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We are all eagerly looking forward to the "old-timers extravaganza'' scheduled for today at Vets Field.
"Just'' 65 years ago, almost to the exact week, and certainly at the same specific location, I had the opportunity to pitch for the Altoona entry in the National Amateur Baseball Federation, 13th Ward, coached by Don Beichler.
One of the assistant coaches was former major leaguer Bob Ramazzotti of the Dodgers. That alone made the experience worthwhile. His very presence was awe-inspiring.
In 1957, with my father, Don Sr., I had the privilege to watch Altoona (Tom Lane, Ed Hoover, Carl DeCaspers, Galen Hall & Co.) defeat Louisville in the NABF finals, 1-0. We stood behind a roped-off section in left field at the sacrosanct Cricket Field complex.
To say that I was impressed and truly motivated is a classic understatement.
In 1957, I was 13 years old and dreamed of some day playing for Altoona in a similar situation.
Although I had some success pitching for Williamsburg High as a junior -- and in the summer to follow for our American Legion squad -- I hardly expected to be selected for the NABF entry in 1961.
At 5-foot-6, 140 pounds, my stature on the mound wasn't intimidating. Indeed, I was blessed.
Our Legion team's success was a definite factor as we won our league and our district to advance to the state championships for the second straight summer.
In '61, we went 2-2, claiming a victory over Pittsburgh in the process.
One of the other entries was Beaver Falls, whose first baseman was Joe Willie Namath. He probably had a decent arm as well. I digress.
We no longer would compete at Cricket Field in 1961, but rather a pretty brand new Vets Field. It was impressive. So were teams like Baltimore, Detroit, New Orleans and many others.
Back in the day, these guys could play the game. Watching them take infield practice made me wish it was basketball season.
We opened up and lost in the morning that 1961 August, and I was sent off to the bullpen. I wasn't disappointed -- just happy to be there. After lunch at Tom & Joe's, we returned for our afternoon matchup with Maryland State.
Again, watching from the bullpen, I soon realized that things were not going too well, and I heard, "Appleman, get up.''
At first thought, maybe someone on the coaching staff wanted a cold drink from concessions. A teammate bumped me and said, "Get ready.''
I found my glove, and my nerve, and began throwing.
I was a little shook warming up, but once called into the game, I thought to myself, "You wanted to do this so get it done.''
It must have been in the second or third inning, and we were behind.
With tremendous help from my hitting and fielding teammates (Norris from Clearfield and Len Zandy from Coupon made huge contributions), I was still on the mound at game's end and was credited with the win.
Unfortunately, we were back the next morning, lost, and it was all over.
I was invited back to play again in 1962 -- Sparky Lyle was a teammate -- but not at Vets Field. The venue had shifted to Louisville. I tried to pitch in three games in two days at the end of our Legion season and pulled a major muscle in my back.
I had the privilege to start a game in Louisville but had to come out around the fourth inning -- one of the most disappointing experiences of my life.
If and when I take the mound at 82 years old today, it will be a distinct pleasure. Life has come full circle, before I have to exit.
As I wrote this, I thought of great players like Gene Critzer, Zandy, Monte Smith, Jim Ronan, Russ Shaffer, Howard "Sonny'' Miller, Fred Dangel, Jim Lane and many others who are no longer with us.
We will pray for them. It will be a special day.
Don Appleman resides in Williamsburg and has occasionally contributed to Voice of the Fan. In 2012, he was inducted into the Blair County Sports Hall of Fame for his prowess as a basketball player who later coached both the boys and girls teams at Williamsburg.