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In the mid-1970s, I had the pleasure of playing baseball with Pat Miller in the Altoona City League on a talented E.L. Dinges team.
Of this special cast of players, Miller was the heart and soul.
He was a talker and played with gusto, fitting of the excellent catcher that he was.
I always looked up to Miller with respect and admiration -- not only because he was one year my senior -- but also for possessing special qualities of a fine athlete and man.
His intelligence and leadership were immediately apparent to all on the baseball diamond.
Behind the plate, he caught Gene Decker, Larry Benton and the late Carl Dunn -- arguably the best pitching staff in the league at the time.
These men had "great stuff," and Miller called and handled their pitches with enthusiastic ease.
I played a few games of basketball against Miller, too. Though baseball was his preferred game, he characteristically played hard and displayed a shot off the glass that may have rivaled that of local bank-shot artist, Dusty Young.
It is not so much the stories to tell of him but rather a fond remembrance of a time when we were young, enjoying camaraderie and the challenge sports presented when all the world seemed right.
Life certainly goes on without us when we pass, but it is never the same.
As I nostalgically reflect on many wonderful memories and experiences, Patrick Miller is affectionately among them.
He has touched all the bases, having arrived safely home.
To him, I humbly tip my cap.
Galen Bickel
Altoona
Franklin's work has PSU fans depressed
I can't believe how depressing things have become for all of us Penn State faithful.
Years of incomprehensible in-game decisions, poor clock-management, and the inability to close out games has built up to the pinnacle of frustration.
Can we call it a pinnacle? How about nadir?
James Franklin and his staff seem to be in a cycle of poor planning and bad guessing. The worst was throwing twice to the number four receiver with the game on the line. What was he saving the timeouts for?
It's mind-boggling that three weeks ago we were fretting over his change of agents.
With his record over the past two seasons, I'd say he's gone from the cat-bird seat to the hot seat.
I'm sure Sandy Barbour won't fire him with the recruiting class he has coming in, but more offensive line play like we've had and another record this and she can't keep him.
Please tell me she can't.
I'm dreaming of Luke Fickell.
Steve Abrams
Los Angeles