Did you know that Tomball used to even have an adult baseball team? Yep, sure did! During the 40s and 50s a large group of men from Hufsmith and Tomball used to get together for baseball and, from what I'm told, it was a really hot league. They say most of the games were held in the open field at the old Hufsmith/Concordia School, even before the school was built. One man tells me if you knew where to look, you could probably find a treasure of old coins, jewelry and baseballs in the field since this was one of the hot spots of the baseball world.

My experience at the game of baseball was short-lived and very different. The two coaches I had were Coach Burklin and Coach Watson. Both of these gentlemen gave me fond memories of the game with one exception: I was scared to death of the ball. I just couldn't bring myself to understand why anybody would want to stand at a plate and have someone throw the ball toward me as hard as they could thinking full well if they threw the ball at me, I probably couldn't jump back in time!

I was the kind of player who was stepping out of the box before the ball ever left the pitcher’s hand. My lack of expertise extended to the outfield, as well! When a ball was hit long and high, my eyes would bounce up and down in my head as I ran toward the ball and I would lose sight of the ball. I would get what I call “ball fever.” My heart would race, my palms would get sweaty, my mouth would get dry and I was scared to death to go after a catchable fly ball, until…until...one time!

I was in my usual courtesy position in right field and a long, high fly ball was hit in my direction. In fear, I covered my eyes with one arm and extended my left gloved hand high into the air and I began to run. I don't know where I was running but I remember running, and running hard! With my eyes still covered, my feet in motion, and my glove high in the air, the ball fell right into my glove! I still remember hearing the roar of the crowd as I ran into the dugout with the ball in my hand as my catch made the third out.

As I entered the dugout I could still hear Coach Burklin yelling to me, “Way to go Parker!” As I moved toward the bench Coach Watson patted me on the back and said “Son, I don't know how you did that but that was the best catch I have ever seen,” and he handed me a quarter. I guess you could say I'm a professional player since I've been paid.

I only hope as baseball season begins around the world this year, that each coach, manager, spectator and everyone else remembers the importance of the memories you are making for kids today. Memories that will last a lifetime.

Make those memories good ones!

Clifford

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