Chapter Nine: Why I’m in Texas
March 30, 2010 by Editor
Filed under Dress Blues and Tennis Shoes
April 11
I am reminded why I’m umpiring baseball games in Amarillo instead of basking on the Russian River with Donna. I work my first plate game tonight—and I’m brilliant. The energy flows unimpeded, my timing is precise. I can umpire!
The game is a rout—13-0, El Paso. No matter, for I could have handled the frigging [...]
Chapter Eight: Opening Day
March 20, 2010 by Editor
Filed under Dress Blues and Tennis Shoes
April 10
Potter County Memorial Stadium, home of the Amarillo Gold Sox, is a huge iron-beamed dinosaur of a park. Set in an industrial neighborhood of factories and vacant lots, this relic can hold 6,500 fans, but never does.
Lugging equipment bags and hangered uniforms, Charlie and I trudge through the turnstile and into the bowels of [...]
Chapter Seven: Separation
March 18, 2010 by Editor
Filed under Dress Blues and Tennis Shoes
Donna and I stare into each other’s eyes, then hug, a lingering embrace with more than a touch of urgency. We have spent an intense two days together, camping out on sun-drenched southern California beaches, making love each time as though it were the last time.
Now, at the Los Angeles Airport, we are saying good-bye. [...]