KOSCIUSKO —
Baseball is a beautiful sport that has brought me many lifelong friends from the years that I played and the years that I’ve coached in summer league.
The people I’ve had the good fortune to meet have blessed me in many ways, whether it be their baseball philosophy or just how they dealt with real life situations, but one man in particular stands out.
He was an individual that stood out, not only for his love of the game, but for his love of being there, in the moment, with your child right before that 3-2 pitch with the bases loaded or right after that child made an error that cost the game.
He was an encourager that would talk to the less talented child as if he was the team’s superstar, and he was sincere.
He genuinely loved your kid, and the kids loved him.
This gentleman touched my heart in many ways, but none more deeply than how he treated my son.
He would be the first to greet him after he scored a run or came up empty on a hefty swing.
He would never let him get down, and my son always came away smiling. His outlook on life, and baseball, amazed me.
He had a reason to be down and out, but it was never evident.
He just kept plugging along, never giving the impression that he was dealing with anything that would keep him away from the ballpark.
He inspired me in so many ways, and none more than how he lived his life.
Faith, family and friends were all that mattered to him, and anywhere a baseball game was taking place was home.
I’m selfishly disappointed in the fact that I won’t get to see him anymore at the ballpark or hear him encouraging every player with his own unique style, but I do understand that he’s done his job here, but not without leaving his legacy.
I’ll still get to see his zest for life, tenacity, grit and selflessness in the two young men that bear his last name.
I’m sure that the love of his life will continue to carry the torch to the ballpark as well, because she’s not a lot unlike him.
But I am going to miss him, as will many, and there is no doubt in my mind as to where his final journey led him.
Whenever my journey on this earth ends and the good Lord calls me home, I’m going to find that heavenly baseball diamond and see what Danny Burrell has been up to.
Sports
SHUTTER SPEED: Real life hero
- Sports
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To the wire, Kosy defeats Braves
The Kosciusko Whippets were in good shape after Friday night’s 8-0 win over the visiting Tishomingo Braves, but a set-back in Iuka on Saturday, a 3-2 loss, put the fast dogs’ season in jeopardy.
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KHS hires Greenleaf
The Kosciusko School Board met Monday night and approved the hiring of new Whippet basketball coach Eleazarus Greenleaf.
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On the Porch with Dirk: How great Thou art
Here I am, the last day of turkey season and a monsoon of rain is dousing Attala County.
It is real easy to get depressed in weather like this, especially after a season like I have had. -
Tigers finish season 15-13
The Ethel Tigers were fresh off a thrilling first round sweep of French Camp when they traveled to Stringer on Saturday for game one of the best-of-three series.
The Tigers would drop game one 5-3.
Game one had been pushed from Thursday to Saturday due to inclement weather, pushing game two to Monday night in Ethel, to which the Tigers fell once again, 7-2. -
Kosy moves to third round
The Kosciusko Whippets had a bitter taste in their mouths from 2012’s playoff series loss to New Albany in three games.
That taste is clearly better now, and New Albany was once again the foe. -
Kosy boys and girls track head to State meet
The Kosciusko boys and girls track teams participated in the North State Track meet at Pontotoc on May 4 and will be sending one boys and four girls to the Class 4A State Meet at Pearl on May 13
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Martin inducted into Hall of Fame
Railford “Randy” Martin was inducted into the Holmes Community College Sports Hall of Fame on April 25.
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On the Porch with Dirk: God's gift
The greatest gift and responsibility that we as adults and parents get in life is a child.
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Battle of neighbors goes to wire
Although the Ethel Tigers were able to advance into the second round of the playoffs by winning two straight against the French Camp Panthers, it was anything but easy.
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Whippets win twice, ready for New Albany
The Kosciusko Whippets, fresh off of winning Region 4-4A, had a playoff bye-week, but they still took care of business.
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