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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I am sitting at my gate waiting for my return flight to Chicago. I visited the Steel City for a book signing last night at Borders and a TV appearance earlier the same day. It was a great trip but always a pleasure to return home. I am struck by the beauty of this place. Pittsburgh still has the reputation of an old steel manufacturing town but it has been transformed into a high-tech center and by appearances, seems to be booming. The view driving into Pittsburgh at night is stunning. The architecture is remarkable and the people welcoming.

I want to say a special thank you to Allison and Mark Barash who really made my visit special. Allison is a kindred soul of sorts, as her father is also from Sesser and she shares my love for that tiny southern Illinois town. In fact, Allison’s grandfather was an umpire in Sesser and more than likely officiated many games for my dad and the Egyptians. Thank you Allison and Mark! Also a special thank you to the great staff of Borders (North Hill location) for their hospitality. I would love to return when the paperback is issued.

As I was preparing for my TV interview with Chris Moore at the studios of channel 11 on “TV Hill,” I was able to take a moment and enjoy the unencumbered view overlooking the city. I pondered the fact that my father never set foot in this town even though it was his dream to do so. Forbes Field is gone, and even its replacement, Three Rivers Stadium is but a memory replaced by the new and modern home of the Pirates. Everything is in motion and nothing remains the same. I took a measure of satisfaction in the fact I was in the home of the Pirates as Gene Moore’s surrogate, bringing his story of war, baseball and a life in pursuit of a dream to the town he was never called to visit. My dad was always very grateful to the Pirates organization for giving him his second shot, regardless of his injury. In a way, my trip to Pittsburgh was my feeble attempt to complete his dream. Playing with the Enemy: A Baseball Prodigy, a World at War and a Field of Broken Dreams was “called up” to Pittsburgh. I enjoyed an unexpected satisfaction at being here for Dad.

Next week I’ll be in the Cleveland area (Strongsville and Canton) for two signing opportunities and several media appearances. If you are in the Cleveland or know anyone there who has an interest in a story like, this, please let them know. I would love to meet them.

Warmest Regards,

Gary