The Greenbrier East Spartans traveled to Beckley this evening for the finals of the regional tournament. They took on the George Washington Patriots and lost 16-3 but this isn’t what this article is going to be about. This will be my last article for Spartansticks and also will be my hardest one to write. Because I have coached this group of seniors for many years, not by myself, with the help of Barry Norman, Chad Norman, Dave Walton, Andy Easton, Tommy Honaker, Joey Honaker and I’m sure there is more but I just can’t remember them all.
First, the Seniors are John Beard, J.C. Burr, Michael Cochran, Pat Chapman,Ryan Dodd, Alan Level, Josh Norman, Hunter Sabbag and Dan Smead.
Let’s start with John Beard #30, Mr. First baseman, Mr. Umpire. My memories of John go way back with the Andy Easton’s “one question rule on baseball trips”. To his homerun at the Babe Ruth field in the wonderful Babe Ruth season. John someday you will thank your mom for keeping her journal that she took to every single game. I know that what ever you do, you will be good at it. Good luck at Concord College and congratulations on all of your scholarships.
J.C. “Carl” Beard #29, Mr. Catcher. I didn’t have the privilege of coaching you in little league. But I have coached you after little league and have watched you grow up to be a very smart and really good catcher. I will always remember that HOME RUN at G.W., just wish that your mom and dad could have seen it. I know that you have your head screwed on very straight thanks to the wonderful job that your mom and dad have done. Good luck at WVU and I know you will be just fine. Go Mounties!
Pat “Chappy” Chapman #2, Mr. Catcher. I will never forget seeing you run up the first base line, with your feet about 3 inches apart, lol. Just like J.C. I haven’t had the privilege of coaching you over the years. You have become a really good catcher and seem very much at ease back there. The thing that I remember the most is what happened at the athletic banquet, which is the academic award you received from Coach Rouston. You are on the right track, Pat, keep up the good work. Good luck at Fairmont next year.
Ryan “R.T.” Dodd #12, Mr. Pitcher, Mr. 3rd baseman. I have many memories of you that go way back. I remember taking you to Roanoke with Michael and wondering if I would be able to a get a word in. I have enjoyed watching you grow up into a wonderful third baseman and an even better pitcher. Who will ever forget your brother Jason pulling down your mom’s pants at Myrtle, LOL. I am still laughing out loud. Sorry Margaret. Ryan wherever you go to college good luck. You will have more support than any of the other kids because of all your brother’s, sister, Billy and who will ever forget Rachel.
Alan Level #7, Mr. Shortstop, Mr. Pitcher. I have many memories of watching and coaching you. From the beginning you have always been a true shortstop and a solid pitcher. Watching you throw in Myrtle Beach brought back the OLD Alan Level. I was so proud of the way you threw at the tournament. I know that what ever you put your mind to you will be able to conquer it. Good luck at whatever college you go to.
Josh “Dino” Norman #26, Mr. Third baseman, Mr. Pitcher, Mr. Outfielder. I remember watching you in little league when you were like 8’ tall, at least that is how it seemed. You became the hard throwing, long ball hitting, Spanish speaking – Spartan. I believe that home run you hit at St. Alban’s this year is still going and may come down sometime. I really enjoyed coaching with your dad and I really do miss that. Good luck at Fairmont State.
Hunter Sabbag #14, Mr. Outfielder, Mr. Utility. I believe that I have seen you play every position on the field except behind the plate. You really have a way of getting on base, because that is why you were lead off. You have always had a good outlook and got the team pumped up in whatever sport you were in. Good luck at which ever college you decide to attend.
Dan “Dano” Smead #1, Mr. First Baseman, Mr. Pitcher. It just seems like yesterday that I remember seeing you hit that homerun, in the homerun derby, in Shinnston at the Little League State Tournament. It went over the concession stand and kept going. You have become a great first baseman and a wonderful pitcher. I will remember hanging out with your mom and dad during the games. Your mom had made enough crochet pieces since little league that we all wish we had her patience. I’ll miss seeing your smile onthe diamond. Good luck at Fairmont State.
And I’m sure you all know why I saved #9 for last. Michael Cochran #9, Mr. First Baseman, Mr. Right Fielder. I don’t know where to begin. You have been a joy to coach ever since little league. They always said that you were not supposed to put a left handed catcher behind the plate. Well you defied all those odds, very easily. It just seems like yesterday that you were learning to hit the little tiny plastic golf balls. When you were in little league you were having trouble hitting the ball and were being not aggressive enough. I told Andy “ I just don’t know how to get him aggressive”. So he went out and told you hit a home run or strike out. And from that point on you have been able to pull about any pitcher that you have ever faced. I have enjoyed coaching you, watching you play this wonderful game of baseball. But more than that I could not be more proud of you for the young man you have turned into. Thanks for everything, son. Good Luck at Marshall next year. Go HERD!!
Well I’m sure everyone is tired all hearing me ramble on about these boys. But I am sure that I that I forgot something about them. I have so many great memories with these boys in the dugout to watching behind the fence. I would just like to say for all of the parents – thanks for everything. It seems that we never had issues together we all got along so well and worked together as one unit. There are not many groups out there now that can work together and get along like us. Thanks for all the rides, all the meals, all the money raised, all the t-shirts given to us and all the concession stand jobs. We have shared many a memories on the diamond and off. I hope that you all have enjoyed this time as much as I have. I know that whatever you all do in life you will be great at it. And for the rest of your life you will always be a SPARTAN BASEBALL PLAYER. Thanks, 30, 29, 2, 12, 7, 26, 14, 1 and 9.
