Friday, September 14, 2012

Sports heroes then and now

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By CHRIS MILLSPAUGH
Express Staff Writer

I arrived in Washington, D.C., in the winter of 1956 to attend my golden high school years. I was excited because I’d never lived in a town that had a professional baseball team—the Washington Senators—and a professional football team—the Washington Redskins. From the spring of 1957 to the winter of 1959, I listened to virtually every game on radio. During that time, I broke four radios and threw three out the window. My teen years hardened me for life, and I was able to get through the worst times by merely remembering the futility of these teams.
    The Washington Senators finished in last place in the American League throughout my high school years, losing 99, 93 and 91 games in succession. I was first drawn to the Senators because they had a center fielder named Albie Pearson who was shorter than me. Here was a diminutive man that made the Major Leagues. He gave me hope. Of course, while with the Senators, he never hit his weight. Cookie Lavagetto was the manager and Roy Sievers was the big hitter, while Eddie Yost used to get a walk every game, apparently because he was deathly afraid of the ball. In 1959, the Senators added Harmon Killebrew, Jim Lemon and Bob Allison, each of whom pounded out more than 30 home runs. They still finished last and the next year moved to Minnesota.
    The Washington Redskins ran off three seasons in which they finished 6-6, 4-7-1 and 3-9. Once again, I was sparked by a little man, quarterback Eddie Lebaron, another guy I towered over. Eddie’s problem was that he couldn’t see over the onrushing linemen of the opposing teams, thus creating the dismal records of his career. Joe Kuharich was the coach and was notable because he possessed absolutely no charisma and was hated throughout the metropolitan area. Don Bosseler was the big ball carrier and averaged a little over 600 yards a season.
    Now look at them! The Washington Nationals lead the league with the best record in baseball and how about those ’skins? Rookie sensation Robert Griffin the Third (RG3) threw for 320 yards in his first game. They actually looked great! Sure, now. If I had those teams when I was growing up, there’s no telling what a difference it would have made in my life. I blame everything on them. As a celebration tonight of those horrid teams of my puberty, I plan to throw my television out the front picture window right next to my neighbor’s living room set tonight.
    It’s just not fair! Nice talking to you.

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Mr. Millspaugh still lives in a log cabin.

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