Category Archives: Spaldeen games

Wow….where do I begin?…

Streetplay Discussion Archive Posted on by
Original author: Debbie Rivera [e-mail]
 

Wow….where do I begin? I suppose by saying that I really miss seeing you around, Steve! Steve and I went to Norman Thomas High School together. We also grew up in the Bronx together (I still live in Pelham Parkway – He, in Castle Hill)…As things in life turn out…our paths crossed again as adults. Steve’s Firehouse was just two blocks away from my job! One day, as I was walking to lunch, I hear someone calling me..I didn’t recognize him but he began to talk about Norman Thomas to me..then I realized that Steve Mercado had gone from high school nerd to rugged firefighter! Thereafter, I’d see him often…in front of the Plaza Hotel..coming back from runs, doing inspections at my office building, etc. I felt honored to be his friend. I had planned to go to the high school reunion with him. He was kind enough to offer me a ride as I had no way of getting there, while he also stated that I’d have to find a way home with someone else as he planned to stay long at the reunion. He was a real family man to his wife and children. When the tragedy of 9/11 occurred I lost a fireman I was seeing as well as his brother and another close friend. I didn’t think anything would happen to Steve. He did, after all, work around Lincoln Center, and I assumed during those moments that those closest to WTC would perish (like my friends whose firehouse was in Brooklyn). I was shocked and saddened, therefore, to hear of Steve’s untimely death. Recently, several people from my job, and I went to his job and prayed. Afterwards some of his ‘brothers’ invited us in for coffee and desert and it was nice to share ‘Steve’ stories. My heart goes out to his parents, his wife and his children. Deb

I am a new Fire Fighter…

Streetplay Discussion Archive Posted on by
Original author: Richard Dones (proxy.ord.marketscore.com - 64.0.99.137) [e-mail]
 

I am a new Fire Fighter and I worked with Steve Mercado in Eng.40 in Manhattan for 14 weeks where I was doing my training. In that short time Steve took me in like his little brother. We were the only Puerto Ricans in the Firehouse at the time. and I worked in the same group as he did (16).So he instantly made me his assistant cook. Jo,I don’t know if you knew that your husband could cook a mean Spanish dinner, but he did. The only mistake he made was making him his assistant. He put me in charge of making the tostones and I over fried them, and To make a long story short, all the brothers in the firehouse made frequent visits to the bathroom all night. He immediately invited me to one of his stickball games in the Bronx and I was so impressed. It was my first time ever seeing a stickball game. I’m a handball player and like handball, stickball is generally a New York sport. But Steve had a passion and a vision for stickball and was determined to spread the game through out the U.S.A. and those that knew him know that I’m not exaggerating. I too, believe in his vision and in a small way became a part of it. He asked me to draw a logo for the kids stickball league his son was in. and it was my privilege. WHO IS STEVE MERCADO? An athlete, a Firefighter, a leader, a visionary, a proud father, a husband who loved his wife, a comedian and a brilliant man, a friend and most importantly he’s my role model, and a true Hero. Steve, I miss you and I’ll never forget you, My brother.

On September 11th, everyone…

Streetplay Discussion Archive Posted on by
Original author: Fred Garcia (spider-mtc-td033.proxy.aol.com - 64.12.104.163) [e-mail]
 

On September 11th, everyone found out what I already knew about Steve Mercado. We all found out that he was a hero. I knew Steve as a friend since the day we both met on the Little League fields of Castle Hill back when we were 12 years old. We would remain friends through our teen years and beyond sharing many memorable moments together. Yes, Steve is gone but as a poem I once read states: “In my heart you live on Always there never gone Precious friend, you left too soon Tho’ it may be true that we’re apart You will live forever..In my heart.” We all miss you, till we meet again. Love, The Garcia’s

Well….. I like to…

Streetplay Discussion Archive Posted on by
Original author: rndaddy (cc250459-a.wlgrv1.pa.home.com - 65.1.153.187)
 

