After traveling those great distances from innocence to manhood, from idealizing sports to covering them professionally, from passion to advocacy, Ray Didinger discovered a play.
The former Daily News sportswriter found the theatrical inspiration close to where his boyhood views collided with the gritty games and athletes he chronicled, very near the place where his mind and heart were in frequent debate.
Tommy and Me is Didinger's recounting of a lengthy, heartfelt, and often complex relationship with his boyhood idol, Eagles flanker Tommy McDonald.
"The idea of having a hero is universal," Didinger said recently.