Miracle of Melody Malone: An American Christmas Carol

By John G. Inman

Inspired by the story of Fatima, this uplifting and inspirational Catholic Christmas novella is set in Pennsylvania in the year 1963. Baseball champ and egomaniac Jim "Cannonball" Edwards returns to his hometown where he attends an honorary banquet and has a few too many drinks. Driving home, he crashes his sports car, and his friend and pa

• Language: English
• Publisher: Palmetto Publishing
• Release date: Sep 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9798885908801

John G. Inman

John Inman was born in Altoona, Pa, and graduated in 1969 from Bishop Carroll High School in Ebensburg, Pa. The author received a BS from Loch Haven state college in 1972 and also did course work at St. Francis College in Loretto, Pa. He retired from the Penn Cambria School District after thirty- two years of service. John was also the Director of Northern Cambria County's ABE and GED evening programs for Altoona Area Continuing Education. Mr. Inman is married to his lovely wife Anita and has two daughters, Juliana and Jaime.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

abor Day, 1963, is a bright, sunny day at Shocker Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This venerable old stadium from 1909 boasts a capacity of twenty-five thousand fans who have seen better days—just like the Shockers, who have struggled since 1959. On this day the team is finishing a four-game series with the Johnstown Johnnies. The sounds of beer vendors and peanut salesmen barking to happy fans fills the air. Among a large sea of yellow hats versus red hats, the atmosphere is electric.

Standing atop the mound is Jim Cannonball Edwards, an eight-year, star pitcher for the home team. He throws three balls with the bases loaded. Boos ring through the stadium as a disgusted Cannonball kicks the rosin bag and yells to the crowd. Idiots.

The play-by-play announcers, Clancy, in his sixties, and Lanny, in his fifties, banter back and forth like an old married couple as they speak into their microphones.

Did you read his lips? Clancy asks. ’Burgh fans can be tough, and he should know better.

Let's hope he saves the game against this last-place team, Lanny growls. Eight losses in a row and counting embarrasses the heroes of yesterday.

The dynamic duo crack open peanuts and toss the shells onto the floor.

Lanny, it's September, and we’re how many games out? Clancy questions.

I lost count on purpose. This could be the most pitiful first-to-worst showing ever, Lanny groans.

That is a mouthful, partner. Who would have thunk it?

Lanny coughs on a peanut. Clancy, you’re killing me with your colorful language today. But you’re right on because this team needs help.

The two scan the diamond. It seems the great Cannonball with his big contract and negative remarks has affected the once-proud team. He has turned it into a one-man show, Clancy chides.

There's no doubt about it, old buddy.

Either way, our thirty-year-old superstar better throw some strikes, Clancy chimes.

On the mound Cannonball stares at a Johnnie's batter eye to eye. He tosses two strikes, and the crowd roars. Cannonball is fired up.

In the press box Clancy thinks that the Johnnie's hitter waits for a walk. Lanny begs Cannonball, Get him outta there!

On the field the Shockers shortstop, Melindez, plays behind second base. The batter swings and hits a wicked liner to Melindez who steps on second base, doubling up the runner advancing to third. He then tags the Johnnie's runner sprinting from first and completes the biggest play of the season.

Lanny roars, A triple play, Clancy! A triple play!

We had ’em all the way, Lanny.

In the clubhouse after the game, the Shockers are jubilant. But, in Cannonball's mind, he wistfully thinks he is the only reason for the win. Bob March, who is a team player, knows that the manager's decision to shift Melindez behind second base was a stroke of genius. No matter what, a win is a win in the International League.

CHAPTER TWO

he Tuesday after Labor Day is a rare day off for the Shockers. Cannonball and his troubled wife, Jill, are washing his 1962 Corvette Stingray, getting it ready for a road trip to the Johnstown Vets Club. This club is to present an award to Cannonball for his contributions on and off the field. Jill is not in a happy mood. Bob March is in transit heading to Cannonball's house.

Jill, we have to hurry because Bob's coming soon. I don’t want to be late for my big day, he says.

Don’t worry, Big Splash, we’re almost done, Jill says.

Right on cue Bob drives his old 1960 Mercury Comet onto the driveway, and it backfires when he turns it off. With white smoke filling the air, Bob grins and says that the Comet needs a little TLC, and she will be as good as new.

Cannonball says, If it were my car, I would take it out in the woods and shoot it. The men laugh uncontrollably.

Cannonball takes his keys and gives Jill a peck on the neck, and the two road warriors leave. Once outside the city, the shiny red ’vette begins to accelerate at a high rate of speed. Nervously Bob clutches the console and holds the arm strap.

Boy, this car handles like a top, Cannonball says.

Slow down. We want to get there in one piece, and you’re scaring the living daylights out of me, Bob cries.

We’re late. I can’t let my fans down in Johnstown. They deserve to meet me.

OK, have it your way, Mr. Modesty.

Bob, don’t confuse confidence with egotism.

Whatever you say, Cannonball, whatever you say, Bob replies cynically.

Five minutes pass, and Bob tries to find a radio station. He succeeds and finds a song, She Loves You.

Bob, what the heck kind of song is that? Cannonball asks.

It is by some insect band I saw on television. It's rumored they will be on the Ed Sullivan show next year. You know, the four mop tops from England who are the number one rock group in England. Actually, they look like their dads put pots on their heads and buzzed them with bangs, Bob says, grinning.

Wow, music trivia and grooming advice, Cannonball sardonically retorts.

The ’vette makes its way down into the city of Johnstown via Cambria City. Cannonball and Bob sing Blue Moon and laugh incessantly as