Dear Mr. Thomas,
your long auburn hair
flowed from your cap,

like beer on tap
at bars and concession stands.
And when I saw you step up

to Milwaukee County Stadium’s
proud plate, the crowd’s royal blue
and gold cheers bloomed

in goose pimples on my arms.
Bernie Brewer stood
on the top of his slide

in foamy anticipation
of you taking one deep,
August sunlight spreading

across the afternoon sky
like your mustard-based
barbecue sauce.

Joey Nicoletti was born in New York City. He works in Buffalo. He’s on Twitter @JoeyNicoletti.