Roy Berger has an all-star moment at the Yankees Fall Fantasy Camp and gives us a little glimpse into his past. Previously, Roy Berger caught a pop-fly and told us about some of his favorite Fantasy Camp coaches. 

This was supposed to be a Throwback Thursday pictorial. However, the best baseball moment of my life got in the way!

Doubleheader day at Yankees Fall Fantasy Camp, and our red hot Bombers won the morning game against the Fritz Peterson-Charlie Hayes Clippers, coming from behind for an 8-5 win. It was our fourth straight victory and it set up an afternoon showdown for the camp lead.

The six-time defending champion Bambinos were next on our schedule, undefeated through five games, and they pounded us 19-7 in the camp opener.

Yada yada, we play them neck and neck this afternoon. Tied at 10-10 in the bottom of the ninth, bases loaded nobody out and I’m still looking for my first ever walk-off.  Not any longer!

Two balls and a strike and the fourth pitch I see, I make the best contact I’ve made in seven camps and it carries far over the drawn-in centerfielder’s head. The next thing I know I’m getting mobbed by pinstriped Bombers. A wonderful, ecstatic feeling for our team and a first for me!

The 11-10 win now moves us to 5-1 for camp—same as the Bambinos—with two games left to play on Friday.

We started a little deal after each win where I have been designated to award the game ball to the player of the game. Before I had a chance to do that this afternoon, they asked me for the ball so they could give it back to me!

This is what fantasy camp is all about. Every kid dreams about a walk-off in a big game. I got mine at 62 years old. I guess it’s never too late.

Now some great pictures for Throwback Thursday:

Circa 1978, as Public Relations Director for the Hollywood Greyhound Track, I had arguably the best ‘fro in pari-mutuel racing.

At the same time, major league outfielder Oscar Gamble had the best ‘fro in all of baseball.

Thirty-six years later in Tampa, it’s Oscar and me. The follicle gods have not been very kind to us!

However, the very best thing to happen on this day—even better than my game winner—was 65 years ago. On November 6, 1949,  Mom and Dad (Herb and Arlene) got married. As Mom continues to make slow progress from her weekend accident and surgery, this very special day has meaning to so many.

By Roy Berger for PeterGreenberg.com