Out in the cold
 
Phil:
Hard to believe you’re from Old Forge. I think I've been through there a couple of times. I have relations all over the
Hazelton/Wilkes Barre area.My mom was from Hazelton and my dad was from a town called Weatherly.I usually hit
a few Red Barons games each year and even hit a hockey game at the new arena in WB(right off I-81) last year.As far
as opening day goes at som I have never been there due to work commitments.
 
I can tell you a couple good card-day stories that occurred over the years. The first was about 1971. We were all at
Basketball practice after school and I was telling everyone that I got the cards the day before (I really didn't). Everyone
was laughing at my tale because we didn't have school and If they did come, they knew I'd be on the phone getting them to
come over and check ‘em out. So after practice that night I went home and asked my parents if anything had come in the
mail.Of course they said no.Meanwhile, the phone rings and my one friend says he is coming over to check out the cards.
 
I said sure, figuring once he got over and found out I didn't have them we could do something else.Meantime, for some
dumb reason, I open up the front door and to my surprise, there was a package from Strat.Talk about saving the
day! Back then when we got packages, the mailman (not UPS) would ring the bell andwhoever was home would open
the door.Well it was so cold that day that my parents never checked for a package because they never heard a ring.
Figuring why open the door and let the cold air in when there is no reason to I guess.
 
Another year I remember getting the cards and playing my first game with them against one of my friends.I proceeded
to get NO HIT by a pitcher from the Giants by the name of Jim Barr. From there on out he was known as "No-Hit" Barr
by myself. Other than that most other card days were pretty normal.Hope the webring is going well for you. Got to go and
if you get back to PA, let me know!
 
Roll them Bones!
Don
 
Don, if I get back to PA, I’ll be sure to get in touch! The Jim Barr story brings back memories of Frankie
“No-Hit” Viola. Same deal with me as for you with Barr. Viola (before he was even good and still with
Minnesota) no-hits me and the nickname stuck until he retired. He sure wasn’t “Sweet Music” to me!