THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 16, 1996 TAG: 9606160019
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
TYPE: Column
SOURCE: Paul South
LENGTH: 70 lines
Speaking frankly, gatherings of governmental bodies aren't much fun.
They may be the corpuscles of the lifeblood of representative democracy, but board meetings can be about as exciting as watching Michael Jordan go one-on-one with a 6-year-old.
They talk a lot about budgets and tax rates and audits and such, which are all important things. But you wouldn't necessarily load up the family car and say, ``Hey, Mabel, they're going to talk about workers' compensation tonight. Let's scrap `Wheel of Fortune' and go check it out.''
But last week in this Roanoke Island community, there was an exception to the rule, thanks to the Manteo High School baseball team. The new Class 2A state baseball champions were honored at a meeting of the Dare County Board of Education.
The team, along with their coach, Kenny Meekins, presented autographed baseballs to the board. But it was not your ordinary ``grip and grin'' ceremony.
First, Meekins showed up with a new hairstyle - a buzz cut that ensures he will have a bad hair month.
``I promised the team if we won, I would do it,'' he said with a big grin.
The Redskins did win, sweeping East Davidson for Manteo's first state title ever in the 2A classification.
``I love these boys like I love my own children,'' Meekins said. ``The thing about these kids is that they love each other. That's how we got there, and that's how we won.''
That bond extends beyond teammates. Meekins' assistant is his Dad, Ronnie Meekins.
``We argue sometimes like brothers on the bench,'' Kenny Meekins says. ``But I love my dad.''
The family ties to this club stretch past generational lines. Ted Toler, one of the members of the championship team, is the grandson of the legendary Pigham Walker. For many years, Pigham Walker coached youth baseball in Wanchese. One of his early pupils was Hall of Famer Jim ``Catfish'' Hunter of Hertford.
It would be easy enough to brush off the story of the Manteo Redskins' success. After all, this is only the story of a small school in a small town.
But in an era of Marge Schotts and Albert Belles, there is consolation in good boys who make good grades and play a great game very well.
The impact of all of this may not have hit the 15 members of the Manteo club. But years from now, long after the congratulatory signs have been removed from local marquees, it will all sink in.
And in the autumn and winter of their lives, batting averages will inflate, and the routine catch will be remembered as a diving, game-saving piece of acrobatic splendor.
The details may become fuzzy. And life may take them far away from their hometowns. But down through the years, the things that matter will never be forgotten. There is a reason I know this.
A few years back, at my father's funeral, a pudgy, balding man approached me.
``You don't know me,'' the man said. ``My name is Frank Caldwell. I played baseball with your dad at Ensley.''
And from his suit pocket, Mr. Caldwell produced a copy of a newspaper clipping. There on the pages of ``The Birmingham News'' were the faces of the 1954 Birmingham City Champions.
In the middle of the second row, with a face that looked like mine, was Jimmy South. My father.
``Your dad was a great guy, and a great catcher,'' Mr. Caldwell said.
We talked for a bit longer, the awkward chit-chat that folks make at funerals. We shook hands, and he walked away. I still have the picture.
Manteo's boys of springtime may not know it, but they have given their children and grandchildren a wonderful gift - a chance to say, ``Pop was a great ballplayer.'' by CNB