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29 replies

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas

CoachB25CoachB25Honorary "Old TImer"
I will be VERY BUSY this coming week since we have some basketball games, my girl has one of her last 7th grade basketball games and I haven't done my Christmas shopping. worm I didn't want to pass up posting this. I've been very blessed in my life. As some of you might know, my Dad was a sharecropper when I was born. We were dirt poor. I can remember Christmas where we were glad to have food. Toys? Didn't get to have them. However, we had so much. We didn't have a fancy meal for Christmas but we did save up enough for the makings of Chili. Everyone would add something to the pot and so, the whole family made the Chili. That is our family tradition now. My Mom and Dad took a hugh gamble and moved north. Seven of us lived in a shead that was 10 by 20. No heat, no running water, no... but a lot of happiness. The Christmas Tradition continued. Then a housing projects called the "Defense Area." You can imagine why. Still Christmas was so very special. Now, my Mom and Dad's oldest son has gone to college. The first one in our whole family to do so. So many blessing along the way. Baseball was one of the greatest blessings. It enabled me to go to college, gain an education, and travel the world. No one would have guessed that that little boy growing up 13 miles from the nearest "hard road" in Kentucky would someday be able to say he has coached baseball in Estonia, Lithuana, Russia ... No one in the Defense Area would have projected that that little snot nosed boy would someday be a successful teacher and coach. That kid was blessed to be around great men and a great game. They and baseball paved the way, along with a dream and competitive spirt, for who I am now. Please take the time this Holiday Season to reflect on your blessings. Oh, by the way, did I mention that we're having Chili Christmas?

Happy Holiday, Merry Christmas to all,

Darrell Butler
Triad Baseball
Go Knights!

"Failure depends upon people who say I can't."  - my dad's quote July 1st, 2021.  CoachB25 = Cannonball for other sites.

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FastballDadFastballDad1,000+ posts
Sometimes those who are "disadvantaged" have an advantage over those who are "privledged." It's a great lesson coach...one that can be applied to baseball. We can spend as much as we want on lessons, coaching...the $300.00 Bat and the fancy uniforms...travel around the country playing games, but the kid who has nothing but heart and desire and maybe some talent will prevail. You can make it too easy for your kids. BTW Coach....I am one of the 13 kids a blue collar father had and even though I grew up in the far Chicago Burbs, I can identify with your story very much.
L lafmom5,000+ posts
Forgive the KY lady from intruding, but...
CoachB - you are so right on. While material things make life more comfortable and often easier in so many ways, they truly don't buy happiness or love. That comes from the blessings that we have being surrounded by family and friends. It comes from sharing your heart with others. Your chili story is beautiful and what a great family tradition to continue. May you and your family have many blessings in your lives and a very Merry Christmas!
deucedocdeucedoc500+ posts
Coach,

Thanks for realization that there is real life out there. Puts everything in perspective.

In one simple post I figured out what the base of your success is down there. If everyone gives something.. You have your family or team, in some cases the same.

Very nice,

PS . If my family did chilli at Christmas I would be heading South.
Travel Ball Select USATravel Ball Select USA100+ posts
Yes, this little journey has been interesting to say the least. We were directed to the site and thought it to be a great place to get the word out. What transpired was an eye opening experience, many great baseball minds sharing ideas, debating, sparring...Great venue! Had some bumps and bruising during hazing week, but hopefully earned the respect and begrudgingly so in some circumstances "to be sure" of the individuals that populate the environs. Met some great people here and hope to continue that effort. Just hope that we helped people realize that's its OK to say what's really on your mind instead of what people want or expect to hear. A little levity now and then doesn't hurt either!
On that note I raise a glass and salute you all....Have a blessed and enchanted Holiday Season! It tastes so good when it hits your lips! (DELETED) wait until you see my tan!....
Last edited by Travel Ball Select USA
G gotwood4sale10,000+ posts
CoachB25:

Thanks for sharing that story...tremendous insight into a good man...no surprise at all that you would share it with us...and no surprise at all that the essence of your story is passed on to all of your very fortunate players and their families.

A very good lesson for the rest of us.

Thanks again coach.

Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Last edited by gotwood4sale
Travel Ball Select USATravel Ball Select USA100+ posts
In the spirit of CoachB who graciously shared a story that clearly touched members of this community, I too wish to share something that I hope conveys a message of hope. This story transcends all and brings us to the simplicity of the love between a parent and child.
Hey dad's & mom's go have that catch! Hold em' close this holiday season.

Dear Don Lansing, (owner of land the movie was filmed on)

You don't know me my name is Jim Bohn. My son Matt and mother in law Lena Blaha died in the crash of United Airlines Flight 232 in Sioux City Iowa on July 19.
This past spring I had taken my son and family to see the movie "Field of Dreams" We loved the movie. I had no idea the field was still there. I figured that after filming it had been replanted. To my surprise and delight, I read an article that the field was still there. We are planning to visit Sioux City next summer for the anniversary of the crash and would love to stop by and visit the field.
Matt was 12 and loved baseball. So do I, as my father before me did. I've always coached Matt's team. For the past six years we have had a great time enjoying each other and baseball.
As you may know the plane crashed in an Iowa corn field. I found the whole idea very ironic; the story of an Iowa corn farmer who plows his field to make a baseball field where dreams come true and my son who loved baseball dying in an Iowa corn field. My dreams came to an end.
When I was in Sioux City after the crash, I stayed at Briar Cliff College. From my room the most prominent object in the landscape was a baseball field. I could not stop thinking about the movie, the crash and the cornfield in Iowa. There was a message there.
When I read the article last evening I knew I had to visit the "Field". Please let me know of your plans for the field. I hope I will have the chance to walk with my son one more time.

(Jim, Cindy and Stephanie Bohn, honored me by allowing me to join them on the field in July. It was a beautiful, healing day. For me, it was a dream come true. And the dream continues.) Don Lansing

I was able to read your letter. If the movie means anything to me now it's that you get that chance to walk with your son. I am with you in spirit (Actor Kevin Costner)

It's not just my parents who believe they'll see Matt on the field, it's me too. I'll see Matt through my heart. You have to believe before you can see things on the field, and if you believe you will see.
(Stephanie Bohn age 9)
itsrosyitsrosy1,000+ posts
Coach,

Thank you for sharing your truly inspirational story. What you have in your life cannot be measured in wealth or bravado. You have surely "walked the walk" and are indeed blessed.

Merry Christmas and Happy Chanukah to all!

The days are now getting longer and for me, that means spring is around the corner. It can't come soon enough. Sorry Fastball.
Last edited by itsrosy

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