What a Game!

My dad used to LOVE the Phillies. I mean really truly loved them. He would listen to them on his little pink radio every single time they played. And, he would look forward to hearing about the players and everything that had to do with the team. Now, they weren't really a good team sadly, but that didn't keep him from wanting to cheer them on and listen to them religiously when they were playing. When he was 14 yrs old, his brother Carl had gotten into a bit of trouble. He had cursed out a lady that was in a parking lot and got himself arrested, because back in the late '50s/early 60s you didn't curse out a women, even if it was South Jersey. Gramps had to go get him out of jail and he was, as you can imagine, not happy. And, when Gramps was upset, the kids got punished. Dad's in his bedroom, listening to the game on his radio when he hears his dad and brother return. He then hears his dad say, "You're going to take this." and heard Carl start getting spanked. And, back then, you didn't just use the back of your hand. You used an instrument of some sort. It wasn't fun. Because it hurt, his brother Carl was trying to get away from Grandpa and the commotion was getting louder. Dad was leaning closer to the radio, so he could keep hearing the game over the sounds in the kitchen. The Phillies, who were losing 4-1 in the 9th, were beginning to rally and he didn't want to miss a thing! He was thrilled!!! But, as the game gets more exciting, he begins to notice the noise from the kitchen getting louder and louder and before he knows it Carl is running through the room and runs up the stairs, crying all the way. Grandpa is now in his room with the whip in his hand, just holding it and starts staring at dad. Dad knew if he moved a single muscle, he would end up seeing the other end of that whip, so he sits perfectly still by that radio - not wanting his dad's anger at his brother to shift to him! As he sits there like a statue, he hears the Phillies pull off the victory. Bottom of the 9th, they end up winning 5-4!! He's screaming inside with joy, wanting to jump up and down and yell out in excitement, but continues to not say anything or move a single muscle until Grandpa leaves the room. He was so mad at his brother that night for ruining such a great game for him!