"Take Me Out to the Ball Game…"

This spring and summer were filled with baseball- local and on a professional level. I really enjoy watching live games and had the opportunity to see the pros play in both Cleveland and in Pittsburgh. Neither team has a spectacular record but the atmosphere is great. In April, I was fortunate to throw out the first pitch at the Pirates game. I brought my parents and we had fun being right down on the field near the players. I like watching the Peroghy Race and seeing people actually dive for a T-shirt or a hot dog shot out of an air gun.

For the second year, I was asked to play in a “celebrity” softball game for the Hope Foundation (www.Hopemv.org) in their annual Mahoning County vs. Trumbull County game. We had another great day and perfect weather to play. This year, the teams met again to settle the 11-11 tie from last year. I’m sorry to say Mahoning County took a beating. I’ll blame it on this year’s new coach- Mahoning County’s Democratic Party Chair Dave Betras. After his trash-talk got us into trouble, he “bought” runs by making a donation to the Hope Foundation. It was all in good fun. We then stuck around to watch the fantastic play by the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.

My friend Peggy took me to a Cleveland Indians game. There was a Cleveland Browns game that same day so we had plenty to watch, live and on TV. Unfortunately, both Cleveland teams lost, but it was the company and the atmosphere that made it a fun afternoon. We even got our picture taken with the Indians' mascot, Slider.

"Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack..."

Being Italian

In March 2009, I, along with Mahoning County Commissioner Anthony Traficanti, was honored by Ciao Promotions. The organization's motto is "Italians promoting Italians" and every year, at the annual Spring Dinner Show, an Italian man and woman are recognized. Tony Trolio and Ciao put on another great and professional show. The crowd of about 275 enjoyed entertainment straight from Queens, NY. Comedian Marcantonio warmed up the audience with his zany humor told with a heavy accent. Then, singer Jimmy Alleva wowed the crowd with his powerful voice singing popular and traditional Italian songs. He told us that as a boy, his father paid him $5 for each Italian song he learned and he's been singing ever since. My friends and family had 4 tables and had a blast between the jokes, the food, and the wine. Our tables had homemade biscotti as party favors!
I asked Dr. Rashid Abdu to introduce me and I was honored that he accepted. I admire his passion and enthusiasm. Since he retired from surgery, he has stayed so busy- writing a book "Journey of a Yemeni Boy," practicing his photography, taking martial arts, and traveling, among other things. He talked from the heart and gave me a wonderful introduction. He reminded the audience that I got my great qualities from my loving family. I opened my thanks and comments by sharing a secret with the audience- like my favorite golfer Fred Couples, I am only half Italian. My Mother is proudly 100% Slovenian. I told stories of my growing up mostly Italian and the scenes seemed to revolved around food. For example, I thought all families had full kitchens in their basement. My Dad worked in foodservice for about 40 years. As a result, my brother and I knew, even at a young age, what a #10 size can was. While I was in college, my Dad dropped off cases of cookies when other kids were getting a dozen cookies in their care packages from home. Everyone wants to be your friend when you have that many cookies! Una sera bella.