Embarking on a ten-hour car ride returning from a relaxing week in Tennessee’s Great Smokey Mountains, the Virginia hillside passed by, and country tunes were emanating from the car radio. But in reality, I was a bit oblivious to both. I didn’t realize it at the time, and I hadn’t heard the song in years — but Mac Davis’s 1974 hit record “Stop and Smell the Roses” may have been the best description of the thoughts on my mind.
Our friends have long teased my wife, Jean, that for me, it isn’t a vacation if it doesn’t include a visit to a ballpark somewhere along the line, to which I plead guilty. I could raise a defense that over the years, there has been a trip to Hawaii and a cruise down the Mississippi River that didn’t include a ball game, but such instances have been in the minority.
But this trip was different and as each passing year goes by, smelling those roses becomes even more important. This occasion was an outing in a fully furnished (my perfect description of roughing it) Smokey Mountain cabin accompanied by my son, Doug, and his family.
While Doug and daughter Denise’s families live only two hours away, conflicting schedules often limit family get-togethers to holidays, birthdays, and grandchildren’s sporting events. Three years ago, Doug and I did have the wonderful opportunity to spend ten days together in France, Belgium, and Germany, tracing my Dad’s World War II footsteps. But this time provided the opportunity to kick back, relax, see the sights, and enjoy each other’s company.
Spending some time when returning home to open mail and catch up on newspaper reading, the smell of those roses became even stronger. First, there was Jim Webb’s page 2 column reflecting on the good and bad times he shared with his father, Jim Sr. Many of us may have shared that same kind of emotions after a parent had passed away. But his heartfelt message was for all of us to take the time to spend with loved ones while that chance is still a reality.
Then I opened a gracious note from a WW reader regarding a column I had written about the Field of Dreams a few weeks back. She appreciated the column and, for her, brought back pleasant memories of her own Dyersville, Iowa trip 15 years ago.
In part, her note stated, “Being a baseball family with years of Little League, West End Babe Ruth and two college pitchers, plus housing minor league players, the attraction was magnetic.”
This week marks the most magical week of the year for the now twenty Little League Baseball teams that have traveled here via a whirlwind journey that many will not even comprehend the significance until years down the road. For their parents and supporters, that opportunity to smell the roses from the stadium stands or hillsides has come at a significant expense that most will say was well worth it.
Since 1971, I have been blessed to have had the great fortune to be a part of this World Series euphoria in a variety of capacities as either a Little League employee or member of the news media. It has always been one of my most favorite events. Making it even more fun has been the opportunity to be on the same radio team with Ken Sawyer, Gary Chrisman, Tom Speicher, and Tom O’Malley airing the game broadcasts.
Our beloved friend and colleague Bill Byham outdated us all calling Series games for 55 years before his passing in 2017. But once again, this year, it is my privilege to sit alongside Sawyer, who will be calling the event for his 51st year. Last year Little League International recognized Sawyer’s long and successful tenure by awarding him the distinguished W. Howard Hartman Friendship Award.
Without question, the Little League World Series has undergone many changes over the years. This year is no exception, with four added teams and greatly restricted gate entrance procedures for fans to follow. For the locals, there will be some distractions from the normal routine as the community welcomes the many visitors. Let’s all do our best to welcome them and cherish the opportunity we have to do so.
Above all, whether you plan on visiting the Little League complex, catching the games on radio or TV, or dealing with the changes to your daily routine, it would be a good idea to take the time to Google Mac Davis’s 1974 hit and “Stop and Smell the Roses” in your life. You’ll be better off by doing so.
