A boyhood dream come true! Having a grandfather who was a sportswriter had its benefits, and knowing Jim Klingensmith was icing on the cake. On my special Pirate Day I met Manny Sanguillen, Richie Hebner, Jose Pagan and Willie Stargell. I played catch with Dave Giusti and got tips on throwing a palmball.

This photo with Bill Mazeroski and Roberto Clemente ranks among my most treasured moments. The Pirates were on their way to a 1971 World Series triumph and I had just rubbed hands with two future Hall of Famers! For a first-year nine-year old ballplayer in the Brookline Little League, how could things be better. Well, I could have done better than striking out all the time, but the hits would come soon enough, after my prescription glasses arrived!

Years later, in September 2010, I was privileged to have the opportunity to write an article covering the unveiling of the Bill Mazeroski statue at PNC Park. Shortly afterwards, Bill Mazeroski was kind enough to sign the photo.