I intended to use my laptop during the game, figuring I could write the Burbank game while watching the Burroughs game. So, I positioned myself at the counter at Tomahawk Field that is situated between the home dugout and the snack stand.
My plan was derailed when I opened my computer prior to the Indians’ contest and the battery was dead. Instead of moving into the stands, I figured I would stay in my spot, nestled between a throng of Burroughs coaches.
As the day turned into night, and Burbank’s game gave way to the Burroughs contest, I was dreading another three hours of action.
But little did I know, the Indians’ matchup flew by and I didn’t even mind the extra innings.
Fortunately, I was kept distracted by a group of Burroughs coaches who made the experience worthwhile The coaches embarked on a game-long routine of impersonations, obscure references to former Major League Baseball players, various jokes and a steady dose of quotes from “Slap Shot.”
The guys never let up through the entire game, as their cavalcade of humor also included constructive criticism of the home-plate umpire, nicknames for opposing players and barbs involving one another.
In an attempt to protect the — in this case — no-so innocent, I won’t identify any of the Indians coaches by name. And for those who are not close to the Burroughs program, actually identifying the men involved would be almost impossible.
The reason for the tough ID is because Burroughs has more coaches than I have ever seen for a baseball team. Some football teams don’t have as many coaches. For Tuesday’s game, nine coaches were in uniform. That didn’t even include some other guys who were assisting.
A lot of the coaches are former players or Burroughs graduates. I know Coach Tom Crowther doesn’t have enough stipends to pay all of those coaches, and he can’t afford to give them money out of his pocket. So, as I suspect, many volunteer their time to help the program.
