Childhood Memory - the Big Red Machine

At the end of each summer day,
while laying there in my bed,
I placed a small transistor radio
under the pillow near my head.

Each night that the Reds did play
I listened to the baseball game;
Joe Nuxhall did the play-by-play -
youngest player ever, adding to his fame.

They were the Big Red Machine;
often in first place;
Pete Rose knocking out another hit;
Dave Concepcion fielding with grace.

Ken Griffey - the father -
roaming the outfield grass;
George Foster hitting home runs;
Joe Morgan sprinting in a dash.

Tony Perez, so consistent;
Cesar Geronimo had the perfect name;
Johnny Bench squatted behind home plate,
catching another game.

Through my little transistor radio,
Marty Brennaman and Joe Nuxhall brought it all to life,
as the sun faded away to darkness
on those hot Ohio summer nights.

And at the end of every night,
Joe Nuxhall would sign off all alone,
saying, "This is the old lefthander rounding third,
and heading his way on home. "
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Ramage Avatar
July 13, 2011 at 2:45 AM
Congratulations. Lee
Jarvis Avatar
July 10, 2011 at 9:37 PM
congrats on your well deserved win..Great Job,
Poet Avatar
July 10, 2011 at 10:38 AM
Congrats Joe on your 1st place win...enjoyed your poem very much.
Dailey Avatar
July 10, 2011 at 6:37 AM
Another great win for you Joe - congratulations. Mike
Mehta Avatar
July 10, 2011 at 4:47 AM
My congratulations on the first place win in the contest, Joe
Hendricks Avatar
July 10, 2011 at 12:59 AM
I well remember the transistor radio days. We had no electricity and had to use batteries, either PM9 or PM10. The batteries were heavier and more often bigger than the radio itself. Nice memories, Joe. Congratulations on your first placement in the contest. :-)
George   Avatar
July 10, 2011 at 12:54 AM
So happy to see this at the top of the WINNER'S CIRCLE, Joe. I love your poetry. Lainie
Onclaud Avatar
July 9, 2011 at 10:55 PM
you filled me up, joe.. enjoyed sharing the first spot with you, along with my sweet congrats! ;) huggs
Boyle Avatar
July 9, 2011 at 9:22 PM
Congratualtions on your first place win Joe. Reminded me of my sons, hiding the radio under the covers, so I wouldn't hear it. Then there was my grandson, when he was 6 or seven reading Harry Potter under the covers so his father wouldn't see it. The more things change...the more they stay the same! Delightful play by play by the way. lol Bea
Brown Avatar
July 9, 2011 at 11:46 AM
Congratulations on your win Joe in Paula's "Childhood Memory" contest. Love, Carol
Onclaud Avatar
July 6, 2011 at 11:41 AM
joe, nothing like a memorable account of a thrilling sports game! so lively and action- packed.. win, win! :) huggs, nette
Brown Avatar
July 6, 2011 at 11:38 AM
Thank you for sharing your excellent poetry with us today. I enjoyed reading it Joe. Love, Carol
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