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Being a long-time Atlanta Braves fan (although even longer as a Durham Bulls fan,) I was a little dismayed when Jimy Williams - formerly Braves 3rd base coach - struck out as manager in Boston last year. Then, hurray! Another name from the past, Grady Little, former Bulls manager, stepped up to take the Red Sox helm. I couldn't help but think of a fateful event at one of the Bulls games, and Tom Klingman mentioned it in his next email. That note follows:
Where would he be today without us ?
It was Lynchburg vs Durham at the old DAP and we were sitting next to the pole on the 3rd base side. It was the bottom of the 5th in the first 7 inning game of a week night double header. Spring was in the air and some obnoxious Lynchburg fans were sitting a few rows in front of us enjoying their lead and the prospect of victory in the first game. I turned to you and said "Get your program and find out who their pitcher is !". It was time for some real bush league baseball. Time to get down and dirty and that is exactly where their pitches ended up, in the dirt. Their pitching coach made so many trips to the mound those last couple of innings he practically wore out a path from the dugout to the mound. I will never forget their last pitcher walking out from the bull pen shaking his head as he walked out to take the mound. Four balls later the winning run for the Bulls walked home ! When asked about the miraculous come back coach Grady Little said "We couldn't have done it without our fans !".
Now that he has been named Boston head coach he should remember the fans who helped him get where he is today. I figure he owes at least a couple of tickets to a Boston game ? I heard the announcement on the radio and thought about that spring evening at the DAP.
Addendum 1:
Don't cry for Jimy Williams; he's getting the go as Astros manager this year, though he probably doesn't deserve it.
Addendum 2:
If you don't know what Whooop Whoooo means, then don't come to Durham to watch a game unless you sit in the outfield.
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