As much as we enjoy baseball on UBT, we relish the opportunity to talk with folks along the way. Dawn Morton, a Redhawks usherette for 17 of the team’s 18 years in Fargo-Moorhead, asks us about our trip along the third base concourse.

Dawn traveled east to witness Punxsutawney Phil’s millennium prediction, but didn’t get to see a baseball game in Pittsburgh. (I think even I’d have to hesitate if the Buccos wanted to play in early February.)

The buttons attached to Dawn’s lanyard represent her name tags over the years. You’ll also find one button with a completely different name. That’s the name you’re to use if you have a complaint!

On the first base side, guarding the entrance to the suite deck, we strike up a conversation with Ed Fitzgerald. Ed also has been associated with the team for 17 years.

Soon after returning from the service, Ed won a golf tournament where he was teamed with members of the local television station. 30-some years later, Ed retired from that station. I concur from personal experience that your handicap can be a tremendous asset when seeking a position in broadcasting.

Ed casually mentions that he met Roger Maris and his family when Roger lived here. He also casually mentions that there’s a Maury Wills Museum under the ballpark. As rookies at Newman Outdoor Field, we would have never known.

Apparently, Maury visits each summer to assist on radio broadcasts and do a couple of appearances. Mitch and I miss an inning or so to head to the lower level where we see Maury Wills memorabilia and a televised looping interview featuring Maury stories.

After the game, we say a fond farewell to Fargo, North Dakota. It’s time to begin the trek south to prepare for our Tuesday day-night doubleheader in two different cities.

The game cities alone span a 3.5 hour drive, but that’s merely the half of it. Literally.

Brian Williams
From Deep Short