If you were in church today and there is an odd smell it is probably Ben Gay Ointment used by many who took part in the Blackbird/Gryphon Old Timers game which closed out the last Rocky Mount High School sporting event to ever be played on the venues used as part of Rocky Mount High school Sports.
Almost fifty from the mid 60's right up to the the present decade came back one more time to say goodbye but like so many funerals or family reunions it was more celebration than sadness. I have heard estimates of at least 350 to almost 600 showed up either to play or look and of those that I have talked to not one person has said they didn't have a good time.
The final score was 6-4 and I don't think any one there remembers whether the Blue or Gold won.The good news was the rescue squad never got called but I know a hamstring or two got tweaked but no one would admit it.
It all started with all players taking part in the all star atmosphere of introducing all the those willing to play and Charles Alton Gryphon Historian supplying tidbits of information on all. The game had its moments from when fielders made look what I got catches to solid hits. Humor was everywhere including for those close enough when Jason Battle now Gryphon head football coach was removed from the game by Pat Smith and Battle tossing his glove in discussed as if mad that Smith would take him out of the game. There was no real batting order just those that had the courage to stand in the box hoping not to strike out. Not many did.
Next Sunday night May 27th WHIG-TV will have an hour live show and will actually put some of the game on the air but they will show many of the interviews of those that came back. Wes Bradshaw and Kent Cox were the backbone of the getting all of these players to come back. The next time you see either tell them what a good job they did.
Just like when it is time to leave a family reunion and you have seen someone for the first time in twenty years, when it is time to go you realize how wonderful life use to be and wish that those memories could surface again. There were calls to make this and annual event. Sounds to me like everyone had a good time bringing back the old days.
Wes Bradshaw and Kent Cox were the backbone of putting this reunion together ans they did a great job
Sunday, May 20, 2012
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