Volume 237

Over 20 years ago, when this writer first joined the Tri-C Board, a number of us felt we should change the name of Bar-b-que Day to Fun Day. Instead of just selling plate sandwiches we would add activities for the kids and make it more than a fund raiser, but also a “fun” raiser.

Things such as a parade, radar gun to measure pitching speed, home run derbies, etc. were added to the day’s itinerary. In recent years the jump tent, along with cotton candy and snow cones have been a hit. A silent auction of some valuable items has been a popular activity, also. Even a dunk tank was employed for a few years.

All of these things enhance the day and add to making it a good experience for the children and their families. For me, personally, the enjoyment of the day, though, is just being a part of the entirety and with my fellow board members bringing a good program and, if you will, “fun”, to our community.

The league coaches provided volunteers to serve in many various assignments. All did so in a cheerful and purpose-filled manner. The board was represented as well as it has ever been and many new faces worked the entire day. Whether it was handling the food lines, picking up trash, moving items, or ensuring people were switching out on assignments, it was truly a team effort.

When our President, Kimber Monje, became ill, others, including Dave Draper, and Tina Emery and, for that matter, the entire crew picked up the slack. Kimber was in attendance, but was frustrated by her inability to work at what we have come to expect of her tireless pace. It should be remembered, though, that the organization and planning for the day’s events were greatly to her credit. Not only that, but while unable to talk above a whisper, she threw out the first pitch. At least her arm was not affected and whether it was down central or not she showed a lot of pop on the ball.

As usual, the food provided by Kevin Howerton was superior. Eric McCluskey’s great voice led us all in the singing of the National Anthem. All the games went off without a hitch and this became one of the few years that all the games were played as scheduled. Some of the “old timers” even made comments when some clouds reared in the west, “it wouldn’t be Fun Day without some rain.” Mother Nature remained on our side this time and we did avoid bad weather.

A couple of the things that makes this such a special day, for me personally, is seeing the faces and talking to young adults who played for me many years ago and have their own children in our program now. Also, seeing a number of former board members, in total I counted ten. Some such as J.P Barrington and Ed Smith were in attendance watching their grandchildren’s games while others such as Jim Hensgen and Debbie Johnson stopped by just to say hello and support the program by purchasing lunch.

It should not go unmentioned the important contribution that the above and others made to this program in years past. Nor should we forget the contribution of Joe and Ken Greenlee who both served on the board and were scheduled to throw out the first pitch on Saturday. It is with a great deal of regret that we have to report that Joe’s health made this impossible at this time. We all will keep Joe and his family in our thoughts.

As John Vaughn and I walked out together Saturday evening, leaving Tina Emery as the sole person in the park, I thought to myself what a terrific day it had been. A fact no one can deny is that it was a FUN DAY!

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Meet the Board

This week instead of recognizing one or two particular board members, I want to again reflect on the fact that our board as a whole did a great job with this year’s Fun Day. This week it is a time to recognize all the Tri-C Board members, both present and past, for the contributions they have made to our community.

It is a pleasure for this writer to be a part of a group which is made up of such a fine group of individuals.

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Last Wednesday Armando Galarraga of the Detroit Tigers fell victim of a bad call by umpire Jim Joyce and lost a bid for a perfect game. It has become one of the most highly debated issues of the sports season. Joyce admitted after review that he had blown the call and apologized to the Detroit hurler. Personally, I am old school and believe bad calls are a part of the game. The other side makes a very valid argument that with improved technology a bad call could be easily corrected in a matter of seconds. My concern lies with how often one could ask for the instant replay to be employed during the course of a game. This could get into a real game delay tactic by managers, especially in manipulating to avoid or desire inclement weather. Would this help or hurt the umpire who makes the wrong call? Baseball fans are an unforgiving lot and may react worse than forgiving if an ump is repeatedly shown to be wrong on calls. To the great credit of the Detroit fans they did not jeer Joyce, but rather embraced him with cheers for admitting his error. A lot of politicians and business leaders may learn something from this. My hat is off to the Tiger’s fans for showing a lot of class.

Regardless, it is a most interesting debate. If you have an opinion on this subject, please, send it to me at brm48@hotmaoil.com and we can discuss it further in future Insiders.

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ODDS and ENDS:

The passing of JohnWooden brought back a lot of memories to any basketball fan who remembers his great UCLA teams of the sixties and seventies. In his last thirteen years as a coach he led the Bruins to the Final Four twelve times. He won ten national titles in that same period. He was a much beloved man by his players and fans alike. Even though this writer can never recall rooting for a Wooden coached team, he was a person to be admired and respected. He finished his college career of coaching, including two seasons at Indiana State, with a 664-162 record. That is a ,804 percentage! That is something others can’t even begin to dream of. He is, also, one of only three players to be named to the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player and a coach. His kind will never be seen again.

Do not forget to buy your Miner’s tickets for June 23. This will be Tri-C Night and we need your support to make it a success. This is the third year in a row that I will miss out on singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” at Rent One Park. Every year, I look forward to it and every year something comes up. This year we will be on vacation at Cooperstown during the event. Over the past dozen years, being an Oriole fan, I have learned the phrase, “wait until next year.” I guess my singing will be on hold until then, but you should not pass up this opportunity to see our local team and support our program at the same time.

A projected great pitching career began this evening in Washington as Stephen Strasburg took the mound for the Nationals. He gave up two runs and struck out 14, including the last seven batters he faced in a row, in his debut. He threw a total of 94 pitches, 65 for strikes, and did not walk a batter. Some of you may recall my impressions of Strasburg when I watched him pitch in the Arizona Fall League last year. Even though I am glad I saw him there, I still feel a little sorry for future hitters who will face him. Too early to say, of course, but he may be as good as anyone has ever seen.

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The winner of our contest this week is Bruce Boggess. Bruce knew that the only two hitters in MLB history to hit three home runs in a game six times are Johnny Mize and Sammy Sosa. The Big Cat played for the Cardinals and Yankees and Sosa, of course, was a Cub great. It is interesting that not one Cub fan answered this week’s question. I will have to think about that one for a while before I comment. Regardless, congratulations Bruce and thanks to all who entered.

As written above, John Wooden was elected to the Basketball Hall of Famer as both a player and a coach. Two other people were, also, so enshrined. Name the other two who were named hall of Famers as a player and a coach.

If you know the answer, please email me at brm48@hotmail.com to be included in the drawing for a large Blizzard.

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Until next time,

Pay attention,

Hustle, and always

Use your “noodle.”