With the Cleveland Indians on the cusp of a World Series victory (or loss), I’ve dug out the letter the Indians’ manager Al Lopez sent me in May 1955, when I was most of the way through the 7th grade, not just a devoted Indian fan, but heading into my second year as an infielder with the Swampscott Little League’s version of the Indians.
Imagine my excitement at seeing that logo on the envelope! And then at the letter from the great Al Lopez, with its incredible letterhead, thus held onto all these years. Holy mackerel. We were on! I didn’t keep a copy of the letter I’d written him, asking for an interview for a school publication that existed mostly in the imagination, mine & a budding sportswriter classmate. All it took was a little chutzpah & a stamp, though I’m sure I didn’t really expect a response, let alone one so personal.