By Stan Beall
The Star Herald
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.
