Hack’s cover artist Jonny M.’s buddy Eddie Frierson begins a three performance run of his award-winning one-man show about Hall of Fame baseball pitcher Christy Mathewson tonight at Olive Branch Theatricals in Santa Clarita, CA. It’s an unforgettable evening of theater for both baseball fans and non-baseball fans, which Eddies always ends by answering audience questions about the legendary Matty (staying flawlessly in character).
That’s where the story takes a macabre turn because whenever Jonny sees the show (and he’s seen it many, many times), he inevitably takes advantage of the Q&A to ask “Christy” what he thinks of baseball’s color line (which was in effect until Jackie Robinson famously demolished it in 1947). To his credit, Eddie doesn’t attempt to sugar coat his answer but responds to the question as he thinks Matty would have. But Jonny knows that after so many years of him asking about it that it irritates Eddie to give the same response. And that that’s the whole point.
If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend that the whole family can enjoy, you can find details on this weekend’s performances at matty.org. Maybe Jonny will ask about the Negro Leagues and maybe he won’t. But it’s a great show no matter what.