Well….. I like to think, and I dont care what Mooney says, that I was The King of BOXBALL. Why?! Because if you hit it (with your fist after being pitched) down the pisshole(a flight of marble steps leading down to a ground floor door of the school,Creighton, which was also used for draining of the you know what)you could, and should, take third. And if fat Herbie was playing the pisshole; you’re home!And man could i find that pisshole. I’ll line up to buy pimple balls!!!!!!!! ZMAN

I was a tomboy and played…

Streetplay Discussion Archive Posted on by
Original author: Sheindie Kusnetz (user34.net042.fl.sprint-hsd.net - 207.30.21.34) [e-mail]
 

I was a tomboy and played stickball and all sorts of ‘boy’ games…the boys were so much ‘funner’ than the girls…you can be ‘one of the guys’ your whole life and they will fall in love with you and you will get more guys than you can imagine..because you’re comfortable with them… I did…and am happily married to my love. (in answer to jaci, above)…sheindie

I knew Steve when we were…

Streetplay Discussion Archive Posted on by
Original author: David Perez (ip-16-97.scrtn.nni.com - 216.107.16.97) [e-mail]
 

I knew Steve when we were kids growing up in Castle Hill in the Bronx. I also knew his parents and his brother. I say that I knew him because as is life, when we grow up sometimes we loose touch with the people we knew as kids. Steve was a great guy as a kid and from what I can see an even better adult. I can remember playing ball with him and all the great times we had. He also played little league ball with my brother Jimmy. Being that we lost touch, I didn’t even know he was a Firefighter and that he was tragically lost in the 9/11 attack. My mother told me when she saw his name on the news after his memorial service. I regret not having the honor to have stayed in touch with him and his family after all these years. My heart goes out to them. My faith tells me that Steve is with God now and hopefully looking down on us from a better place.

Steve, I just want to let…

Streetplay Discussion Archive Posted on by
Original author: Alan
 

Steve, I just want to let you know that I went out with a good friend yesterday to play a game of stickball in the handball courts. I told my bud of your dedication to stickball and surely, the FD. We both played for an hour or so that was dedicated to your memory. I know your family and friends will be at your Memorial today, I’m sorry I can’t, but my prayers are. I’m sure God has a Spaldeen and mop handle and he’s ready to play!

Steve might not remember…

Streetplay Discussion Archive Posted on by
Original author: Debra Crespo [e-mail]
 

Steve might not remember me by name – although we grew up in the Bronx and went to the same H.S. Norman Thomas. We were acquaintances from the neighborhood – we knew each other by face – we hung out in the same places and we saw each other on the #6 train. I remember meeting his wife Jovy through a mutual friend while they were dating and how much they were in love with each other. I remember when they got married and how radiant she looked. I had lost touch with Jovy, but always said an hello when we would see each other. I remember going to the Stickball tournaments with my Dad as I lived only 2 blocks from where it was held and remember seeing Jovy with the boys and Steve with Austin this past summer coaching him how to hit the ball and being amazed that his lil guy knew exactly what he was being taught. My heart goes out to Jovy and the boys along with his parents. I am truly saddened that their loss will have a great impact on their lives as well as the Bronx community as a whole. We will never forget u and your heroic efforts on that tragic day. May you rest in peace. Your Forever Friends, Debra Crespo (My Dad) Frank Crespo – The Bronx!

As a former brooklynite…

Streetplay Discussion Archive Posted on by
Original author: Michael Farmarco
 

As a former brooklynite I remember many days playing skelly in the Marlboro housing projects in Gravesend. It’s kinda sad that kids today don’t play the games we used to play and and I’m 30 years old . I mean games like tag , off the wall, stoop ball, asses up, manhunt etc. They mostly are locked in front of the TV . I would like to know the size of the skelly board. I can’t remember and besides every building had a skelly board spray painted nearby , thanks to the ” big kids “. I don’t recall ” out of town “in skelly. What is it ?