September 30, 2007:
This sunny Sunday found the Pirates in their last game of the year, as their record would not provide a pass beyond. Although the team has again found itself in the dark abyss of last place, the fans showed up in force, more for the social event than for the celebration of sport actually.
While at the game during the 7th inning stretch, a notable band sang, “America the Beautiful.” It was eerily surreal as I stared out across the outfield; my thoughts then turned to all of you over there in the sands of the desert. I remembered the many times that I stood in awe watching the landscapes below from the top of Pikes Peak, as did Katherine Lee Bates who was also overwhelmed by the view from this heavenly perch—so inspired that she penned the poem that became the song in 1883. Those of you who may have once taken this beauty for granted, not only from Pikes Peak, but also in your own backyard, in your neighborhood, and in your life—will never do so again after returning home. You too will be overwhelmed when your eyes once again breathe in the beauty wherever you may find it in the place you call home.
The passing of the game on Sunday was the last coffin nail driven into the last remaining vestige of summer. No one seemed to mind, as they went about the joy of sharing the experience together. Without hope, and now void of lofty expectations, they actually enjoyed the game for how it was played ... win or lose it did not matter. This flashback to playground morals where smiles trumped egos was a thoroughly refreshing look back into retro pre-puberty. The footlongs were not bad either, mustard optional.
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Occasionally through the murky waters of today comes clarity from yesteryear. A local “Boy of Summer” set a new world record in a game of picayune stature in these deadly serious times of war on many fronts around the world. Russell "Rock Bottom" Byars cast a stone that skipped on water a whopping 51 times, shattering the old world record of 40.
Bravo, well done Mr. Byars!
Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania
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