Available on Amazon
Fabric of America’s Soul
Baseball has been the thread that has held together the fabric of America’s soul for close to 150 years. And despite the imperfections of gambling, characters of disrepute and drugs, among others, the sport has survived because of the way it bridges the generations. The way it creates memories. It brings us together in a way that allows us to view the world – or the diamond for that matter – with the same set of eyes, the same set of emotions, the same longing. Baseball provides moments we never want to end.
The Lost Save of Tug McGraw by Stephen Scott Nestle (Kindle edition available on Amazon) is a childhood memory, a piece of a greater, yet complicated, true story (now seeking a publisher). And the memory reminds us how baseball and childhood are interwoven. Why we never want the game to end. Why we play nine innings when we can go extra innings. Why we play one game when we can play a doubleheader. It’s a game enjoyed at the ballpark or between a father and son simply having a catch. Whether flipping baseball cards or analyzing statistics, so long as it’s on our mind, we love baseball.
Tug McGraw
The author recalls how as a young boy he briefly sets aside the darkness of his childhood and lays the foundation from which he will build a life as an adult and as a father. And the foundation is set by a chance encounter with a then-relatively unknown major league baseball player – Tug McGraw – at an autograph signing session. McGraw eventually would became noteworthy for his talent and spirit on two World Series teams, but it was that encounter that changed the young boy’s life. And ensured he would one day enjoy a catch with his own son.
Baseball provides moments, 
much like for the young boy, that stay with us for a lifetime. Whether getting autographs from our baseball heroes or standing spellbound as a major leaguer takes the time to answer every single silly question of a 10-year old fan, the true joy always has been rushing home afterward to tell others about the day’s events. And sometimes even the game is discussed.
The one thing about baseball that sets it above other sports is the proximity of its players and fans. And what child fortunate enough to attend a major league game, or spend a few minutes with their baseball hero, doesn’t have stories to share with the next generation. Moments burned vividly into the consciousness of children to remind them years later of simplier days. Moments that perhaps chartered a new course.
Tug McGraw Foundation
Proceeds from the purchase of The Lost Save of Tug McGraw (only $0.99 on Amazon) benefit the Tug McGraw Foundation and its work to provide support and resources to people affected by brain tumors and brain-related trauma. McGraw years ago lost his life to brain cancer but his memory continues to impact lives much like the chance encounter had meaning to the young boy. Who among us cannot recall an encounter with a parent, teacher or other adult that didn’t set us on a much preferred course?
While the young boy’s struggles are the centerpiece, or the body, of the greater work, the chance encounter with McGraw is its soul. The Lost Save of Tug McGraw is a short evening read that reminds us why we love spring so much. It’s not because of the thaw or the wildflowers or the warmth of a spring day. It’s because of the crack of a bat and the thump of a fastball, a simple child’s game that reaches beyond the sandlot into our lives. Nestle reminds us baseball is a game that allows its participants, players and fans alike, to come together, across the generations, and create memories that bring peace to our daily lives.
Journalist, author and devoted Chicago Cub fan, George Will, wrote, “Baseball is heaven’s gift to mortals.” Nestle’s story reminds us just how much we cherish that gift.
Copyright (c) 2014 by Jeffrey Rembert. All Rights Reserved.