Romie Sporting Goods - A local slice of Americana

Romie's entrance is an invitation to a time machine for guys like me

Like a stranger wondering if anyone was home, I slowly pushed open the front door of Romie Sporting Goods at 19 North Main in Ft. Loramie last Saturday morning. Sunlight from a far window partially blinded my view once inside. Then I recognized a familiar face in the back of the store. Owner Rich Romie looked up from his work bench and approached his lone customer. Prior to Saturday, I last spoke to Rich while picking up a new Ft. Loramie Baseball jacket to wear on my high school team. That was 35 years ago. Looking around his building though, it felt like just yesterday.

I quizzed Rich on my identity to see if time affected his memory like it had mine at age 50. He confirmed I was the "Fish Report guy" and added that I liked to talk about fishing. I laughed and agreed I liked to talk fishing, occasionally, and also high school sports. However, my reason for stopping wasn't Fish Report related. I just wondered if he still fixed high school baseball gloves like he did when I was a kid. Nestled under my arm was a Russia Raiders ball glove belonging to my teenage son that needed repair. "Oh, we toss those Russia gloves in the trash here" Rich said, unable to hold back his grin.

I handed him the blue leather Rawlings and he looked it over, front and back. While Rich examined the broken strings, I explained my son actually told me I could throw it away, because he had a spare glove that was just as good. Rich rebutted that mentality, stating this one was in fine condition and just needed some new laces. I should have expected that response from the man who took care of my generation of athletes and so many others over the years.

Rich took over operating Romie Sporting Goods from his father John and Uncle Martin, who took it over from their father in the 1920's (examine the prize ticket on the left). Around the time of World War II, John and Martin made harnesses for horses and sold some sporting equipment like baseball gloves and bats. Although Rich explained, 'good wood' for baseball bats was hard to find, as most valuable commodities had priority with the military. Before the Romie's came to town and the Miami-Erie Canal was across the street, legend has it their property was originally a tavern. Nowadays, Romie's work consists mainly of repairing soles and heels on shoes, selling Ft. Loramie letterman jackets, fixing ball gloves, and sewing. Rich doesn't sew, rather that job is done by another worker, Nancy, who happens to be Rich's wife. The couple raised six children, none of which works at the family business, but that business helped support their life living on Monterey Drive in Ft. Loramie since 1966.

I told Rich he might be interested to know I had a 24-year old daughter living in Pennsylvania and working at the global headquarters of Dick's Sporting Goods. He wasn't interested. I doubt his lack of enthusiasm was about her, but city megastores like DSG are why small town shops like Romie's are almost extinct these days. Once I sensed that topic getting awkward, I ended it by pointing out the closest Dick's wouldn't even repair ball gloves, but I was sure happy Romie's in Ft. Loramie still did. Rich didn't express any opinions on how folks shop in today's world, perhaps content with the realization his business is a fading slice of Americana from a bygone era. 

For the next 30 minutes we covered approximately 30 years of Ft. Loramie High School sports history. Rich remains an avid Redskins fan and one of his proudest moments is on display behind the front counter. Above a 2007 autographed uniform from Ft. Loramie's state baseball championship are a couple framed photos of his grandson, Andy Long. Andy was a pitcher on that inaugural title team. The southpaw also became a Redskin legend, throwing a complete game 4-hitter at the state semifinal in a 4-1 win over Fremont St. Joseph Central Catholic. I was excited to tell Rich that the coach of that team, Bill Sturwold, once told me my son's pitching reminded him of Andy Long. Rich quickly asked, "you mean he doesn't have any speed?" I laughed, but explained he keeps hitters off balance. Rich said, so did Andy.

#3 is the top memory from Ft. Loramie's 2007 state title for his grandpa

As we continued to reminisce about the good ole days, my eyes couldn't stop gazing at the museum around me. We talked about the old cameras on display and Rich's interest in photography when his kids were in school. I pointed out other memorabilia and he gave me the stories behind everything I inquired about. Finally, I gravitated into his work shop and was fascinated by the tooling and supplies that aided him as a craftsman. All I can say is Santa Claus would be jealous. 

Polaroid, Kodak, Vivitar, but no iPhones on this shelf

D&M closed their factory in 1937, making this Joe Cronin glove a real antique

The view for one man over seven decades 

At age 82, I was surprised to learn Rich still worked five days a week. I questioned if he ever enjoyed any hobbies like golf. On that particular day he exclaimed if it weren't so cold, he would be golfing. Rich also still actively enjoys bowling and the occasional Ft. Loramie Liberty Days 5K. Back in 2016 he finished the race and was resting afterward in some bleachers when he had a sudden heart attack. One stent and 10 days later he's proud to confess he golfed nine holes. In 2017 he even participated in the same 5K against the advice of some family members, but Rich says he now walks the race and it takes around 40 minutes. When he's not competing though, he still enjoys the sporting goods business. He summed up his explanation stating, it gives him something to do.

My time with Rich flew by, but it also stood still if you know what I mean. As I told him I had other errands to run that morning and made my way toward the front door, I questioned when I could come back and pick up the glove. He asked when I wanted it by. I assured him it was no rush, but stoked the Ft. Loramie vs Russia rivalry by joking we just needed it in time for the big game. Rich said it would be ready and once more tried holding back that ornery grin as he finished with, "I just hope I don't leave a hole in it".

Brand new strings and most important, no holes!