Two-Time Traveler

In June of 1958 we again ventured back to the land of my birth! There were three of us again this time ... mom, my little brother Robert, and myself. Dad stayed home to work while we played in Pittsburgh for six weeks! Six weeks ... poor dad!
This time instead of lumbering across country on a train, we flew! In a Super G Constellation like the one pictured below flying over New York City.

The very first thing I noticed after we took off was Robert going to sleep. He was only about two years old and apparently the sound of the engines put him fast to sleep! When we arrived at the Greater Pittsburgh Airport, mom's brother Bill picked us up and took us to his home in burbs. It was a beautiful brick house and Uncle Bill had built much of it himself. He and Aunt Gene had four children, 2-boys and 2-girls as I remember. The boys were Paul and Tommy ... uh, sorry I don't remember the girls names. Typical you say ... you're right!
While there we visited with all the aunt's, uncle's, and cousins all over town. One night, we went to the stock car races with Aunt Jeanie and Uncle Hank. This was dirt track stock car racing just outside of Pittsburgh. After the race we went to get something to eat. I had this huge fish sandwich and an equally large serving french fries. All of the sudden, the lights go out and Uncle Hank says "we'd better get out of here!" We hustled out the back door and returned to their place. I don't know if we paid for the meal or not ...
A few days later I attended my first Major League Ballgame at Forbes Field in downtown Pittsburgh. What a thrill to be there to see my beloved Pirates play!

Vern Law and Bob Friend were my favorite pitchers and Elroy Face was what in today's game would be called the closer. He was only 5'8" but a year later, in 1959, he had a record of 18-1! In the infield we had big Ted Kluszewski at first, Bill Mazeroski at second, Dick Groat at short, and Gene Freeze at third. The outfield was Bob Skinner in left, Billy Virdon in center, and the greatest Pirate of all time and my favorite player, Roberto Clemente in right field. I was in heaven watching these guys play! Honestly, I do not remember much except we were playing the Cubs and their manager was ejected from the game, much to the delight of the Pirate faithful!
Next we stayed with Aunt Sis and Uncle Bud and their seven children. They lived on Adon Street in the house where my mom and all her brothers and sisters grew up. Curiously, I noticed another interesting thing with Robert. It was hot and muggy in Pittsburgh so a fan of some kind was always on. On day, while sitting in a high chair, Robert fell asleep to the sound of the fan! Do we see a pattern here?
In addition to sleeping, Bobby had some high adventures too! This house on Adon street was high above Chartiers Avenue. I'd say maybe 75-100 steps down to the street. One day, Bobby noticed a hole in the screen door and immediately crawled through it onto the front porch. Within minutes he took off down the stairs and before anyone realized he was gone he'd made his way down to the raised sidewalk and was running to the next set of stairs that would take him all the way down to this busy boulevard! Finally, we spotted him and I was dispatched to fetch this wayward boy. By the time I made it down to Chartiers Avenue, a policeman walking the beat had grabbed Bobby just before he made an attempt to cross the street. I believe Bobby thought it was pretty funny!
While there I bunked with my cousins Jimmy and Bobby. One night, I had a huge wad of baseball card bubble gum in my mouth. We were all goofing off and finally Uncle Bud told us quiet down and go to sleep. Usually, I get rid of the gum but for some reason I didn't that night. Can you imagine my surprise the next morning when I woke up to find the gum still in my mouth! Of course I just started chewing it again ... ugh ... and did so until we had breakfast!
The last thing I remember about our big summer vacation was going out to a farm for a big BBQ. It was a lazy Sunday afternoon so after eating, we all sat around this big old radio and listened to the game of the week. The Detroit Tigers were in Boston to play the Red Sox. Jim Bunning was pitching for the Tigers and what a day he had. He pitched a no-hitter! Later in his career, he pitched a perfect game for the Phillies in 1964.

Yes, that was some vacation! I remember mom saying it was time to go home, even though I don't think she wanted to, because dad was putting the milk in the cupboard and the salt and pepper in the refrigerator! I'm confused ... time to say goodbye for now!