It was all fun but I understand that my parents rarely took us anywhere or did anything with us probably because of lack of money. So it seemed that I was left to fend for myself. As the third child, I clearly had less attention but I really didn’ t notice it.
My neighbors trained me in baseball and I became quite good at it. I had quite a bit of confidence as I always got chosen first when teams were decided and I had always made the all star team each and every year.
My positions were key to the team- short stop and pitcher and I occasionally played center field. Baseball was big in New Milford and we had a nice stadium with lights, seats and dugouts. I can’ t ever remember my Dad seeing me play a game but my Mom was always there. My uncle Clem and his lovely wife May would travel in from Long Island to see me play baseball sometimes and it really meant quite a bit to me.
Baseball was incredible back then. After the games we would cheer on the other team and then all go to Dairy Queen and get a hot fudge sunday or shake. It was a lifestyle that was fantastic. My most memorable event was when I hit a home run by hitting the lights in center field and knocked the lights out! I know that I had gone to a Yankee game one or two times and I cannot remember who took me but if I were to take a stab at it I would guess it was my uncle Clem.
I don’ t remember spending much time with my two sisters as I don’ t think they were much interested in me at the time. Also, I think that my older sister Marcelle, had gone to another High School in Hackensack but I really didn’ t understand what was going on.
Elementary school was fun and I believe that I went through high school with a majority of these kids.
BARRY STEVEN EPSTEIN- PhotoAutobiography DRAFT 6 of 156