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The Bogalusa Bugaloo

After seeing Beth on a regular basis as I buy my paper and other things on my way to work, I now realize that I do have some pleasant memories from my high school years. I do have to make one thing clear though: Beth and I never dated. She was a friend to everybody and I'm glad that after all these years I can get a smile and greeting from her in the brief time we talk on my way to earning a living. I feel that is one of life's privileges.

This high school memory has nothing to do with Beth though, except for the fact that we are both Cleveland Indians fans. The Indians back in the seventies were the "top farm team for the New York Yankees." The tribe had traded their slick fielding third baseman, Graig Nettles, to the Yankees for some stiffs and a young player full of potential. This was an outfielder named Charlie Spikes, who was from Bogalusa, Louisiana. His nickname was "the Bogalusa Bomber." He had showed some promise for a couple of seasons then faded into obscurity.

One of the Indians games was attended by our American History teacher, Mr. Cutler, who happened to be sitting behind the home team dugout. Spikes hit a home run, which prompted Mr. Cutler and another person to do a dance on the roof of the dugout. I wasn't at the game, but I, along with most of the rest of the school, saw the photo of it on the front page of the sports section of the Cleveland Press. Mr. Cutler autographed the photo for quite a few of us students. I wished I had hung onto mine.

I asked him what the name of the dance was he performed and he replied "the Bogalusa Bugaloo."

Cliff Note: It was also Mr. Cutler who alerted my parents that my brother, Ricky, was making some strange, quirky, movements. Those turned out to be seizures.

Comments

Gin said…
Mr. Cutler sounds like something special!
Cliff said…
Gin, you may have inspired another post.
Pat Jenkins said…
good post wixy!!.. these memories will serve you well at your next reunion!!... he he....
Cliff said…
My next reunion would be my first. Neither Beth nor I have any knowledge of any coming up.

On a related note, I do have some unfinished business to take care of in the next little bit from high school. It concerns a teacher I cussed out right before I graduated.

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