Walter Johnson has always had a special place in our family history. In 1937 my father, Lou Manzo, a butcher for Swift & Co. won a trip to Chicago. My dad was poor and it was the heart of the depression. This was one of the highlights of my father's life.
By coincidence my father stayed in the same hotel as Walter Johnson. My dad recounted the evenings spent in the lobby of the hotel "talkin' baseball" with the greatest pitcher of all time. He described Johnson with such warmth. In one of their conversations, my dad asked him who he thought would be the next great pitcher. Walter predicted Bob Feller. As you know at this point, Feller was in the very beginning of his career. Of course, he was right!
This story comes full circle. In the late 1960's and early 1970's our hometown, Waterbury, Connecticut had minor league baseball. One of the teams was an Indian minor league team.
One night, at Municipal Stadium in Waterbury, CT, Bob Feller appeared at the game. My dad and I made our way through the stands to meet him. Fortunately we sat with Mr. Feller and watched the game. This gave my father the opportunity to personally tell Bob Feller about Walter Johnson's prediction in 1937. As you can imagine for a teenage kid, this was a very special evening for me. I still have the Eastern League Baseball which is signed, "To Dave Manzo, Bob Feller."
My dad was my hero. He was the best man at my wedding. I said his eulogy at his funeral. Now my son, Lou and I enjoy games together.
When you have at the opportunity, I recommend Henry Thomas' book about his grandfather, Walter Perry Johnson. His book gave me the opportunity enjoy some very happy memories of my father again. What a gift!
Links to Walter Perry Johnson Website
The night that my dad told Bob Feller about Walter Johnson's 1937 prediction at a Waterbury Indians game at Municipal Stadium. Bob Feller personalized this baseball for me. Click to enlarge.
Links to Bob Feller Museum
What is the only high school named after a professional baseball player?
