The coaching world is small, some might even call it elite - I call it another extension to our family. Brian can go almost anywhere and run into someone he has met through coaching and the majority of the time it is another coach. With this also comes a bond of helping each other whether through words, thoughts or as you see below, taking it one step further. We can't begin to tell you how the coaches in Brian's path this year have helped him by offering words of advice, encouragement and just being there through "the love of the game".
Howard College is a Junior College in Big Spring, TX about 50 minutes from Midland. When Brian moved to Midland he had been coaching as an assistant in Trinidad, Colorado then continued for four years at Midland College. These three always played against each other in hopes of earning that ultimate JUCO title in Grand Junction, Colorado. We have always enjoyed following Howard whether through basketball, baseball or softball. We have been able to witness Howard win the 2005 NJCAA Regional Basketball Title game in Lubbock and the JUCO World Series Title in 2009 for baseball.
I received a call from my good friend and Softball Coach at Howard College, Kelly Raines about a month ago telling me about their "pink" game for both baseball and softball. She took it a step further and said that they would like to honor me at both games and asked if I would throw out the first pitch, for both on April 30. Of course, with tears in my eyes and those emotions of humbleness, I didn't hesitate to say yes, but laughed and told her "you know I've never thrown either one in my life" she said yes, so I thought I could weasel my way out of this one and told her "if I don't feel good, I'll take the kids' with me and they can help me throw out the pitch" her response surprised me (the coach in her came out) "you'll be throwing one pitch overhand and one pitch underhand, OK" I said "OK". (better start practicing, wonder if I can find someone to help me out :)
Several weeks passed and I didn't think much about the game, just need to practice. But then she showed me the picture of the t-shirt one day and I was overwhelmed. Wow, they really are honoring my cause. I assumed it would be your normal "strike out cancer" pink game, but no, it is Howard College Breast Cancer Day At The Ball Park. Incredible, just incredible that they as an institution will be making this one day about prevention and honoring all of those that have fought the battle.
I have told several people about this and they said, I want a shirt! So I thought, why not share the news with everyone and let you all have the opportunity to order one if you wish. If you would like to order a T-shirt, they will gladly ship them or they will be available for sale on game day. Call Coach Raines at 432.816.3471.
Thank you Howard College!
And yes, there will be pictures to come of the big day on April 30th!! Play Ball.....
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