Big League
Presence? Is he haunted by what he didn’t do
Or is he justifiably proud of what he did show
Thousands of fans who rooted for him and
His teammates? Does he sleep peacefully at
Night – – – as he should? Leave it to lesser
Athletes to face the contentious turbulence
Of troubled sleep in the extra innings of their
Lives. The former player who did his best and
Made the ballot for enshrinement in the Hall (even
If election escaped him) sleeps peacefully each
Evening. There is honor in recollection of his
Special career moments, perhaps fewer than
Those of the eternal stars but enough to add
A slightly lesser complement to those whose tools
Built a place for them near Otsego Lake. A second
Tier player dwells comfortably within the shadow of
The Best of the Best – – – and sleeps within
A well-earned sense of calm.