Thanks, Doc, for the memories and the caring

To the editor:

Back in the summer of 1978, I was fortunate enough to have been a member of the Cape Girardeau American Legion Post 63 baseball team. But more important was the opportunity to have been mentored by, chewed out by and taught several little life lessons by a wonderfully charismatic and caring man.

Reflecting back as I read the article about the first Spirit of America Award going to John "Doc" Yallaly, it seems like just last night when I was bouncing in an old tan school bus along some beat-up road in southern Missouri, happily munching on the best ham sandwiches a hungry teenager has ever eaten and reflecting with my teammates as to how the we won the game against Mountain View's Legion team:

Our coach and mentor would summon a player sleeping with one eye open in the corner of the dugout to get ready to pinch hit in the top of the ninth. Then the infamous "C'mon up" would be heard just prior to the pitch that would be perfectly bunted by Sleepy, allowing our player to score from third as the go-ahead and, ultimately, winning run.

Thank you, Doc Yallaly, for these memories and so many more. And many congrats for being honored as the first recipient of the Spirit of America Award. You have inspired so many, including me, in your own manner, always caring, always teaching, always a gentleman. Finally, thank you, Barbara, for the incredible ham sandwiches.

ANDY LIMBAUGH

Canton, Ga.