It started in Mt. Vernon

Today, this baseball  was in the back of a customer's pickup truck, under some big rocks.  While I loaded his order,  I said, "Know where I can get any rocks?"  He said, "You can have all of 'em! How about a baseball?  There it is if you want it."    He saw me smile as I picked up the ball.  The rocks stayed.  I worked the ball with both hands, like I was sizing up the next batter before he steps into the box.  I thanked him for the ball and said,  "When I was your age, I could put one of these pretty much where I wanted to."  The ball felt good in my hand.  The stitches were familiar as I followed them around with my thumb.          I felt like a winner, walking back inside.  The day's good fortune, a pleasant distraction from my routine.     I wonder...                  Where have you been?  The label on the ball was faded but...