Scribblings

Dave McNally & Dem O's

There are a few journals I like to read when they're updated and one is Ramblings. Imagine my surprise about a sad blast from my past! It turns out that Measi knew the McNally family from her hometown and she was saddened to read that Dave McNally died in 2002.

Dave McNally used to pitch for the Baltimore Orioles in the mid-60s. My parents, my brother and I lived in Baltimore then and we went to Memorial Stadium frequently to watch the Birds play. I was wild for the Orioles. My favorite was the friendly and lumbering first baseman Boog Powell.

I was in awe of McNally's pitching ability. I remember the Orioles going up against the LA Dogers in the 1966 World Series. I think McNally pitched two of those games, including the 4th and last one. It was a sweep!

What a team! If I couldn't go to the stadium, I loved to watch the games on TV. I remember that during the World Series I would run home from school as fast as I could so I could see the game. Now the series are night games only. I'm not sure they have afternoon games anymore.

Baltimore is nicknamed "Charm City". Well, I was sure charmed by "dem O's." People in "Bawlamer" have a striking accent. A big conversation starter was one person saying to another "hal 'bout dem O's!"

I never did follow another team with the same enthusiasm I felt for the O's in the 1960s. I'm glad for all the opportunities I had to see them and to collect autographs. They are very happy memories.