Dear Friends of the Good Old Days,

Whether you played a casual game at the park with a taped-up bat or played in an organized Little League game, there was nothing quite like playing baseball or softball as a kid. Oh, the nervous excitement of walking up to home plate, hoping you would hit the ball deep into the outfield! At a full count, you settled into position and took a deep breath as you waited for the pitcher to release the ball. You hoped to hear that glorious whack of the bat as it made solid contact with the ball and the roar of the crowd as you ran the bases. Then again, maybe you'd hear the ump yell the dreaded, "Strrrriiiike three!"

Our parents could be counted on to cheer for us when we got that great hit or to console us after a tough loss, and to provide support to us through all of life's many ups and downs. In this issue, our readers share their favorite stories about their parents as well as their memories of that well-loved summer pastime.

Perhaps, like many young baseball players, you dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player. Or perhaps your future career was inspired by a toy police officer. Our readers also share with us their dreams of what they wanted to be when they grew up.

On behalf of the Good Old Days staff, we hope you enjoy the May/June issue as it takes you back in time to those wonderful days of playing baseball and make believe!