Growing up in my family involved fealty to three very significant institutions…The Roman Catholic Church, the Republican Party and the New York Yankees.
That was a great read, Peter. I too grew up idolizing the guy who wore #7 for the guys in pinstripes. My father took me to plenty of games. Childhood memories of sports are among the best memories that we have. They always made us feel special—-better than the next guy. Particularly if we got to witness something up close and personal. Fast forward by about 30 years and I find myself eating dinner with the Mick numerous times. He and Pat Summerall were very close friends. When Pat was in town for Giants games or US Open I would often have dinner with him. We were putting our production and talent up at the Regency. There was an Italian restaurant around the corner on 61street between Park and Mad. That Pat I used to go to. Inevitably the Mick was there dining, most of the time by himself. So he would join us. Needless to say the bills were quite high….the Mick loved fine wine and Pat drank only top shelf vodka. They were gentlemen to the finest. The stories were fabulous, although some were embellished. And we were treated like royalty.
Just one thing surprised me in your essay….that your family members were devout Republicans. I would not have guessed that.
Happy Birthday…..what’s left of it. I saw that on Facebook but you told me a few years ago that you were no longer using it. So I hope you had a good day and I wish you a good year.
Thanks for those remembrances. Willie was the greatest and he thrilled and touched so many of us — even Dodgers fans. Happy birthday.
Fantastic, Peter. I couldn't love Willie more... I love the "Trinity" of your family.
Cheers to the fabulous Tortorici tribe.
That was a great read, Peter. I too grew up idolizing the guy who wore #7 for the guys in pinstripes. My father took me to plenty of games. Childhood memories of sports are among the best memories that we have. They always made us feel special—-better than the next guy. Particularly if we got to witness something up close and personal. Fast forward by about 30 years and I find myself eating dinner with the Mick numerous times. He and Pat Summerall were very close friends. When Pat was in town for Giants games or US Open I would often have dinner with him. We were putting our production and talent up at the Regency. There was an Italian restaurant around the corner on 61street between Park and Mad. That Pat I used to go to. Inevitably the Mick was there dining, most of the time by himself. So he would join us. Needless to say the bills were quite high….the Mick loved fine wine and Pat drank only top shelf vodka. They were gentlemen to the finest. The stories were fabulous, although some were embellished. And we were treated like royalty.
Just one thing surprised me in your essay….that your family members were devout Republicans. I would not have guessed that.
Happy Birthday…..what’s left of it. I saw that on Facebook but you told me a few years ago that you were no longer using it. So I hope you had a good day and I wish you a good year.