My grandpa Danny passed away this past week a few months shy of his 89th birthday. This man was a real hero to me, as he helped out my father and grandmother raise me along with my brothers. I had a special relationship with him, considering he lived with me and it’s an opportunity most kids don’t get the chance to have.
My grandfather served our country in WWII, (although he never saw battle) and played baseball for the army. I found some old articles from a newspaper, in which my grandpa’s name appeared. He played 3rd base with the 3245th ordnance in a softball tournament, and this is what it said: “The big gunner for the 3245th was Rozell who came up big with a single and a double”. I actually still have his old Rawlings baseball glove which is over 70 years old, as seen in the picture below.
And boy..did he love the Yankees! He’s the main reason why I’m such a big fan of the Yankees today. My grandpa loved to do two things with his free time, play his harmonica and watch baseball. He always used to come to my little league games, have a catch with me in the backyard, and watch any ballgames he could.
The game of baseball creates a one-of-a-kind bond between fathers/grandfathers and sons/grandchildren, brothers and siblings, and friends. I felt like I definitely had that sort of relationship with him. Life is about a lot more than baseball, but it’s something I will always remember about him. Even though he didn’t understand what was going on with the Yankees this season, I’m sure he would have loved to see those Yankees claim their 27th championship. This one was for him.
M. B. Rozell
Kevin Rozell
What a heart-warming article! I’ll share my story with you, in an attempt to relate with your recent loss.
My father, who also served in the military and played baseball in the air force back in the late 50s and early 60s, is solely responsible for my love of the Twins and all things baseball. For every catastrophe I faced as a teenage girl (bless his soul for putting up with us all) he had a baseball cliche to put it all into perspective.
He passed away suddenly almost seven years ago when I was 21, and I hadn’t been able to make a trip to the Metrodome (where he took me, my mom and all six of my brothers and sisters at least ten times a year as a kid) without wishing he was there with me. The opening of the new Target Field will be extra special in my mind, since he hated the Dome with a passion. He always said “Baseball was meant to be played outdoors, like at the Old Met” and it saddens me a little that he won’t be here to see the game finally played under the lights again.
However — and I hope with all my heart you get this opportunity — I have the most realistic dreams every so often where my dad and I sit and talk baseball and play catch. I wouldn’t trade those moments for the entire world.
So sorry for your loss, Kevin.
Sorry about your loss. Nice pictures though.
A beautiful tribute to a well-lived life. Here’s to Danny Rozell.
Well done, Kevin.
smitty
bugs&cranks
I’m sorry for your loss, but at least you were able to form the bond that you had with him, many people don’t get that.
Nice tribute.
I share his love for the harmonica and for baseball. May I offer my sincere condolences, Kevin, as well as my respect for putting your life out there for others to share. May his memory comfort you always.
Sorry to hear that Kevin. My sincere condolences to you and your family. May he rest in peace.
My sincere sympathy is with you and your family.
Hang tough Zell.
i’m sorry about you grandfather.
may he rest in peace<3
A beautiful tribute to a well-lived life. Here’s to Danny Rozell.