My Favorite Spring

I used to play baseball. I used to love to play
The people all said I’d be a winner someday
We played on the sandlots and the gravel school yards
I once had a tryout with the Saint Louie Cards
The Cardinals said, «Young'in, we sure like your arm.»
We believe you can make it. We’ll send you down to the farm
You need a little seasonin', play a little double «A»
We’ll give you a chance to show how much you want to play
That was my favorite spring. I could do anything
Full six feet tall and lean, I was just seventeen
My fastball was nothin' but smoke. My curve ball snapped and broke
My change-up made 'em look bad. They couldn’t hit a thing I had
I was pitching down in Tampa. I was doing really well
I was in the rotation. I was givin' 'em Hell
I threw a two-hitter, ought to heard people shout
The very next morning Korean war broke out
On the spur of the moment I didn’t have any plans
I went and joined the Air Force. I wound up in Japan
I pitched for the squadron. We toured all the camps
We didn’t have any problem. We were all Far East Champs
That was my favorite spring. I could do anything
Full six feet tall and lean, I was just seventeen
My fastball was nothin' but smoke. My curve ball snapped and broke
My change-up made 'em look bad. They couldn’t hit a thing I had
I was throwin' a no-hitter the day McArthur got fired
They were going down like ten-pins. I really had 'em wired
Bottom of the seventh throwin' easy as can be
Something snapped in my shoulder. That was all she wrote for me
Well I finished up my service and I moved back down here
I married a fine lady and I found a new career
We had us a young son and we watched Jimmy grow
And the first time he asked I taught him everything I know
And this is my favorite spring. He can do anything
Full six feet tall and lean, He’s just seventeen
His fastball gives 'em the shakes. His curve ball snaps and brakes
His change-up makes 'em look bad. People say he takes after his dad!