In memory of Dr. Howard Nobles, poet, baseball fan, friend

Public domain baseball image from Google

 

Here are several pieces from the late Howard Nobles' (Benton AR) 2004 book, Poems From A Baseball Fan (Publish America/ Baltimore). He died December 5, 2013 at age 71. He was a long-time member of the Poets' Roundtable of Arkansas, serving a term as president, and active in the Saline County branch of PRA, serving as vice-president and president. He loved to make fun of politics and politicians as his limericks often showed. He also loved baseball.

 

 

NOW PLAYING WHERE?

 

Williams was with Boston.

Mantle was a Yank.

I once knew

   who was who.

But today?

I must be frank.

I don't know

   who is who,

Or what team

   they're on.

About the time

   I think I know

Is the time that

   they are gone.

I do not really know

   who is really who

For one day they're wearing red,

   the next they're in the blue.

I liked it better when,

   and, again, I must be frank,

I knew who was a Dodger,

   a Tiger or a Yank.

[page 17]

~~

BASEBALL LIMERICKS

 

There once was a lad from St. Paul

Who could really whack a baseball.

     He hit one with such force

     That it killed a large horse

After crashing through a brick wall.

 

An error-prone shortstop named Neft

Admitted that he was not deft.

   "I miss balls day and night

   That are hit to my right.

I also miss balls to my left."

[p.84]

 

God rest Howard's soul and may his memory live forever. PL

~~