50 yrs ago I played Hooky & saw a Perfect Game

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Posted By: Ted Zanidakis

The one and only time I played hooky from going to school was the day Don Larsen
pitched his PERFECT GAME......Oct 8th 1956.

I told my Mom I did not feel good....I was faking it....as I wanted to stay home and
watch a World Series game. At noon I turned on our 16" Admiral TV and never left it.
I still recall the 9th inning when Furillo, Campy, and Mitchell came to bat just like it
was yesterday. And, I also recall some of the exciting plays in this game that could
have broken up the no-hitter.

Several years ago I met Don Larsen in Cooperstown on HOF w/e....and I told him all
this. We had a great conversation. He was modest enough to say "the Dodgers that
day made it easy for me, as I only had to throw 97 pitches".

As we were parting, he said (with a smile on his face)...."I don't believe you, son".
Surprised at his comment, I replied "Don, I can recall all the important moments of
the game; and, believe me.....I was saying my prayers for you in that 9th inning".
Don said...."Oh, I believe your story, I just don't believe that it was the only time
you ever played hooky".
We both cracked up laughing as I thanked him for reminiscing with me.


In the new issue of OLD CARDBOARD, Lyman has included a nice tribute to the 50th
anniversary of Don Larsen's Perfect Game.