I Just Liked to Play Ball

A year ago today my Grandpa Ernie died, and to remember him I wanted to share the poem that my Dad wrote for his burial and memorial services. We love and miss you very much, Gramps!


I Just Liked to Play Ball

It's the start of a brand new softball year
Ernie is toeing the rubber, grooming the mound
Riser, Drop and Screwball without fear
One of the happiest young pitchers around

His motto, "I just liked to play ball"
He enjoys the competition as well as the team
It's not winning but playing that counts most of all
The only thing that beats ball is chocolate homemade ice cream

The boys of Hubbard Garage are the team of date
With a roster of two Berkeys, a Yoder, and a Barnse
Graham winning games on the mound with Palmer behind the plate
Teammates include a Grim, a Fobert, a Hatcher, and a McNamee

Mid-season finds three new players and the volume goes loud
Sharon, Jane and finally there is Pete
The team hits it's stride and Papa Ernie is so proud
Tournament wins a plenty with very a few defeat

Late in the year finds Ernie as coach with new mates
Ben at first, Tim at second, Jena at third, Erin at short; infield is tight
Joel is on the mound with big Matt behind the plate
Amanda plays left, Brady roams center, and Bri's big arm in right

As the last game finally arrives we find Ernie stiff and sore
The mind is weak and the body needs a new lease
With the last out recorded, Toots takes Ernie home to play no more
Not cut, not waived, but simply RELEASE

Now we know life is more than a softball analogy
It is more wondrous and more miraculous

It's the start of a brand new softball year
Ernie is toeing the rubber, grooming the mound
Bringing the high heat in the Higher League without fear
One of the happiest young pitchers around

The last picture I took with Papa Ernie, about a month before he died
The 9 of us grandkids at his memorial service