Team officials bulged Alameda County Stadium at the seams by putting 12,000 standing-room-only tickets on sale two hours before game time. Even with this provision, the multitudes who swarmed the pavement outside engaged in a frenzy of bartering and ticket scalping. Vano loosened in the bullpen 30 minutes before the game, throwing easily at first, then unleashing his 100 mph plus fastballs into the mitt of Jerome Neal, the bullpen catcher. Each pitch impacted like a cherry bomb explosion. Crack! Neal’s good judgment compelled him to wear full protective gear during this prelude, including nut cup. Especially nut cup. Spectators by the hundreds crowded as close as possible to view this warm-up action, straining the deployment of stadium ushers. The fans oohed and aahed at Vano’s velocity, and they shouted his name. Stuck among the crowd, one who hollered was Arnold Beeker. “I have to talk to you!” he kept yelling. Somehow, he succeeded in getting Vano’s attention. Vano waved, then yelled back, “In a minute!”
