(contributed by Charles Fracchia)
I had a difficult childhood— the only son of divorced parents with three sisters. I’m certain that it was difficult for them, too. My mother went back to school and got her nursing degree. She was a nurse for 35 years, too.
Midway through 7th grade, I moved in with my father into a semi-legal apartment in San Francisco. That was quite an experience. My father had a girlfriend who had two sons, Jonathan and Lincoln, who were around my age. Those two guys converted me to the church of baseball. I do remember Lincoln having a bookshelf full of baseball books that I have loved here.
One summer my father was traveling working on a book that I was writing. We would go out to Candlestick Park on the Ballpark Express. It was an awesome experience!! My father was not thrilled with my conversion to following baseball. My Mom was fine with my love of baseball. My Mom did see me get my heart broken a few times with the Giants, but also to see the pure elation of seeing the Giants win. A year and a half in, taking care of my Mom, after getting divorced and losing my job. In the midst of the 2012 Giants playoff run, in Game 5, the deciding game between the Giants and the Reds. It was a road game, and I went upstairs to get a bottle of water. There was an epic twelve pitch at bat. I ended up in a ball on the kitchen floor. My Mom came into the kitchen and saw me there. She said “ what are you doing?” I replied with “praying for an out.” My Mom’s reply was “I’m glad that baseball gives you joy.” Upon further reflection, baseball has given me so many different emotions. I know that baseball has also taught me perseverance, too.
After the Giants had won the 2012 World Series, I told my Mom that I was going to the World Series parade. I got up at 2 AM, got showered and dressed. I went upstairs and got some water and some snacks. My Mom woke up, and asked where I was going. I replied to the parade. She just looked so surprised about where I was going. I did tell my Mom that I would be home between 4-6 PM. She said to come upstairs when I get home. She was on the phone when I got home, possibly to one of my sisters. My Mom just got on the phone and said “Charles is home, and he just looks so happy. I have to talk to him.”
The next two years were difficult for both of us. My Mom had cancer, and I was her primary caregiver. It was not a job that I ever expected to have. It was quite stressful. Baseball helped to keep me together in 2014. I lost my childhood friend, Jonathan, to a sudden heart attack. I also lost one of my dear college friends, Jeanmarie. Both of these huge losses just made me persevere, thanks largely to baseball.
My Mom’s healthcare continued to worsen until she was put into a hospice facility. That night, Travis Ishikawa, hit a walk off home run to win the pennant.I just broke down crying after all of the stress that I’ve been dealing with.
