Before the trailing spouse retired and followed Lulu to Tallahassee – he taught 7th graders for 33 years. During that time – he wore many hats. He was the yearbook advisor – club sponsor – field trip planner – school board president – newspaper editor - dance deejay – field day supervisor – department chairman – public relations director – but he never tried coaching a sport.
One of the things they suggest a retired trailing spouse do is volunteer and try to help others. So back in February when a “Little League” coach put something in the newspaper about needing an assistant – the trailing spouse at first thought it was a joke. But he sent an e-mail to the coach and asked him if he was serious about needing a coach – one that liked working with kids and didn’t have to have any experience as a coach. Quickly he received a return e-mail, “I am not kidding be at Winthrop Park tomorrow at 5.”
It was almost 50 years since the Trailing Spouse played “organized” baseball – but he still had his favorite glove – a Del Crandell left-handed catcher’s mitt – that his dad had specially order for him. It is his oldest personal possession – funny – because he takes great pleasure in throwing away old unused things. Do you ever get old enough to think you’ll never use your baseball glove?
That night – he and Lulu went shopping for some baseball shoes. His last pair had shiney metal spikes on them – long since outlawed. They were “hand me downs” from his dad who pitched in the church league back in the coal regions of Pennsylvania. Even though the trailing spouse is left-handed – his baseball cleats had the metal pitcher’s toe on the wrong foot. It is funny how you do not forget details like that. Finally, near closing time, they found a nice sensible pair of black sneakers at Sears in the mall.
At 5 the next day – he arrived on time to meet the team and Coach Bob. There wasn’t much of an introduction – we all joined in doing exercises. The coach had a cast on his foot and looked like he was in a lot of pain - but that didn’t stop him from pitching batting practice.
The team was made up of 11 kids ages 10 to 12. They were a well-mannered bunch and were eager to learn and play ball. A few dads gathered nearby and helped out any way they could. But after 2 hours of practice – the Trailing Spouse heard something quite unexpected, “Thanks Coach.” That stopped him in his tracks.
So from February thru May – there were 2 games a week – sometimes 2 practices too. Lots of time was given by the coaches and dads.
During the whole season – Coach Bob emphasized sportsmanship – learning – positive attitude – fun – and teamwork. During the full four months – he never heard a discouraging word – from players – coaches – or dads.
The Trailing Spouse’s body didn’t perform like it used to 50 years before. Since he had a catcher’s mitt – it was his job to warm up the pitchers. That included crouching down and trying to catch tiny baseballs well past bedtime traveling at 50 miles per hour. His knees were really sore the first night – but each day is got a little easier. Then trouble hit.
Half way through the season – feeling his oats – the Trailing Spouse took off after a fly ball down the right field line – tripped – rolled head over heels – and had a terrible pain in his side – like being impaled on a punji stick. He grimaced and nursed his side for the next hour in front of the kids – but he knew something was wrong. He went home and spent the next 2 days in bed. It was a cracked rib – and every cough or sneeze sent a super pain through his whole body. Throwing was impossible – but the season went on. It is hard to admit that your body is not as durable as it used to be. But when you have only so much energy – you must choose where to spend it.
Most of the time – the Trailing Spouse spent as a bench jockey – manning the clipboard – calling out batter’s names – and warming up the pitcher between innings. He became really good at yelling, “good pitch” – “good eye” – and “you only need one.”
The team – Talquin Electric Company Shockers – ended up 7-9. Not bad for a young team. They only had one homer – Steve Gabbard – a 10 year older – hit it. Steve’s dad – Steve, Sr. – served as the 1st base coach. You may re-call that “Steve the father” played football for Buddy Ryan’s Philadelphia Eagles. Two other father coaches showed up for almost every game and practice. Attorney Mark Miller kept the scorebook and kept reminding his son Wesley to “stay in the game.” Another dad – Rob Wilson – made time from his busy schedule to help out his son Preston’s team.
After 4 months – playing temperatures going from the 40s to the 90s – the season was over – but not before the Florida State Seminoles invited the team to see a baseball game and tour the locker rooms during Senior Day – the last game of the year. It was probably the last time he will see his players.
Although the Trailing Spouse has attended about 15 FSU bowl games – several ACC basketball championships – tons of Philadelphia Phillies games – none of them prepared him for seeing a sporting event from the coach’s perspective.
Coach Bob – made time for the team in every way. He holds an executive administrative position locally – has 5 kids of his own to care for – was wearing a cast on his foot from a previous injury – and had many schedules to juggle. People often say – “if you want a task done right – give it to a busy person.” It is people like Coach Bob that make Tallahassee an even better community – that is Coach Bob Gabordi.
Near the end of the season – the Winthrop Baseball Commissioner asked the Trailing Spouse if he would like to take over the team next year. Although it was fun this year – in a retired guy’s world – planning for next year is like planning for the next century – leave it up to somebody else.
Robert Frost ended his poem with,
“The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.”
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