By Bob Delcamp
phillypage2 columnist (10-3-2003)
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Well here we are again sports fans it’s been awhile. Thanks for stopping by and checking us out, once again. Fall is upon us, and for me I’ve always had mixed emotion about this time of year. It’s a time for new beginnings, such as the start of the football season, which I’m always excited about, but it is also a time for endings, the end of the good times of summer, and the end of baseball season, a sport I have followed passionately my whole life. I’m always a little sad to see the passing of summer, and with it the boys of summer, who play America’s game.
This year was particularly sad because there was a death in the baseball family. After thirty- two some times magic, often times tragic seasons Veterans stadium closed its gates for good. I know you must all be thinking, “god, this guy is a dink”, but think about it for a moment. Unless you are an embryo right now, this is the only stadium you have ever known. The first baseball game, and the first football game you ever went to happened here. A big watershed moment if you’re a guy. That might not even be the best first thing you ever did inside the walls of the Vet. Maybe it was your first beer, followed shortly by your first piss in the concourse, or the sink. Maybe it was your first kiss, followed closely by your first hummer up in the 700 level. The list of first could go on and on.
So forgive a sentimental old man if he gets a little weepy remembering that old field in South Philadelphia. Ok cuz? Yes I have to admit, I shed a few tears at the closing ceremonies, and come on admit it so did you. When Harry remembered Whitey in his speech, when Tug came out of that limo, and went to the mound, maybe for the last time, that’s heavy stuff my friends. If that didn’t get you where you live you hardhearted sons of bitches, seeing the representatives of all the crap teams the Phllies have trotted out there for 24 of those 32 years had to make you cry. Gary Varsho, and Von Hayes!? What? The bat boys from those teams were busy? Oh the humanity!
So join me if you will sports fans in raising a glass, and pouring some out for our soon to be departed homey. Like a women the Vet made us laugh a little, cry a little, maybe you even had a little fun now and then, but in the end, they both find some way to break your heart, and you know what, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. See you all in Feb. at the implosion. 
"Silent" Bob Delcamp
3 October, 2003