"DON'T BE A MEANIE, BUY A WEINIE"

Tommy ( I used to know his last name) sold hot dogs at St. Petersburg, Florida, St. Louis Cardinals Spring Training ball park. Al Lang Field it was called.

A wonderful man with a wonderful sense of humor. An elderly Black Man, I don't think he would have referred to himself as African American. Why? Gosh, I'm not sure he ever saw color on anyone. And I know he loved his country and would not want to emphasize any differnces or boundaries.

A diabetic, a disease which took his life all too soon, he made many people laugh and forget their problems for awhile at the ballgame. "Ice cold hot dogs for sale," he'd yell out in that loud voice that would carry all over the park. He'd laugh. He'd sing.

Blessed wth a beautiful voice, Tommy would sing. He sold hot dogs, but he was an entertainer. "East Side, West Side, All Around the Town," was one of his favorites. Along with "God, Bless America," and of course "Take Me out to the Ballgame." But my favorite was "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands," and when I spotted this picture, I thought of Tommy.

Oh, I didn't know him well. You know, that's not right. I did know him well. He just didn't know me by name. Twice a year for seven or eight years doesn't allow much time or opportunity for a relationship to develop. But I had observed him and saw the love he openly displayed for the Lord. He didn't hide his light under a basket.

I'd love to hear him sing again. And I'm sure I will. I'll just have to wait awhile. Then I can listen to Tommy for as long as I like.