Reagan, Not in the Ballpark

by Bob Stanley

Willya look at that – the clouds have parted and we’ve got sunshine all over Comiskey Park as the grounds crew hustles – look at those guys run – to tuck away the tarp along the third base line. We’re live from the South Side of Chicago as Luis Tiant takes his final warm-ups. Tiant, fifteen and nine this year. stands with hands on hips, and looks like he’s put on a few pounds this year, but it hasn’t helped the batters any. Don’t you think he looks sharp today, Jack?

Well you bet, Ron. That slider’s biting the way he likes it, and this stiff breeze will help his change dance against lefties, too!

Thanks, Jack, well, we’re all set to go now. Sandy Alomar steps in for Cleveland, knocking dirt out of his spikes. The first delivery from Tiant is – strike on the corner – right on the black – and we’re underway.

Ron looks down at four words on the teletype: “Tiant, pitching to Alomar.” If I can do this, (he grins for a second), I can convince anybody of anything.