Game Ball
Once every few years a baseball player comes along that can dominate a high school game. These kids were likely all-stars for a long time, from the time they played little league.
Kenny Griffin was one of those special players. In high school, he was tall, about 6'5", and he had a big right arm. When Kenny was pitching, his fastball could be heard, and seen from the bleachers. That "pffft - pop!" sound, if you have ever heard it, is special. That sound can turn a ho-hum baseball game into something electric, and exciting.
After high school, Kenny went on to play for the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers for three seasons. He pitched in 53 games, getting credit for 10 wins, and 18 saves.
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/profile.asp?ID=48084
We went to church with Kenny's family, and still do. Kenny, his brother Andrew, and his sister Katie grew up in the children's, and youth departments. Marilyn McClendon, then later, Quillian Mercer, was our Minister of Education and Youth. Those were really good days at our church. The Griffin kids did the summer programs, went on youth and mission trips, and were at the weekly activities. Dad, Tommy, and mom, Brenda, are rock solid, hard working people, and dear friends.
Another fellow we go to church with is Brian Tate. If Tullahoma High School has a Super-Fan, it's Brian. I'd say he has been to more games in his lifetime than anybody, except maybe Coach Mathis or Coach Olive. Brian can remember specific dates, places, and people better than most everyone I know, including me. He was a student at THS in the early 1980's. Brian struggled with school, and developed differently, and on his own time table. He and his two friends are still going to home games. (More about Brian later)
In 2002, and 2003, during Kenny's junior and senior seasons, it was not uncommon for scouts to be at Grider stadium. When Kenny went to the mound, they got the radar guns out, and made notes on clipboards.
The home games we got to see were memorable. One in particular was a district playoff game in Kenny's senior season. Kenny provided the "pffft-pop!" He also had some effective off speed pitches. He pitched the whole game. Tullahoma won. The team stayed on the field for a few extra minutes with Coach Scott Hargrove and Coach Jackie Reavis. I imagine they were getting instructions on what was next, and savoring the importance, and meaning of that win.
We wanted to see Kenny, and the other guys, but it was getting late. Player's families, and classmates were waiting to get some time with them. At this point, Karen was 9, Robin was 7, and Will was a year old. So, we decided to go on out to the car, and head home, and catch Kenny later.
In the spotty lighting in the parking lot, under a car, we saw something. I got down on a knee and looked closer. It was a game ball. This one had been fouled over the stadium backstop and bleachers, and went unnoticed, and unfound by the kids that run out to find and return them. I picked it up quickly and told my wife, Terri, we can't leave. We have to get this to Kenny!
So we hung around in the parking lot for twenty or so minutes, until the players made their way through the waiting crowd, out to their cars, to go home. When we saw Kenny, we waved him over. He was exhausted, but was smiling, and enjoying the big win, and the attention. We told him we had something for him, and handed him the baseball. He saw it was a game ball. Then we told him how we found it, and that we wanted him to have it. His face lit up, and he smiled and was genuinely appreciative for the ball. Kenny had a even temperament, also known as a game face. He was used to handling the ups and downs that baseball puts on a player, especially a pitcher. But he was excited to get this game ball and he didn't mind letting it show.
We told him how much we enjoyed watching him and his team play, and that we would see him in a couple of days. Then we went on home. We talked about the game, and how lucky we were to find that ball, and how good it was to talk to Kenny.
Pretty awesome right?? ...but that is not the end of this story.
The next Sunday, Kenny's mom, Brenda, saw us in the hallway at church. She said, "I have to tell you something." Then Brenda told us that right after that game, While Coach Hargrove had the team together on the field, that Kenny was given the game ball. Then, on the way off the field, Brian Tate found Kenny to congratulate him, and speak to him. Brian was a huge Kenny Griffin fan. After talking and visiting with Brian, and Brian's friends, Kenny gave his game ball...to Brian.
Now it made sense why Kenny was so happy about getting the game ball we found. Within a few minutes after giving his game ball away, he had another one. It was just meant to be. I will always remember Kenny's kindness, and generosity that night. Kenny didn't just have a big right arm, he had a big heart.
We all love the game of baseball. Sometimes the game gives us opportunities to show some love, and be a blessing to each other. In those brief moments, we are reminded that there are things in this life bigger than the game. If Life has an all-star team, Kenny Griffin has been on it a long, long time.