There's a man in Mobile who remembers that Honus Wagner hit a triple in Pittsburgh 46 years ago. That's baseball.

I just have faith. It's just there. It's not any big deal.

Baseball is a rookie, his experience no bigger than the lump in his throat as he begins fulfillment of his dream.

So much happened (in 1968) it was hard to keep up with everything. We had Denny McLain's thirty-one victories, Gates Brown's great pinch-hitting in the clutch, Tom Matchick's home run to beat Baltimore in the ninth inning, then Daryl Patterson striking out the side to beat them in the ninth. Excitement every day in the ballpark.

It's time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad and I'd much rather say hello. Hello to a new adventure.

I think I owe thanks to the people who have listened to me over the years, who tuned in on the radio. They have given me a warmth and loyalty that I've never been able to repay. The way they have reached out to me has certainly been the highlight of my life.

Everybody in the minor leagues - if you're a player, an announcer, whatever - wants to be in the big leagues.