Perez and I were old friends an odd couple
Six foot three he was five foot six
Irish Northwest born he Puerto Rician
Our common ground we both loved baseball
He had a secret played shortstop for Pirates
Joined the Air force reserves to gain citizenship
Daily the goal was to get him ready for the season
One day there was a man watching his agent
I was signed as a $500 a day make good pitcher
We were prepared to go to spring training
First act of friendship he wanted to introduce me to his family
We borrowed a car and prepared to go to Sequin, Texas
I was in the car when, called to duty emergency room
Four O'clock in the afternoon a call came in car accident
I was called as emergency tech not knowing it was my friend
When we arrived the body was covered and Perez had died
I never made it to spring training I was hurting
Always I carry with me a guilt had I been there would he
be speeding home on a curve 90 miles an hours the brakes locked
A replacement was made on the Pittsburg roster Roberto Clemente
In each life so many things can changed the outcome