In the spring of 1991 I answered an add in the paper by a team looking for baseball players. I hadn't played hardball in about ten years having switched to fastpitch softball, but was curious to see if I could still pitch. I joined a team called Greco Construction that season.
Our first game was at Heritage Park and I picked up the win in relief. It was especially meaningful as both my parents were there to watch me as they had been through Little League and High School. My mother was in the mid stages of Alzheimer's at the time but was still with it enough to know her "little boy" had done good. My catcher that day was Mike Girard (HOF), and some of my other teammates were: Jim Ansel (HOF), Tom Warner, Pete Zamory and Dennis Scimeca (HOF). All but Dennis still active in our league.
To the best of my recollection I have played for almost 20 teams covering every age division we have ever had except the eighteen's. Yes Tim Brown I have quite a hat collection myself. I have been on Championship teams, cellar dwellers and everywhere in between. I would like to extend many thanks to all my manager's who put in so much work and put up with me in my crazier years early on in this league. I thank my teammates who also put up with me early on and whom without, I couldn't have had any of whatever successes I've been able to enjoy. I have met so many awesome people that I don't dare to begin to name them all. I think all could agree that in addition to our love of the game it is the comradery we enjoy the most. Thank you all.
I also want to thank John Reel and all those who have worked so hard over the years to make this league the great league that it is. They had the for sight to keep adding new divisions so those of us who age out, but still love playing had another division to move on to. I could be wrong but I believe we are the only MSBL League to have this many divisions. I caution all you younger players do not take that for granted! It did not come by accident. It took dedicated members who put in time and effort. More younger members need to get involved to secure the future of this great league. Thank you John and the many others who have contributed so much to this league.
I must continue my list of shout outs and go back to my parents. My mother who in addition to coming to my L.L. games also put in time volunteering in the concession stand. She even used to come to my fastpitch softball games when I was playing at Sportsman's Park in Schenectady. (for those of you old enough to remember that). And who do you think wash washing those dirty uniforms even then? Thank you mom. To my dad who put a mitt in my hand when I was in the cradle. Literally, I have a picture somewhere. I was never blessed with the pure athletic skill that he was, but thanks to the countless hours he spent working with me or even just playing catch. (Don't get me started on Field of Dreams or I'll start crying right now). Thank you dad.
Moving on. In 1998 I was about to "hang them up" when I met my future wife Shirley. "I like baseball" she said, "don't quit I'd come watch you". And that she did for the next 15 or so years. Accompanied by my dog "Dude" she came to most all of my games, even when I was playing in three divisions at once. Keeping my personal scorebook as well as the team book at times. After those fifteen years she laughingly said, "I think I've fulfilled my commitment. I have grandchildren to take care of." She still has been nothing but encouraging and supportive, and after all these years, "She's Still the One".(apologies to Orleans). To the love of my life, thank you Shirley, I love you.
Last but certainly not least, I thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving me the health and ability to play this game I love for so many years. Thank you Lord Jesus.
For the past ten years friends have asked me why I keep playing and I'd tell them because I love it and I still can. I joked I have to enjoy it because you never know when my next pitch will be my last. Well I'm sad to say that day, that pitch, has apparently come. For the past three seasons I have battled health and injury issues. After a few surgeries (I can hear Maney saying, "only a few, wimp!") it is time to retire. I am still proud to serve the league on the BOD but my playing days are over.
Never in my wildest fantasies would I have imagined that in 1991 I would be writing this after thirty years in the CDMSBL and seven others in Roy Hobbs. I've truly been blessed.
It's been a blast.
CB Abrams
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Proverbs 3:5-6New King James Version (NKJV)
5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct[a] your paths.
www.copsforchristny.com
Chris, surely you jest (stop calling me Shirley). You were a great teammate, and an even better person. You were one of the main reasons that the WhizKids didnt fold back in 2013. Thank you for that. I hope that now we can finally get in that round of golf that weve talked about for years. Come over to see a game sometime, and well talk over a few cold ones.
You capture our relationship with baseball. My privilege to be with you on the baseball journey. Thanks for sharing baseball with us! Baseball Forever.
Chris, wow...congrats on your 30 year CDMSBL journey! You've seen it all on the field and continue to contribute off the field to the success of our league. Don't forget your still a registered Matinee player so if you get the itch, you know when and where we are!
Chris - you may not be on the field anymore, but your ghost will be. Your hummer, your sinker, your change-up made you especially difficult to hit. And memorable for that. Memorable, too, was your upbeat attitude with teammates and competitors. I'm glad I was one of each. Much luck and improved health to you. -Mike
Admittedly, I enjoyed playing behind you much more than I did facing you. Still fondly remember the complete game gem you threw in Florida Fall Classic a few years back. Chris,you are truly one of the Good Guys in the league. You may be leaving baseball, but it will never leave you. Happy trails...
Just a point of clarification for those who have questioned me as to why I would quit. My last surgery was to repair a torn labrum on my pitching shoulder. To do that they had to cut and reattach my bicep muscle. Ironically I did not injure the shoulder pitching but by lifting weights (insert your own joke here) over the winter in 2020. After 6 months of rehab post surgery I have not regained my ability to throw. So the answer to the questions of why I would quit if I could still play is, I can't. I could probably swing a bat but NO ONE wants to see that! Not one team that I have played for ever picked me up for my hitting "skills".
Thanks to all who have posted or reached out to me. Like I said, it's been a blast.
Chris A.
__________________
Proverbs 3:5-6New King James Version (NKJV)
5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct[a] your paths.
www.copsforchristny.com
Chris,
It was great getting to know you during our short time as Yankee teammates.
It was much nicer wearing the same uniform than it was facing you in the batters box.
You always provided inspiration on the field or from the bench and were a great teammate to have.
Best of luck,
Gregg
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Gregg Woolston
Damn Yankees 55+ over
gwool08@gmail.com
Being a teammate and opponent of yours were certainly experiences that will last forever. Of all those experiences, seeing the glow on your face when you took the bump in Florida at Brighthouse Stadium - the home field of your favorite team - the Philadelphia Phillies. Precious! Glad we'll stay connected through the CDMSBL BOD. Thnx Chris for the memories.
