Reliving diamond days
Baseball, long considered America’s favorite pastime, is a game that can be played at any age. While many don’t play the game beyond high school unless they are lucky enough to get a college scholarship or, even luckier, play professionally, there is occasionally a chance for men to become boys again and relive the good ol’ days.
Saturday evening at Red Bay High School, 19 former players and coaches from ages 18-35 put on the cleats and uniform, checked the laces on the glove and aimed to hear the crack of the bat as they participated in the 3rd annual Red Bay Alumni Baseball Game to help raise money for the school’s baseball program.
“We had a great time,” said Red Bay head baseball coach Richard Maggerise. “It was good to get some guys out there that I’ve coached and some older guys and just have fun.”
The game was delayed about 45 minutes because of a strong thunderstorm, but it didn’t put a damper on the fun and competition.
“A little rain wasn’t going to stop us from playing. We worked on the field and took a little batting practice, and we were ready to go,” Maggerise said.
Maggerise said the game was more about keeping people involved in the program than making money.
“We probably break even, but keeping former players invested in building the program is the main thing,” he said. “I want our former players to know they are always welcome to help and participate in what we are trying to do here. You have to have the past and future working together to make the program successful.”
Brent Hellums, 31, was one participant at Saturday’s showdown. He said he still has those competitive juices and just loves to play the game.
“I still feel like Superman,” said Hellums with a sly laugh. “I enjoy the competition. It’s something to do that is beneficial, fun and can help my school and the program I love make a little extra money.”
Heath Thorn, 33, said he wants to help younger players have better equipment and resources than he had when he was playing.
“I love baseball, and I enjoy getting out here with the guys and trying to relive old times,” said Thorn. “Anything I can do to help these younger guys enjoy the game as much as I did, I’m going to do it.”
Kaleb Burroughs was the youngest participant in the game. Burroughs finished his high school career in May and jumped at the chance to play again and help out his younger former teammates.
“I am best friends with a lot of the guys still in high school, and I want to see them succeed and get better,” said Burroughs. “I have a lot of respect for Coach Maggerise and want to help out in any way I can – and this is a fun way to do it.”
Red Bay will be hosting a wood bat tournament this weekend. There are currently nine teams signed up to participate in the tournament, coming from as far as Birmingham and Tuscaloosa.
