Some of ya'll might have read my LL thread and know that I am a coach! This is my 5th year coaching but my first time in the last ten years! I coached my older sons when they were younger! I have always enjoyed and looked forward to coaching! Some times it feels like a thankless job! Parents always mad never had want help with the fundraising mad if youre not winning but upset at long practices to get better? Why isn't my son leading off why isn't he playing shortstop? You know if you've ever done it! Well this past Sat. while I was at the park I hear a voice that says " Coach Manuel" I turned to see a Good looking young man! I didn't recognize him at all he says I'm Lee Roy! Didn't have to say anymore I knew immediately than who he was! Lee roy Quiroga was a lil bitty skinny guy who had a right arm like a cannon and was as fast as a deer! He played shortstop for me for 3 years was my leadoffman for those same 3! He went one whole season never making an out! He and my son Thomas were in the same class together from pre-k till the fourth grade when my son changed schools {divorce}. I still have a pic with the 2 of them when they graduated kindergarten. Last year they graduated High School. I asked him what he was doing and he said he is in the army! I immediately hold my hand out to the lil boy who is now a Man and Say Thank You for your Service! He says to me thank you coach for helping me to learn discipline and respect and how to work hard as team for something! he says I ca still hear you today yelling "Throw it LeeRoy" Said his DI in basic didn't have a whole lot on me! Meant a lot to me that after all these years he rememberd me and still calls me coach! That all the days and nights I spent with wasn't for nothing cause someone was listening and still using what I taught him! It is different we expect our children to listen but for someone elses child to tell you! Well lets just say Sat. night when I was alone with my thoughts and my lord I cried! Of all the trophies and awards the trips I got to go on this is the best thing I have ever gotten out of BaseBall!
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