The  Blue-jays

Seventeen boys of questionable character invited one season to play baseball by Samuel, who was made to coach this team by his wife Anna. Anna insisted that while he was looking for work and they were living with her parents, he do something valuable with his time.

“Spend time with those neighborhood boys!”

Samuel, figuring this would be a desirable situation to sitting around with the in-laws, no matter how swell they were, agreed. Having three young daughters with no sons on the horizon it was also a good time to live out his throwing catch fantasies. So, Samuel and occasionally the assistance of Anna father, the 17 boys began to learn how to play ball.

Borrowed mitts and basic uniforms provided by the local Italian bakery they were an interesting lot. It was a season where they lost more than the won -  so the scoreboard said – was still a winning season. A bond formed with Samuel and his young lads and he would see them  through 5 more seasons. Three after he found work and in just about time to watch some go to college and some go to work. Some get married and have daughters and sons of their own.

Even he was astounded none went to prison.