SI.com's "Things We Miss in Baseball."

I miss sandlot pick-up games, choosing sides by going hand-over-hand and on a bat to determine who gets to pick first. And "donkey kicks." And playing with a single cracked bat that had been nailed and taped back into use. I miss racing to get errant throws and foul balls before they rolled into the brook. I don't miss trying to hit a soggy ball.

 

Ushers are far more vigilant about that since these guys:

 

LOVE the old "Baseball's a Funny Game" magazines. My first NBA literature was the 1979-80 "Basketball's a Funny Game". A great publication -- humor AND information.

From days at Royals Stadium...long ago.
- The White bullpen car to dump Renee Martin or Dan Quisenberry (RIP) at the edge of the mound. Shoot, back then, Quiz was usually good for 2 or 3 innings.
- The funky organ music played between EVERY inning.
- Overly deep baritone voice of the PA guy during those times. "And, now, leading off for Cleveland...Miguel Dilone."
- Being in absolute fear of Thurman Munson's sideburns whenever the Yankees came to town. Once made eye contact with Billy Martin as he was walking back to the dugout. I was 4. He squinted a bit and seemed to let out a sneer. I was scared and I think I peed in my shorts.

At least MY nostalgia is cheap. I found a 1979 "Grand Slam" program for the Royals - from a series I attended that year, no less - on eBay for $1.25. Even picked up about 40 of those Hostess baseball cards (the ones in the 3-card panel on the bottom of the box) for less than $10. Still amazed people had THOSE cards 30 years later -- I could understand the Topps sets but THOSE?!?

 

Passing your money down the aisle to get a beverage and actually getting your change and the beverage back untouched.

 

I've never not got my change or beverage untouched.

 

How does something get passed down an aisle untouched? (and yeah, I know what you actually meant.)

 

17 degrees seems awfully cold for baseball.

 

Not at the Ex!