not many people get to live their childhood dream of growing up to play for their hometown team. but the few who do, truly become heroic figures in the eyes of their peers. they become real life evidence that even the most unlikely of situations can transpire. their family . . . . their friends . . . . even their neighbors, look on with the utmost awe. for nothing is more inspiring than someone realizing their full potential and watching their hopes come to fruition.
on april 27, 1968 . . . . tom phoebus did just that.
it was safety patrol day at memorial stadium. the perfect environment for children to bask in the glow of their idols. a cool and wet day could do nothing to dampen charm city's spirits as he took the mound against the american league champion boston red sox. even though the stadium was barely over a quarter full, those who braved the weather, witnessed history. after an 83 minute rain delay . . . . eight strikeouts . . . . three walks . . . . and a shoestring catch by brooks robinson, phoebus struck out joe foy and the crowd went wild.
a no-hitter ladies and gentlemen, right in his own back yard! 
on april 27, 1968 . . . . tom phoebus did just that.it was safety patrol day at memorial stadium. the perfect environment for children to bask in the glow of their idols. a cool and wet day could do nothing to dampen charm city's spirits as he took the mound against the american league champion boston red sox. even though the stadium was barely over a quarter full, those who braved the weather, witnessed history. after an 83 minute rain delay . . . . eight strikeouts . . . . three walks . . . . and a shoestring catch by brooks robinson, phoebus struck out joe foy and the crowd went wild.
a no-hitter ladies and gentlemen, right in his own back yard! merritt point elementary school safety patrol 1967-68. dad's the one wearing blue, top left corner.
my father was lucky enough to be one of those kids in that audience. only twelve years old . . . . triple a safety patrol belt and all . . . . he had his whole life in front of him. and would you believe, another no-hitter?! you betchya . . . . saw jim palmer's the very next summer. but that's another story for another time.
a new day,
until twenty seven.
a new day,
until twenty seven.
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Your dad is Tom Phoebus? He happens to be my dad's cousin......My Great Aunt Mel's son.....sound familiar? My dad and Tom grew up in Baltimore, Tommy called my dad Mickey (his name is Mike) anyway I have picked up some cards over the years of his days with the "O's" and the Padres.. He was here in Yuma for Spring training '71-'72. I went with the family to visit all the relatives in Baltimore when I was like 12. We went to Aunt Mel's house and they showed us the bar in the basement, with Tom's pictures, signed baseballs news clippings etc. all over....
ReplyDeleteFollow up to my last comment, My name is Steve (Harden) Legros, my dad Mike and all his brothers moved here to Yuma in the late 50's. My grandmother Ann is the sister of Aunt Mel, Aunt Lean, Aunt Gin, and Aunt Madee. I spoke with Tom a couple of years ago, when I was looking for his B-Ball cards for my dad's birthday. Is he still in Florida? Well, hope all is well. If you want to contact me you can find me on Facebook or just email me. Thanks. Steve
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