Frances"Roadtrip" Fusco
Art was a true gentleman and never missed an opportunity to give a child a baseball. One Sunday afternoon this little boy(couldn't) been more than 5 or 6 kept pounding his little mitt with anticipation. of maybe getting a ball.
They were few and far between,but in the Rays 1/2 of the 5th inning here comes a ball right in Art's direction. He catches it and I could tell the sting was there,but true to form,Art shakes off the direct hit ,walks down the 8-9 rows and hands the little guy the ball. I thought the youngster's eyes were going to pop out of his head!
Just as Art turned to go back to the top of his section,the little fella comes running up behind him and hugs his legs. it was only then did I catch a glimpse of the boy's face. He was a special needs child.
Art never missedan opportunity to brighten someone's day and I think he made a lasting impression on this boy and his family.
I was sorry to hear of his passing,but I know he's standing on that first base side directing people in God's stadium.rest in Peace my friend.You are missed.