In 1974, the final year of The Lynnfield Colonials era, the euphoria and success of the previous season had faded… along with the pitching… and the left handed sluggers who had carried the team in ’73 had been courted by and left for the more prestigious Boston Park League and The Cape Cod League. The era would not end, however, without one more lasting sports memory…
Charlie Meeker was a bonafide star on The Lynnfield Colonials. An outstanding three sport athlete at Lynnfield High School, Charlie played alongside Warren Mason (see prior blog) on the LHS 1961 undefeated State Championship Varsity Baseball Team. After graduation, Charlie spent some time in the Red Sox system but came back to Lynnfield to join The Colonials in the mid-60s… where he befriended and mentored a young teammate – Wesley Reed. The friendship, which remains strong today, eventually led to Charlie’s participation in some of our “neighborhood” sports. He was a star in “flag” football – where our rules allowed for flag “pulling” or tackling. Charlie ALWAYS chose the latter. But it was “street” hockey in which Charlie found his dream sporting activity… something very far removed from his other passion – fishing, where stealth and finesse ruled. Charlie was in his glory amongst the organized chaos of street hockey… an “arena” where having running speed was a virtue… you could hit people, carry a weapon (a hockey stick) and occasionally engage in fisticuffs, imagine being able to throw a punch (or two) without having to balance yourself on skates. Simply divine!
Blood and guts – that was Charlie. Biz Reed recalls a time when Charlie opened up a nasty gash on his arm diving to block a shot. It was only between periods, that Charlie stopped… and while bleeding profusely, calmly took out a baseball bat “pine tar rag” from his car trunk to “dab the wound”… the ultimate tough guy!
In time, our good friendship led to Charlie’s work with The Reed Corporation (then Reed Bros. Enterprises) and early snow removal forays… Charlie loved the intensity of “battling elements… men and machines.” He was so enamored with the work, he bought his own “heman” vehicle – a bright red three quarter ton Dodge Power Wagon truck mostly devoid of any creature comforts – just powerful… Charlie would say it could pass ANYTHING except a gas station!
The reality was… “doing ANY snow removal activity” ideally suited Charlie’s gritty, determined, and up-for-any-challenge makeup… the very same traits that made Charlie a leader on the field – revered and respected by opponents as well as by teammates.
Not so much one “legendary” Inter City League character, Eddie DiGiacomo. In the early ’70s Eddie ran the Medford North Ford Mustangs. A nice enough guy off the field, Eddie morphed into the person you loved to dislike on the field – acerbic, “mouthy” and irritating… that was Eddie. Which, in retrospect was befitting of his lot in the Medford baseball scene. He found himself – and his team, always playing second fiddle to Medford’s OTHER team – the glamorous and dignified Hosmer (Pontiac) Chiefs (think the NY Yankees of the Inter City League). Of note, The Chiefs, a first rate elite outfit if there ever was one, were run by classy Joe O’Donnell, the Harvard grad – and benefactor – who would become one of Boston’s very successful businessmen and who almost purchased The Red Sox a decade ago.
In 1974 Eddie’s outfit – generally woebegone and down trodden was actually scrapping for a final playoff spot – along with The Colonials. On one particular night in July, The Colonials had to travel to Playstead Park in Medford to play the Mustangs. One of the challenges those of us who ran teams were always faced with was getting players to the game when weather was an issue – and if the game would be ON or OFF (The decision always fell to the home team)… very often a conundrum because these were the days long before cell phones and instant messaging.
The Colonials’ “brain trust” – Wes Reed, and Warren Mason were at the field early enough, along with Charlie Meeker… even though it had been raining cats and dogs most of the afternoon. But, few other Colonials were there. As game time approached, the rains had finally abated in Medford and somehow Eddie got his “locals” to the park – enough players anyway, to field a team. Prior to the official six o’clock start we lobbied for a “prevailing conditions – rain out postponement.” But, as home team manager, Eddie had the final say and denied our request. However, he “granted” us half hour delay of the game to give The Colonials, as visitors, time for the rest of our team to arrive. How generous!
About ten minutes or so into the delay Eddie – running true to form – changes his mind… says the time is up… you don’t have enough players… I need the game… so I’m taking the forfeit (or something like that.) The umpires called the game. We were incensed – Charlie especially… because, to say the very least, Eddie was NEVER on Charlie’s dance card… but payback would follow.
August 1974… in the last week of the regular season, The Colonials, now out of contention, would host a final home game. The opponent was the Medford Mustangs – then clinging to a rare opportunity (for them) for a playoff spot. The evening was dark, murky and foggy and there was no chance really that the game would go the regular seven innings. Over time, the actual score has faded from memory, but the account of what happened has not. Eddie’s squad needs the WIN to keep in the playoff hunt. The Colonials are out… only playing for pride – and a bit of revenge.
With darkness and fog NOW REALLY setting in, The Colonials – got their chance to bat in the bottom of the fifth inning – which would probably be their last at bat due to the conditions. Eddie, up by one run, brought in his best pitcher to throw heat, take advantage of the darkness, and preserve the lead. Charlie Meeker led off for The Colonials… and coaxed a walk. Before the second guy to bat struck out (no one could actually SEE the pitches,) Charlie had stolen second. Now, with one out and before the next guy would strike out – Charlie had stolen third! But now, two outs. No one present that evening had any question what would happen next… because, what sports heroes and legends do – “they seize the moment” – Charlie then STOLE HOME WHEN EVERYONE KNEW IT WAS COMING – before the fourth batter of the inning could strike out… which he did to end the inning!
But, the run had tied the game. The umpire then called the game after five innings (ruled a complete game) despite Eddie’s protests to continue… he needed a win. The Mustangs – and Eddie were OUT, what comes around goes around. Payback’s a bitch!
