Coaching Little League was Dad’s greatest joy My brother Artie always got a hit Proud Pop would smile and say, “That’s my boy!” I would cheer too, but then my brow would knit It seemed unfair that I could not partake In a sport that consumed much of Dad’s time “Put me in, coach, a home run I can make!” But I felt left out of the national pastime Times had changed when Artie’s daughters were raised Annette could pitch and Diane played left field Their success made Artie feeling amazed For their sports talent had another yield College scholarships quickly came their way It wasn’t their school grades that drew acclaim Honors came for the way they’d learned to play Girls finally took their place in the game Soon our whole clan was playing together At family parties and on holidays This summer sport’s played through winter weather In photos you’ll find me smiling at first base *February 25, 2017