Gene Moore

He was a baseball prodigy. At the age of fifteen, Gene Moore was a boy, playing like a man, in a game where men, play like boys.

Headed for baseball stardom with the Brooklyn Dodgers, his destiny was interrupted by
Pearl Harbor.
His life... and
maybe our
national
pastime...
would be
forever altered.

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Gene Moore and Sesser, Illinois, seem to be striking a heartwarming chord with readers all across the country. Arlene and I traveled to Sesser-the "Home of the Egyptians!"-this past weekend and were once again reminded of the warmth and charm of this unique little community. Sesser was where my dad grew up playing baseball at "The Lumberyard." It is a very special place and it is the people of Sesser who make it so.

On Friday I spoke about baseball, my dad, and life in general to the students of the Sesser-Valier schools. If you want to feel good about the future of our country, spend some time with the students and faculty of the Sesser-Valier schools. They are smart, polite, creative, positive, and disciplined. They could not have been more attentive and welcoming. Arlene and I are very grateful.

On Sunday, I spoke with about 150 residents of the Sesser area at the historic and beautiful Sesser Opera House about my book Playing with the Enemy. It was a very emotional experience. I felt like I was bringing my dad home to the people he loved. I met new and old friends as well as new relatives I had never met. One older gentleman walked up and said, "You are Gene Moore's son? He was one hell of a baseball player." The lump is still in my throat. It was a tremendous experience and one I will never forget. To say "thank you" to Mayor Ned Mitchell and the wonderful people of Sesser just does not seem enough. I am grateful beyond my ability to express it. Thank you.

If you have never been to Sesser and someday find yourself in Southern Illinois, stop by and take a look. Take a walk down Main Street (now called Franklin), sample the ribs at the Opera House Café, visit the Custard Stand, and ask where "The Lumberyard" once stood. If you love baseball and have read Playing with the Enemy, listen carefully-you might just hear the crack of a bat and the dull thud of my dad's mitt catching a forkball.

Arlene and I want to thank Mayor Mitchell and everyone we met who participated in making our visit to Sesser so very special. We are looking forward to seeing you again soon.