Gym Cracks By Jim May 16, 2002 BASEBALL SNEAK AWAYS Debut of new column "Gym Cracks By Jim" First up: Sneaking away to league games in G.I. By Jim (Babe) Berryman MissingNebraska.com Western Nebraska I spent the first 17-years of my life on a farm northeast of Greeley, NE or in the village of Greeley. Growing to adulthood in the Greeley area was a great experience. Most of one's staples necessary to live could be purchased in Greeley, but for some items it was necessary to travel to Grand Island to make these purchases. I also had a cousin who resided in Grand Island near Ryder Park. This park hosted many baseball games, including the Negro leagues. I am in my 60s, but I can remember all white major league baseball teams. Teams composed of black players used to barnstorm the United States playing great baseball. Ryder Park in Grand Island was one of their stops on the Negro League circuit. I used to "sneak" away from my host family to watch games in this park. I witnessed games between the Indianapolis Clowns, Kansas City Monarchs, Birmingham Black Barons, Baltimore Elite Giants, and other teams. A very outstanding player by the name Leroy "Satchel" Paige played as late as 1950 with the Monarchs and Philadelphia Stars. Satchel did play in the major leagues in 1948 and 1949 compiling 6-1, and 4-7 records, respectively with the Cleveland Indians. He was 42 and 43 years old when he played for the Indians. After playing for the Monarchs and Stars in 1950, he returned to play for the St. Louis Browns in the American League for another three years. He was 47-years old the last year he pitched for the Browns. Satchel was also known for his witticisms. Once he is reported to have said, "Don't look back, something may be gaining on you." After spending most of my adult life in education and taking early retirement, I awoke one morning and thought of Paige's statement being apropos in my life. Something was gaining on me; I was no longer associated with young people. I needed to do something to stay young, at least in my outlook on life. A person can only read so many papers and drink so much coffee on any given day. I decided to go back to work on a part time basis as a school administrator of two rural Sioux County schools, and also intend to do some writing. My wife feels I should write a book on some topic--Greeley, education, sports, etc. Do I have the self-discipline to write a book? I'm not sure. But for now the editor of MissingNebraska.com has given me the opportunity to write a column for his website. This is the first installment of what I hope to be one of many. And, hey, I won't have to look back, only ahead. Next week--those Chicago Cubs. Look for Gym Cracks by Jim every Thursday on MissingNebraska.com Feedback