The Story

The story begins in the late 1800s when many Pennsylvania coal towns had their own baseball teams and would compete for cash prizes. Between Carbondale and Pittston competition was especially fierce because of one member of the Pittston team named Flanagan. Flanagan could hit the ball, it was said, and his name was both revered and feared throughout the region.

One bright Saturday afternoon in mid-summer, the two teams met at the playing field, the unused pasture of a local farmer. Tension was high.

Carbondale won the toss, their pitcher took the mound and struck out the first two batters.  Then Flanagan stepped up to the plate. The center fielder began to move back. Left and right fielders did the same, while the folks in the bleachers became very quiet. A very nervous pitcher wound up and threw. Fastball. Flanagan swung his bat – and missed! Strike one! Wiping the sweat from his brow, the pitcher wound up and threw again – a curve ball this time. Flanagan swung again – and missed again! Strike two! Taking a moment to gather both his thoughts and his courage, the pitcher wound up, hesitated, wound up again, and threw the ball with every ounce of his combined strength and skill. Flanagan swung once more, and this time he connected! Crack! Like a shot, the ball took off – right over the pitcher’s head. Like an arrow, it sailed over the center fielder’s head. Then it began to rise. It rose until it was a tiny speck in the sky, then leveled off and disappeared over the western horizon.

Well, they rounded up the county surveyor and two other honest men, borrowed a horse and wagon, and set off in search of the ball. They finally found it in the next county, sitting on a small patch of scorched earth, stitching ripped away, the ball still smoldering from its trip through outer space.

As the three men looked down at the ball in amazement, the owner of the property joined them. He asked, “Who hit this ball?” Someone said, “Flanagan.” At the mention of his name, the ball took another leap into the air!

The Source

The preceding original story was recovered from an old open-reel audiotape delivered here in poor condition – it was covered with mud! By improvising a cleaning method, that tape – and others – were eventually made playable and transferred to more modern media. This story, and many others, were told by a retired insurance executive who served local communities as an amusing toastmaster and emcee for special events. Although he’s no longer with us, his stories will remain in the family archives for current and future generations to hear and enjoy.

The Question

What stories might be found on old audiotapes or videotapes at your house tucked away in your attic, basement, garage, closet or desk drawer? They can all be converted to digital media – CD or DVD – so that those stories and adventures can be preserved and enjoyed.

For details, call King Street Recording Company at 610-647-4341.