Fred Rico 1969 Kansas City Royals

"My first day in the big leagues was a memorable one."

He hit a line drive over third base for a double in his first at bat. His next at bat, he hit another line drive between third and short for a single.

Fred tell s a great story about standing on first after that first career single. He says that he thought to himself that the big leagues were going to be easy.

The very next pitch he was picked off of first.

Fred says that Mickey Mantle was his favorite player.

Postcard: Memorial Stadium, Baltimore

"Completed in 1954 at a cost of over $6 million, with a permanent seating capacity of almost 50,000, this modern double-decker stadium is the home of the American League "Orioles" and the National Football League "Colts".

WOW! How times change!

Ray Rippelmeyer- 1962 Washington Senators

Ray Rippelmeyer, who played for the Senators in 1962, the Louisville Colonels in 1959, and the Evansville Braves in 1954 sent a great note to me recently!

He says, "I spent a lot of time playing in Louisville as an opposing player in 57, 58, & 61."

Ray tells me that he was the opening day pitcher for Louisville in 1959, but it was cold, and he felt that he did not do well. He was sent to Atlanta after 5 weeks and an ERA around 5.

He mentions that he played against Louisville, while playing for the Indianapolis Indians, in 1961 and he had some success, as they beat Louisville for the pennant that year.

Ray did something else very cool in the area he says. "I also refereed several games for Denny Crum."

Ray also mentions that his buddy Doug Flynn lives in Lexington! (Jimerado's note: Doug Flynn is an asset to the area!).

Mr. Rippelmeyer says that he has been to the new park in Louisville as a roving coach for the Mets!

Clyde Parris- Negro Leagues Star

Clyde Parris played in the Negro Leagues mostly in the mid to late 1940s.

Clyde very kindly sent me a note about baseball recently.

He notes that the last time he went to a game it was at Shea Stadium. His favorite player is Mariano Rivera.

I asked Clyde about playing in Kentucky. He is noted as a member of the Louisville Buckeyes. He said that he doesn't remember ever playing in Kentucky.

Of course, the team was transitioning between Louisville and Cleveland at that time.

Thanks for the note Mr. Parris!

Reds Caravan in Lexington

I took a few pictures at the Reds Caravan event
in Lexington a couple of weeks ago. The place was crowded!

I really love the mall area connected to Rupp Arena, and I would like to see this area get utilized more! This is a great area in Lexington. Downtown is just as attractive as any other downtown in any other city, but it is easier to get around, in my opinion. The mall is VERY crowded during concerts and UK basketball games, but go there on an off day. You will feel like you have the place to yourself! Plus, they have several cool and unique shops!

The caravan was fun too. Jay Bruce was the main attraction, along with Tom Bowning. The unannounced addition of Joe Morgan was a real treat for most.

The crowd was massive, and they did cut the autograph line promptly at 1:30, leaving some without autographs. The good people with the Reds did give free game tickets to those who did not get autographs.

Al Severinsen 1969 Orioles and 1971-1972 Padres

Al Severinsen sent me a great note recently. I liked it a lot, so I am going to simply quote most of it.

"My favorite team in the majors was and still is the Baltimore Orioles and the Rochester Red Wings of the International League. Louisville was also a great city to play in."

Al does mention former players he likes. "I really loved to watch the Atlanta Braves when they had Glavine, Maddux, and Smoltz, they always produced exciting, well pitched games."

I specifically asked Al about playing for the legendary Hawaii Islanders.

"Hawaii was the most unbelievable minor league experience, if you have to go to the minors, send me there."

Mr. Severinsen gives me another great story.

"As far as a story about baseball I like to say my wife and I 'baby sat' for a Hall of Famer for three years, and by my records I'm glad we did a good job. By the way, his name Cal Ripken Jr."

Randy Schwartz- 1965-1966 KC Athletics

Randy Schwartz played for the Athletics in 65-66.

He sent me a note answering some questions.

He says his favorite team is the Padres. He doesn't follow the minor leagues.

Adrian Gonzalez is his favorite player.

His favorite former players are Ted Williams and Tony Gwynn.

Thanks Randy!

Jack Smith- Milwaukee Braves and LA Dodgers

Jack Smith played for the Milwaukee Braves in 1964, and the Dodgers in 1962 and 1963.

He sent me this VERY cool photo of him at Wrigley Field. Check out his background! Probably every young player dreams of posing at Wrigley with ivy behind them!

Thanks for the photo Jack!