My Grandfather

One of my fondest memories of youth is the 1971 World Series between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Baltimore Orioles.

I became a baseball fan for the first time in 1969 when I was just 7 years old.  I watched the NBC Game of the Week religiously each Saturday afternoon.  I became a Cubs fan that year because they had the C on their hat.  My first name begins with a C, Chad.  (As good a reason as any when you're seven.)

Well, the day before the 1971 World Series began, my wonderful grandfather "Pa", purchased our first color TV so that I could watch the World Series in color.  It was amazing to watch the game in full color.  The beautiful green grass contrasted with the brown dirt.  And the uniforms! Wow.

I think of that gift often, but mostly when baseball's post-season begins.

Thank you Pa, I love you.