Lines, Launch Angles and Curve Balls

Lines, Launch Angles and Curve Balls

The boys of summer 
Set up for a season of lines, launch angles and curve balls
With straight chalky lines leading to a field of dreams
Where line-ups keep the line moving 
On frozen ropes to climb the ladder into the catbird seat
Above the Mendoza line when outlines of a waving pennant envision
Crooked numbers and dusty home plates where grand salamis
Foil curves balls in flying angle launch lines – not lined out,
Not out of line
To make power lines for a hitter’s line of sight
And for bases lines, nicknamed the 45’ line,
That call for calls of fair ball down the line
Or foul across the foul line
To guide the line – fair or foul -
And lines of music for the seventh inning stretch, or the chin,
Sung in lusty lines of fans in seat lines 
Or in line for nachos, popcorn, brats and beer –
To cheer the back door slider, can of corn or Uncle Charlie –
A Bronx cheer or line of boos – 
A summer lineup card of seeing-eye doubles down the line,
Balls climbing up the ladder lines
Nestled in a flat curve 
For lines creating perfect diamond angles
Ringing with famous lines
“Batter up!”
For “There’s no crying in baseball.” –
A nervous breakdown in nine innings” -
Because “It’s outta here!”
“Adios Pelota!”  “Good bye Mr. Spaulding!”
“Holy Cow!”  “Long gone!”
“Put it on the board”  “Hey!  Hey!”
“Oh Doctor!”  “Bye, bye baby!”
And “It ain’t over till it’s over!”
Because “It’s getting late early.”
And “The impossible just happened.” “Forget it!”
“Hello again everybody!  It’s a bee-yoo-tiful day for baseball.”
“How about that?”
“If it wasn’t for baseball I’d be in either the penitentiary or cemetery.”
“Remember these two things – play hard and have fun.”
With lines, launch angles and curve balls.

Opening Day April 1, 2021

Copyright © | Year Posted 2021



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Date: 4/14/2021 1:50:00 PM
You may already know this but in case you don’t you may enjoy this. Ernie Harwell was a baseball announcer for some 55 years...mostly with the Detroit Tigers. He stuttered as a boy and was encouraged to read poetry and books out loud to help the problem. He found and loved a poem by Sam Walter Foss called The House By The Side Of The Road and used one of its lines when describing a called third strike. Google his Hall Of Fame acceptance speech and check out his description of what baseball is. John
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 4/15/2021 9:33:00 AM
John, thank you so much for your info about Ernie Harwell. Had a wonderful time refreshing my memory of House by the Side of the Road. It is a deeply touching poem of transparent honesty and compassion - truly a treasure. Harwell's story is pretty amazing. Had a chance to look up some of his other memorable quotes - poetry in themselves. I get the impression you listened to him growing up. All the best. Play ball!
Date: 4/4/2021 7:41:00 PM
What a tribute to the greatest sport ever. To me, it's like 'chess on wheels.' Great to see a full schedule this year. Thanks, Sam. :) gw
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 4/5/2021 10:49:00 AM
Thank you so much Gershon! Have always loved baseball. I agree - "chess on wheels!" Great description! So many people don't understand the "tactics" of the game nor do they have the patience to watch the beauty of the game unfold! Hope you had a very blessed holiday. Batter up!
Date: 4/3/2021 4:14:00 PM
Enjoyed this very much. I’m thinking you’re quotes are real from both announcers and players both. I thought I saw Harry Caray and Jack Brickhouse in the mix. John
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 4/5/2021 10:44:00 AM
Hi John! So glad you enjoyed this "baseball" offering. Baseball has always had a special allure for me. I started playing in grade school and played all the way through high school. And, you are right! The quotes are from announcers and players. Am guessing you are from the mid-west as you recognize Harry Carey and Jack Brickhouse! So much fun to put this piece together! All the best. Play ball!
Date: 4/1/2021 10:02:00 PM
Oh this is so good, Sam the poetry is terrific, as is the fervour of your support..Can relate only my game is Football or soccer to some..
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Sam Kauffman
Date: 4/2/2021 12:55:00 PM
Harry, thank you so much! Had fun with this as baseball is a passion. Not only do I love the atmosphere of the game but have wonderful memories of playing baseball in high school! One sports fanatic does resonate with another. So happy this resonated with your love of "football !" Brought a :) smile to this face. Hope you are well. Sending you the joy of Easter blessings!
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