I went back into the clubhouse and quietly finished dressing. Most of the players had left, the steam from the showers had cleared, and I decided to come back early in the morning to clear out my locker when no one was around.
Babe Ruth, who’d gotten a rub down from the team trainer, was now dressed and enjoying his postgame cigar. I’d just finished knotting my necktie when he walked over to me. “Hey, kid,” he said. “Charley told me you’re leaving. It’s a damned rotten deal, if you ask me.”
“It’s alright, Babe. I’ve been around, and I know how it goes.”
He shook his big head. “Damn. I wish we could keep you.”
“Me too,” I said. I felt privileged to have been a part of this team, and grateful that I’d gotten to know Babe Ruth.
He punched me playfully on the shoulder and offered me a cigar. I took it and walked to the clubhouse door.
Ruth called after me, “Hey, kid!” When I turned around, he gave me a broad wink. “I’m gonna miss you, Mickey.”
###
Mickey Rawlings Historical Baseball Mysteries:
Murder at Fenway Park
Murder at Ebbets Field
Murder at Wrigley Field
Hunting a Detroit Tiger
The Cincinnati Red Stalkings
Hanging Curve
Marshall Webb – Rebecca Davies Historical Mysteries:
Island of Tears
The Gilded Cage
Burning Bridges
Streets of Fire
Nonfiction Baseball History:
Before the Curse: The Glory Days of New England Baseball
Decision of the Umpire
Pick-Off Play (Mickey Rawlings)