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
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Triskaidekaphobia, Indeed ….
Ralph Branca? …. Not So Much.
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