Comments:
I have three grand kids.
Jackson, Grayson, Harrison
They live in the Fayetteville, Arkansas area. My son and his wife were High School sweethearts.
After graduating in 1967 I attended Arkansas Tech on a football and baseball scholarship for two years. Wasn't what I thought it would be.
Worked in Russellville for a year. During this time I met my to-be wife Glenda Ray. We became engaged the fall of 1969. We were not sure of a marriage date but in the spring something happened that I had wanted to do all my life.
I was playing baseball for Morten's Frozen foods and coaching Russellville's American Legion team. Scouts from the St.Louis Cardinals and New York Mets came to see one of my players. They requested that I throw for them(knew me from my Legion Years). Just four days later I signed a Professional Baseball contract with New York Mets. Obviously our wedding plans were on hold for a few months. We did marry September 7, 1970.
I played seven years with the Mets organization from Rookie League, class A, AA, AAA with an invitation to 1973 spring training with the Major League Mets. What and experience.
I had the pleasure to meet current and future Baseball Hall of Famers. They included: Casey Stengel(mgr.for New York Yankees for many years and the Mets for a few years), Tom Seaver, and Willie Mays.
I had a good career in the Mets organization.
*Led one league in saves.
*Led one league in shutouts.
*Made the 1973 Texas League All-Star team. Pitched against the then Washington Senators of the American League.
*Played on the 1973 and 1974 Texas League Championship teams.
*Was the Pitching Coach for the 1975 International League Championship team. We also won The AAA World Series.
I retired from baseball in 1975 and moved back to Ft. Smith, Arkansas with my wife Glenda. She was a school teacher in Ft. Smith.
