At the time I’m writing this, early in the gridiron season, the heat index in the Mississippi Delta is 105 degrees and it’s hard to imagine how young men are playing football in this extreme weather. But it’s also that time of year when the boys of summer compete for the spotlight with college football. At the moment, the Dodgers have clinched the National League Western Division and the Braves have clinched a wildcard spot in the National League Eastern Division, but over in the American League several teams are still scrapping to have a chance at postseason play. Who’s your team?
Last week I had the chance to meet one of Mississippi‘s favorite native sons, Archie Manning, and hear him tell stories of growing up in the Delta. He shared fond memories about playing baseball in Cleveland and meeting the legendary coach Boo Ferriss. Although Archie was drafted out of high school by more than one major league team, he chose Vaught-Hemingway and the Superdome for his sporting arena and my, what a magnificent mark he made on the game of football.
But for all the boys of summer who play games on diamonds, from Little Leaguers to World Series legends, here’s a song from my new Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter Eye album that is a tribute to that Shaw Hawk/Mississippi State Bulldog/Boston Red Sox player and Delta State coach, the great Boo Ferriss….they just don’t make them like that anymore. Play ball…