Time Of Reflection

Conversation in the press box last night was some what reflective before the game. Not only is there always a chance of losing any game but last night possibly was going to be the last home game of the year regardless of whether they could have won the game or not. We knew for sure the next game was on the road and as it turned out it was the last game of the year.

Can you name the short stops for the Gryphons for the past eleven years? Actually there have only been three.

Adam Weaver called the six position home from 1999-2002. Will Johnson patrolled between second base and third 2003-2005 and Dillon Cockrell has been there ever since other than when he pitched.

Dillon Cockrell has played more baseball games for Rocky Mount than any player in history. Pat Smith put the skinny kid out at shortstop the first game of his freshman year.

Other team members are going to college to play ball or maybe even pro ball, others have had more press clipping than him. Trying to think back I not sure if Dillon ever even missed one inning in his career. I'm sure he has but right now I can't remember him not in the lineup.

There lies the story of Dillon Cockrell. Mr. dependability. You didn't have to check the lineup to see who was playing short, maybe if you thought he might pitch other wise you knew he was there.

He's not flashy, but when you needed a big defensive play Dillon delivered. If you needed a big hit Dillon delivered. If you needed a leader #10 did it quietly.

Like all the seniors Dillon will never wear #10 for the Gryphons again. I hear he wants to go to Carolina to be a doctor. That sounds like Dillon.

Whether you realize it or not Rocky Mount will try to find a new short stop next year and he will be hard to replace. Dillon Cockrell has done his job both in the classroom and on the ball field.

For me since I have be living in Rocky Mount since 1995 Dillon is my favorite player. I was some what like him but no where near as good but we are a like in Dillon has a lot of the stay with the plan regardless of the consequence attitude. That's why he showed up every day. That was the plan.



Good Luck Dillon