by matty keenan » Mon Feb 22, 2010 6:42 pm
Vinnie was my first friend. We were about 4 years old and were neighbors on Theriot Avenue. It was a time when there was no ps 102 playground and the street was lined with small houses with one real big one across the street on the corner where the handball courts now stand. Our payground was the backyards of Vinnie's the Dondero's and Mrs. Addimack. It was a world of our own where we could be cops, robbers, cowboys and indians and catch fire flies at night.
One special moment shines and it is one I often think about. It was June 1962 and it was Little League Day at Yankee Stadium. My name was selected from a hat to represent Stratton Park. Before I knew what was going on I was escorted to a tunnel between the Yankee dugout and locker room where about 30 other little league kids stood alongside a rubber red carpet. I was a bit shy and timid as great players like Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Yoggie Berra and Whitie Ford passed by us. All of a sudden I heard a deep raspy voice call out "Hey, Matty", It was Vinnie and he was selected to represent Van Nest Little League. What a marvelous coincidence, it was like WOW, Vinnie and me, we were both astonished and I now felt comfortable and at ease. Before long we were escorted on to the infield where Vinnie and I played catch with Mel Allen, the great Yankee broadcaser and we used our freshly autographed baseballs to boot. Here we were on the infield of the great Yankee Stadium knowing that the next day we would be laying stickball at 102 surrounded by apartment buildings. Awards to great Yankees were presented and pictures were taken. The next day, the Daily News back cover page had a picture of Vin with a few of the Yankees. I was at the end of the picture and was cut out with my hand showing over Vinnies shoulder. I didn't care that much, it was a great day for both of us and one I cherish to this day. Me and Big Vin with the Yankees.
Big Vin is such an appropriate name because Vinnie had a Big Heart. For about 35 years I had not seen Vinnie. It was about 4 years ago, through the Stratton Park site that we we re-connected. Our first meeting after so many years was like not one day had passed. Vinnie could tell a story like no other and often he was the brunt of the plot. He loved the story of getting stuck in the pigeon coop on Archer Street only to be freed with the help of the fire dept. The truth of the matter was that it was his belt buckle getting caught that prevented him from escaping the embarrassing but memorable event. I have some great Big Vinnie stories but will reserve writing them till another time.
Over the past several months I had some wonderful visits with Vinnie and I know that he was at peace with himself. I also know that he had a strong desire to write something on the site to all of his friends. Just a few weeks ago he asked if I could help him get on the Stratton Park site to write something. I don't know what he was going to say but I'm sure it was a big hearted message of gratitude to all his friends. We didn't have the chance to meet again.
My thoughts are with Vinnie's sisters Cookie and Joyce and brother-in-law Tony. Their remarkable support and love for Vinnie exceeds admiration. I could only hope that they have the love peace and happiness that they gave and continue to give. I know they have the Big Heart of Big Vin with them now and forever. I will miss and never forget my first and best friend, Big Vin. Love, Peace and Happiness, Matt Keenan