As I wake on the morning of the first game of the Roy Hobbs World Series (60+ Division), I find myself reflecting on how much I love this game and how big a part of my life it has been. More importantly, how many wonderful people are responsible for this love. From my coaches along the way who taught me how to play the game right and respect it. Thank You: Dad, Big Jim Kehrer, Joe Picchi, Don Howard, Elliott Mogul, Jim Greenidge, Jack Wilcox. Thank you managers that I have played for in the CDMSBL: especially Jim McQuade and John Reel. All of you have given time away from your families and put me and my teammates in front of your own interests. I want to take this time to say I truly appreciate all of your efforts more than I could ever convey to you.
A HUGE Thank You goes to my wife and children, for supporting me in this crazy love of baseball even though it came at the cost of me spending time on the diamond instead of with you. I know that your love for me was at the heart of your patience and support for this "addiction". I will spend the rest of my life showing you how much I appreciate that love and support.
The Lord has given me the gifts that made me the player, teammate and manager that I have been along this 54 year trip. I pray to him all of the time to tell how much I appreciate those gifts and the gift of all of the special people that he has put in my life through my years on the diamond. As my great friend Tom Maney always says, "Most of my best friends have come from playing this game." Both teammates and rivals from opponents over the years have become a huge part of my life. I will be around to watch and root you on.
I am a very blessed man to have been able to have all this time playing a young man's game. I have great memories that will last me for the rest of my days. I won't ever take any of this for granted. I will give it my all this week to make one more memory for us all! Lord, please keep us all healthy in this pursuit. The glory of any victory will always belong to you, for without you none of this would be possible!
