|
|
|
Blue Springs, MO —
The opening day of the American Legion Central Plains Tournament presented the best of times and the worst of times for Post 499/Fike manager Jim Moran.
In a touching tribute during the opening ceremonies, Moran was surprised to learn that Field No. 2 at Hidden Valley Park was being renamed Jim Moran Field.
“I was shocked, totally, 100 percent shocked,” Moran said. “I don’t know how many people could keep a secret like that for so long and I wouldn’t hear something about it. When it was announced that the field was being named after me, I just couldn’t believe it.”
He also couldn’t believe how bad his 51-9 team then played in a 12-1 loss to Eden Prairie (Minn.).
When Moran was congratulated on his honor after the game, he quipped, “I’d trade it for a win tonight.”
The announcement was met with approval from everyone involved.
“I was on the Blue Springs Parks and Recreation Board with Jim and I know how much he loves this (baseball complex) and Legion baseball,” said former Blue Springs activities director Tim Crone, who was broadcasting the games on the Internet with Rick Cole. “Jim probably spends more time at Hidden Valley during the summer than he spends at home. He’s been doing this about 100 years – he deserves it.”
Moran has been involved with American Legion Baseball since 1981 and he and the late Ron Johnson started the American Wood Bat Invitational 22 years ago and its home base is Jim Moran Field.
“It’s not just me,” Moran said. “This place is special – but look out there. We have a parent, our coaches and an ex-coach taking care of the field. I get a lot of the attention, but it’s not a one-man show.”
He paused for a moment, and added, “But it’s a moment I’ll never forget.”
He then picked up a broom and began cleaning out the home dugout for today’s 9:30 a.m. game.
SUTCLIFFE THROWS STRIKE: Hometown hero Rick Sutcliffe, the former Cy Young Award winner and Van Horn High School graduate, took part in the opening ceremonies by throwing out the first pitch.
“Boy, does this ever bring back memories,” Sutcliffe said as he graciously signed autographs on his way to the parking lot. “I played Legion and Babe Ruth ball and I look at all these young guys and they remind me of me back when I played.
The opening day of the American Legion Central Plains Tournament presented the best of times and the worst of times for Post 499/Fike manager Jim Moran.
In a touching tribute during the opening ceremonies, Moran was surprised to learn that Field No. 2 at Hidden Valley Park was being renamed Jim Moran Field.
“I was shocked, totally, 100 percent shocked,” Moran said. “I don’t know how many people could keep a secret like that for so long and I wouldn’t hear something about it. When it was announced that the field was being named after me, I just couldn’t believe it.”
He also couldn’t believe how bad his 51-9 team then played in a 12-1 loss to Eden Prairie (Minn.).
When Moran was congratulated on his honor after the game, he quipped, “I’d trade it for a win tonight.”
The announcement was met with approval from everyone involved.
“I was on the Blue Springs Parks and Recreation Board with Jim and I know how much he loves this (baseball complex) and Legion baseball,” said former Blue Springs activities director Tim Crone, who was broadcasting the games on the Internet with Rick Cole. “Jim probably spends more time at Hidden Valley during the summer than he spends at home. He’s been doing this about 100 years – he deserves it.”
Moran has been involved with American Legion Baseball since 1981 and he and the late Ron Johnson started the American Wood Bat Invitational 22 years ago and its home base is Jim Moran Field.
“It’s not just me,” Moran said. “This place is special – but look out there. We have a parent, our coaches and an ex-coach taking care of the field. I get a lot of the attention, but it’s not a one-man show.”
He paused for a moment, and added, “But it’s a moment I’ll never forget.”
He then picked up a broom and began cleaning out the home dugout for today’s 9:30 a.m. game.
SUTCLIFFE THROWS STRIKE: Hometown hero Rick Sutcliffe, the former Cy Young Award winner and Van Horn High School graduate, took part in the opening ceremonies by throwing out the first pitch.
“Boy, does this ever bring back memories,” Sutcliffe said as he graciously signed autographs on his way to the parking lot. “I played Legion and Babe Ruth ball and I look at all these young guys and they remind me of me back when I played.
“Tonight was like turning the hands of time back a few years. I’m just so blessed. One night I’m interviewing guys like Bo Jackson, Albert Pujols and Joe Mauer (as an ESPN analyst) at the All-Star Game and the next night I’m out here at Hidden Valley Park throwing out the first pitch.
“I come out here and I see so much passion – these kids are playing because they love the game. Then I get to see the Derek Jeters and Josh Hamiltons and see what all these kids are aspiring to be – big leaguers.
“It just makes me realize how lucky I am.”
