Horrible News

Braves · Nov 14, 2005 at 5:28 PM

coachevans26 said:

I took the opportunity to go to Grant's funeral in Apex, what a tribute to his life as a young man. There were probably 6-700 people in attendance that I could tell. The Charleston Southern and Middle Creek Baseball Teams were there, each wearing their jerseys, and acting as pallbearers. I had the opportunity to briefly speak to Grant's parents, they had to feel the presence of God, because I would have been all to pieces. Grant was buried in his high school jersey and hat, and Middle Creek has retired his number as a tribute to the first D-1 baseball signee and player in the short history of that school. All I can say is that he was a young man that was truely loved, by family and friends and was respected by many, including myself as a young man. My biggest memory of Grant this summer was at Wofford in a tournament that was a tune-up for the trip to East Cobb. Grant started the first game, but definitely was not on his game, I had to break out the hook in the second inning. He was very upset at being pulled, but I told him he was getting the ball again the next day. (I felt we would see the real Grant then, and didn't want to waste pitches) The next day, we played a team from Pennsylvania, adn he came out and mowed them down for 3 innings. He looked more relaxed and confident this second day. I was impressed with his composure, and his willingness and desire to win, at the same time he pulled for the team, though he didn't know many well yet.

I just hope that the young men who read TBR (or anybody for that matter) will look at this unfortunate chain of events that has in our own eyes and minds ruined the lives of 2 families. But there's more to this that what we see as "ruin". I believe God has a plan for the lives that has been affected by Grant's life, and the tragedy. I firmly believe that there are reasons for everything, these reasons will be revealed in God's time. Again I see that there are more important things in life than a game I love alot. There are the relationships developed, not with my own players at Person, but the relationships I have developed with players from all over the state, and their parents. We as coaches are not just in the business of X's and O's, we are in the business of building men and relationships, which in the end will be more important than any state championship won by any team in this state.

It is my prayer that we will appreciate the relationships and gain a greater respect for this great game we discuss and love. It is also my prayer that we will strive to honor each relationship developed, we never know when God will decide to take us home.
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Good job, Coach. I knew you could find the right words

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Horrible News

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