Growing up in the south of the fifties, there was no big league ball - so our local team was the AA Birmingham Barons of the Southern Association. At times affiliated with the Yankees, Detroit, Charlie Finley A's, and lately, the White Sox - the Barons were a major resource to kids who loved to play ball and never had any money for equipment.

It was very good ball, with mix of players on their way up (Frank Thomas, Campaneris, Tenace) . .  and on their way down (Lou Limmer, Dick Sisler.)    We usually saw both teams take batting practice, but I really can't recall us sitting down to just watch a game - we always had a wider agenda . . . .   I don't remember how manyfans they drew - but, among a 'good' crowd I could sell 300 cokes during the game.

Every season, we would depend on selling concessions in Rickwood Field for as many as seventy homes games.  Nobody got rich, but we could make some waling around money as we called it back in the day. . .   On a good night game, a hustling kid might make as much as five bucks.  Or, as little as none if you didn't look good, have a good attitude and get selected to work that night.   We carried little wire cup holders for twenty drinks - and sold the cup full of ice and coke for a dime.  We made 1.5 cent commission on each transaction.

Worst part was the hours.  I'll tell y'all about it soon.