Time to clean out the notebook.
Not long after the Detroit Tigers completed their four-game sweep over my New York Yankees last Thursday night, my cell phone alerted me to a text message. What I found when I opened it was a photo of Dan Lunetta, the Tigers' director of minor league operations. He was wearing a big smile on his face while holding a bottle of champagne in his right hand.
With Lunetta, a friend for nearly 40 years, assured of another trip to the World Series, I couldn't have been happier for him and I was thrilled that he could enjoy the postgame celebration at Comerica Park.
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AMY PETERSON
Speaking of local connections with the American League champions, Amy Peterson, the daughter of Greg and Cindy Peterson of Lakewood, is the Tigers' sponsorship services manager and assistant counsel.
She is seen holding the William Harridge Trophy, which is awarded to the ALCS champion.
Brian Keefer is now without hair, but he doesn't mind a bit.
The Bemus Point native had his head shaved after raising $1,500 late last month to support his aunt, who is undergoing cancer treatments.
Keefer, a former Maple Grove High School football star and Alfred University All-American, fashioned different looks before ultimately sporting the buzz-cut.
Dick Berardino, who was a coach for the Jamestown Falcons more than 40 years ago, made an appearance over the weekend as the guest speaker at the Hugh Bedient Centennial Banquet at the Robert H. Jackson Center.
His message included humorous stories about his professional baseball career, which began in 1958, but he left the audience with a tract that is worth repeating. Written by an unknown author, it's entitled ''Drug Problem.'' It follows below:
I had a drug problem when I was young. I was drug to church and Sunday School on Sunday morning. I was drug to weddings and funerals of friends and relatives. If I misbehaved at any of those, I was drug outside. I was drug to family reunions and expected to kiss the aunts. I was drug to the bus to go to school EVERY DAY that school was in session. I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults and teachers. I was drug to the bathroom for soap applied to my mouth when I used bad words. I was drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my father. I was drug back to the woodshed when I talked back to my mother. Those drugs are still in my veins. They affect my behavior in everything I do, say and think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack or heroin and if today's children had this kind of drug problem America would certainly be a better place.