LUIS TIANT

 

Recently the news media reported the death of former Red Sox pitcher Luis Tiant . For those of you who are too young  to know he pitched in the major leagues for many teams over a 19 year period.  We who are Red Sox fans remember him during the 1970’s when he was with the Sox. He had an unusual wind up where he would turn his back to the batter swing around and release the ball from different locations which totally confused the hitter. He was extremely popular in Boston. I met Mr. Tiant long after he retired at a charity golf event where he was the guest of honor. It was after the golf event concluded when everyone retired to the clubhouse for drinks and dinner. I thought it was wise to visit the men’s room before we were due to eat. I was doing my business when someone joined me in the adjacent urinal. It was Mr. Tiant. It was somewhat awkward to shake hands considering the situation so we just nodded politely to each other.

Because it was a charity golf tournament everyone purchased chances for prizes, and a good amount of money was raised. Around the third round of picking chances from a hat my number was called. I was awarded a dozen golf balls which pleased me no end since it was a real practical gift. The final award was an autographed photograph of Mr. Tiant. You guessed it, my number was called again. Now I am not a collector of either autographs or photos of celebrities. I knew I would probably put it in a drawer never to be seen again. However I went to the head table and collected my prize, shook Mr. Tiant’s hand and headed back to my friends.  Halfway back a hand reached up, grabbed me by the wrist and asked “would you take $25 for the photograph?” Hell $5 would have been enough. My friends were anxious to see the photo. I had to disappoint them by telling them “I sold it”

 The Mid Wife

Those of us who live in Boston know it is a nightmare driving in the city. It is especially difficult if you are in a hurry or under duress. I found myself in that very position back in the 1950’s when I was in my early 20’s. I was enjoying sunbathing in my backyard in Southie when I got an unexpected visit from my next- door neighbor. She was frantic because her water had broken and was having difficulty reaching her relatives who were supposed to assist getting her to the hospital. Today she would call 911 and the paramedics would have been at her door within minutes. That was not the case back then.

Of course I would help. I rushed inside my house, got dressed and grabbed my keys. I helped her in my car and asked where we were going hoping it would be nearby. Over to the “Fens” on Longwood Ave was her reply. For those who are unfamiliar that is one of the most congested parts of Boston because it is the location of
several of the finest hospitals in the city.

On we went with me trying to comfort her with the calmest voice I could muster. I swear I stopped at every red light the city ever erected to control traffic. As expected, it was as bad as it gets in Boston with every truck double parked for deliveries and every tourist trying to find that historic monument mentioned in their guide. I regretted that with all of my years of schooling I never took a class in mid- wifery. My passenger was way calmer than me, but she must have seen that that I was squeezing the life out of the steering wheel.

We did reach the hospital in time and mother and child were perfectly fine. The nurses told me I needn’t have worried since this was her first. That information would have helped at the beginning of our journey rather than end. No, they didn’t name the baby after me. I didn’t mind. I was just glad I could help.

FAMILY PHOTO

 

The photograph is of my family taken in 1937. That is me on my father’s lap. I am the sole survivor of the photo. My parents settled in South Boston in 1925 as a young married couple. They first lived on Silver St., then West 5th St. and finally on Columbia Rd in the City Point section of Southie. They remained there for over 70 years. Not once did they think of moving out.

The Southie they knew was crisscrossed with trolley cars, streets lined on both sides with Maple and Oak trees, a Hospital ( Carney), fantastic beaches and a scarcity of cars. There was no reason to move.

The photograph was taken at the height of the Depression when funds were scarce. Nevertheless they made it a priority to have this taken. They dressed in their finest Sunday go to Church clothes and sought out a professional studio for the photo. I am so glad they did. It is very precious to me.