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At 94, Akron man who ushered during ’48 World Series hopes to witness history again

Joe Barrett had a pretty good vantage point for three games of the 1948 World Series — upper deck of the old Cleveland Stadium, toward the outfield.

Only trouble is, he had to work during the games.

Barrett was 26 then, working part time as a stadium usher while attending John Carroll University on the GI Bill. He spent a season leading people to their rows and wiping off their seats for tips of a nickel or a dime, which added up back then.

He can still tick off the Indians’ roster: Dale Mitchell in left field, Larry Doby in center, Bob Kennedy in right and so on.