Trips to Chicago

When I was a boy, I remember trips to Chicago

They were summer trips to see dad's bother-in-laws and SPORTING EVENTS.

I remember cousins Johnny and Ellenor and Uncle Louie and Aunt Marge.

I remember the Homewood house along the IC Railway.

I remember Johnny's upstairs bedroom overlooking the front lawn. 

And, I remember the kitchen where food was aplenty, card games galore and arguments went on into the night..

When I was a young lad, I remember coming of age in Chicago.

They were a teenage dream come true.

I remember riding in Johnny's convertible.

I remember our trips to The Indiana Dunes.

I remember Johnny's blond girlfriend with a great figure.

I remember her female friends who taught me "the rumble-seat ropes."

When I was an adolescent "man," I remember the games my dad loved.

On numerous trips to Chicago, we took the train to Soldier's Field to see the College All Star Game.

I remember the times when we cheered for Alex Karris, Paul Geil, Kenny Ploene, Willy Fleming, Paul Horning and Crazy-legs Hursh.

I remember attending White Sox games and Cubs games .... I once saw a triple play and a few grand slams.

I remember cheering for Minni Minoso, Jim Landis and Ernie Banks!

My father was a "sports nut," and it is genetic!

When I was an impressionable teen, Uncle Louie would take me past the jaguar Dealership on the way to his office.

He would promise me that someday I could have one of my own.

Hard work was the payment for such a luxury ... I remember wanting one so bad.

I remember visiting Uncle Louie's office at Illinois Bell ... he was so loved by his many employees, friends and co-workers.

I remember that he'd finish work early so that we could hop the subway (The El) to Wrigley Park to catch a Cubs-Cardinals game.

Uncle Louie was such a wonderful guy. He loved his sister, Al and the Hale children. I could feel his love.