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Tim Lincecum’s First No-Hitter

by Celeste Johnston

In this lost year . . .

There were moments . . . there was heaven.
One moment of pure bliss, one moment of pure joy.
One moment for which there is truly only one word.

Euphoria . . .

One night in July on the road. Well . . . AT&T South . . .
Time stood still for the beloved, slight one . . .
One affectionately known to the Faithful only by his first name. Timmy . . .
One-hundred and forty-eight pitches to achieve Baseball Immortality.
The wide-eyed one diving full, ensnaring that which would have destroyed the magic.
The slight one captured from behind with love from his catcher, jarring him back to blissful reality:

Iconic Image . . .
No-hitter . . .

First career and 15th franchise for the beloved and beleaguered one.
Brightest spot in a lost year. Teammates overjoyed for the slight one,
Surrounding him. Ever-loved, ever-protected.

Time stood still . . .

Always expected; sweeter now after all that had passed.
Wet from the dousing, stunned happiness smoothed
The all-too frequent worry lines; luminous joy shining through.

Brightest spot in a lost year . . .

 

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Chris Heston’s Big Advantage

By Stuart Shea

Charlton’s got nothing on Christopher Heston–
There’s one big thing that the ballplayer’s best in!
Charlton parted the Red Sea, left the Pharaoh bitter,
But he never threw a no-hitter.

 

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“Few More Deservin'” Hall of Famer

by the Village Elliott

When Musial died, I really couldn’t name your
Oldest surviving Baseball Hall of Famer;
Learned at 97, Red Sox Bobby Doerr
Is oldest, while three others 90 or more:
There’s Albert “Red” Schoendienst who is 92,
Now Yogi, who last month just turned 90, too.
Still, third one is older; his powerful swing
Helped Giants of Gotham earn World Series ring.
Respect of the Franchise is still evident;
Invited by new champs to meet president.
Like year-older Red Sox, a star before War,
In the Negro, not Major Leagues (white like Doerr),
The player Branch Rickey first wanted to sign.
Branch wouldn’t compensate team, so Jackie broke line.
In two years he breaks Giants’ pale color scheme.
In two more, breaks Brooklyn hearts, bums Jackie’s team,
Big part of the Miracle of Coogan’s Bluff.
Mentored team’s prodigy: He taught me Right Stuff.
I was Negro League vet, but Majors raw rook,
He helped me to adjust, showed me what it took;
Was like my big brother, still is to this day,
A true Hall of Famer, says Mister “Say Hey.”
First Big League black exec, broke that color line.
Soon enters through “front door” of Cooperstown shrine,
Mid-80s, retires, stays active in game;
Jints retire number, still honor his name;
For long life in baseball, few more deservin’
Than young 96-year-old Monte Irvin.
(Adds Willie: First glove in the Big Leagues I score,
A MacGregor endorsed by Red Sox Bobby Doerr.)

 

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1680

by Celeste Johnson

Swinging strike three against the Enemy in Blue
The Beloved Slight One finds himself amid Giants.
Standing above King Carl with only
The Christian Gentleman, The Dominican Dandy
And Rusie of Ancient Name as company.
All hallowed in the Hall. In this, at least, he stands among.
The Slight Beloved names this a “Good day for the Giants”
And a good day for him, Apologetic Pride
On display from one who need never apologize
For brilliance.

 

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M.V.P. Picks

by the Village Elliott

I remember hearing from my buddy, Nick:
“Both these guys well worth first-round pick;
One hits dingers, one threes,
Both will be M.V.P.s;
Pick both Buster and Steph Curry quick.”