His First Job

Banter is the blues music of the Irish. And at a fetching little minor-league stadium, on the warm eastern lip of Los Angeles, Smartacus is making his music.

I often write enthusiastically — maybe even erotically — about my love for trees, sunsets, fresh air, sand.

And baseball.

So, maybe it’s no surprise that my son Smartacus is launching a career in sports business, based at a minor-league stadium 90 minutes from home.

His entry-level job: guest services.

Like his dad, Smartacus’ greatest gift is the ability to make small talk with almost anyone — cashiers, cops, bar maids, cabinet ministers, circus folk, musicians, dermatologists, fugitives, priests, con artists, CEOs — the usual retinue of Southern California life.

As you may know, banter is the blues music of the Irish, the soundtrack to our daily lives.

And, at a fetching little stadium, on the warm eastern lip of Los Angeles, Smartacus is making music.