The picture of your first win is dated the 24th but according to the MLB website and Baseball Reference, the game was actually on the 23rd. I think the photo appeared in the next day’s newspaper.
Let me know if you find these little letters useful. If you do and there are any changes you want, let me know. Any/all you feel comfortable sending to me I’ll put on the website. They’ll all be in your tone – humble and grateful.
Here’s a little summary on what you sent about Hank Aaron…
While pitching for the Dodgers I was lucky enough to face some of the game’s greatest players. One of the many who stands out is Henry Aaron.
The first time I faced him was in April of 1962. We were in Milwaukee and it was my second career start. Hank pinch hit for his brother Tommie in the 7th inning with two men on. Luckily he flied out to right. I got my first career win on a complete game that night. Even better, two days later my son Gary was born. It was so meaningful.
We played the Braves two months later at Dodger Stadium. Hank was in the starting lineup. After I walked Eddie Mathews in the 6th, Hank tagged me for a two-run homer. I left the game with the lead but the usually-reliable bullpen coughed up a few runs.
That home run was the 270th of Hank’s career. It was the only one he ever hit off of me. It was a great time of life.
On Wed, May 17, 2023 at 9:50 AM Joe Moeller <moe25joe@gmail.com> wrote:
My first win was April 24th and Gary was born the next day, 25th.
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Jim Smiley
Psychology/Sociology
World History Teacher
Crescenta Valley High School