Before I move forward with this week’s column, I want to clarify something that I’ve heard a few times over the years and again most recently. There are no cryptic messages within my column. To the person over last week’s column that thinks I communicate with Republicans in this manner while trying to undermine Democrats, that just ain’t so. Truth is, you’re giving me way too much credit. I’m not that smart. I call them like I see them, and I’ll throw in that no one should ever agree with everything I write. If that were the case, I would be failing to serve my readers.

In staying with the “I call them like I see them” theme, most of you know I’ve been involved in area athletics in about every way possible since I was 5 years old. Baseball does hold a special place in my heart and soul as it has been passed down from generation to generation in a most special way for over a hundred years in the Webb family.

And for those of you wondering, I’m already working with my soon-to-be 4-month-old grandson, Beau, on hitting from both sides of the plate. I also got him his first rattle last week and placed it in his left hand, hoping this would help him to be a southpaw. I’m running out of the base path as I often do; I’d better get back on subject.

As I get older, I realize the greatest blessing from all those years of baseball, basketball, and football is the relationships I’ve made with so many. People I am proud to have as friends from the time we shared together over athletic competition. It doesn’t matter when and where you see them or how long it’s been, you pick right up with that special bond.

The unfortunate thing is, at this stage in my life, many of these wonderful people are leaving us.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mike Sharrow. He was truly one of the good guys. Mike umpired more games that my family was involved in than I could possibly count. He was involved from Little League to Babe Ruth right up through high school ball.

Putting things in perspective with Jimmy and Hunter, he saw them from the time they were knee-high to a grasshopper to when they left for college and then picked right back up with Jimmy when he managed Loyalsock High School. Jimmy had the utmost respect for him and would tell me he wished he did every LHS game.

Mike approached umpiring with an amazing love, care, and passion. His voice was unique in a responsible and professional demeanor. He always tried to get the call right and displayed a friendly side, even when sometimes maybe it wasn’t deserved. He took this love and talent for umpiring and shared it and taught fellow umpires and future generations of umpires. As many of you have heard of a coaching tree, he truly had an umpire tree that will be part of his legacy for years to come.

Until Mike’s passing, I always just thought of him as an umpire. He was always there, he was always kind, and he even invited me for a cold beverage after games with his fellow umpires. His obit can be found at webbweekly.com. I wish I would have accepted his offer more often, but I felt like I was intruding on a special time for umpires.

I caught up with long-time West End overseer Win Jimder. That’s Jim Winder. I’d better explain, don’t want anybody to think I’m cryptic. We shared stories about Mike as we both tried to hold back the tears. I wish I had the space to share them with you. The best way I can sum it up is that there was nobody like Mike. When you arrived at the ballpark and heard his voice, it brought a smile to your face. I don’t think Mike ever missed an assignment at any level, as he was a fixture. And now, in his older years, Jim informed me he was looking forward to umpiring even more.

Mike, I’m going to miss you, my friend. I’m sure when you reached the Pearly Gates, they resembled the most beautiful gates that could be found to enter any ballpark. I imagine as you walked through, St. Peter handed you a full schedule of games and said God wants you on field one for the opener.

I feel, in Mike’s honor, I should finish with our world needs more umpires, referees, and officials. I think many forget just how important they are to the sport their children play. And many aren’t getting any younger.

Please, if you’re interested, dedicate your time to the sport that fuels your passion and be the best you can be.

God Bless America.