A Farewell Ode to Ralph Branca
By Bill McCurdy
The Pecan Park Eagle
We never know – when we take the mound
Of anything – that’s our main ground
This time – may not be the climb – we thought we needed
And so it was for Ralph – that day
He came to save – the Dodger say
In lining up the Yanks next – unimpeded
October 3rd of ’51 – the date now etched – in joy and none
Still echoes over time – in lamentation
The tears of Brooklyn rain ’til time is done
Ralph’s second pitch to Thomson – still unfurling
“The Shot Heard ‘Round the World” – is up and curling
Till 90 years of age – it keeps on swirling
Ralph Branca left us yesterday – up in Rye, NY – in the USA
As his last breath gave fully away – to the late day shadows dark
And the homer finally stops – at last – with no pain left to bark
“The Giants Won The Pennant” – that long ago Polo Grounds day
But you won our warrior hearts over time – Mr. B
With each never ending – grainy replay
Your gifts to the game of baseball and life
Are much larger – than that painful day thing
For you – they are done, sir – but our world carries on with your sting.
You deserve every second of tranquility that eternity has to offer
Rest In Peace, Ralph Branca
____________________
Triskaidekaphobia, Indeed ….
Ralph Branca? …. Not So Much.
____________________
Publisher, Editor, Writer
The Pecan Park Eagle
Houston, Texas
Tags: An Ode to Ralph Branca
The Pecan Park Eagle 
November 25, 2016 at 2:39 pm |
For those influenced by triskaidekaphobia, it might be noted that Raplh Branca wore number “13” when he gave up the home run to Bobby Thomson.
In the last few years, controversy has arisen about the Giants stealing signs from center field in the Polo Grounds and whether Bobby Thomson knew what pitch was coming.
“Bobby was the hero, but the fellow who came out of that incident 10 feet tall was Ralph Branca,” Dodger broadcaster Vin Scully said after Thomson died in 2010. “Ralph to me carried the cross exceptionally well. After a while it had to be excruciating.”
(Quoted from Los Angeles Times writer Keith Thursby)
November 26, 2016 at 6:51 pm |
Hi Bill.
I was sad to hear of Ralph Branca’s passing having met him several times. Despite the fact he gave up the most famous home run in Major League history, I first met him when he went around signing autographs with Bobby Thomson. A little over a year ago I got to talk to him when he made a visit with his son-in-law, Bobby Valentine in my home town of Pleasantville, NY.