MORE THAN A GAME

As the Owls’ season comes to an end, head coach Joe Butterfield reflects on a lifetime of baseball, friendship and the bonds built along the way.

A few years ago, 56 to be exact, mom dropped me off at the baseball field for my first practice. A “town” kid came up to me asked me to play catch. We played catch for the next 20 years. Through coaches Noyes, Hinrichs, Christensen, Judstra, Kludt and Thornton, a lifetime of memories had begun.

The dugout life, the after game festivities, it is all a part of it. Every game, every season has its ups and downs. There is only one team that ends the season in joy, for the rest it is the “what ifs” and you look forward to next spring and a new beginning of a season.

This was a new season for sure. Two weeks before the league meeting, we had six players committed. Then all of a sudden, we jumped to 15. Many new faces. Our first game in Winner I had to ask who these guys were. Layne, Blaze, Carson, Brandon, Brock, Bubba. You get the point and an understanding of how it took a while to get a groove on.

I mentioned earlier about the ups and downs, well we had them. Not only baseball ups and downs, but real life stuff. We had some guys playing a game, carrying around real life pain and grief. I am sure there were heavy hearts from a few of the players throughout the year that I was unaware of. Specifically at the State Tournament, we had two guys carrying around an overwhelming amount of sorrow. I can promise you that the teammates and game helped these guys cope. It just has a healing effect.

My point of this, baseball is a great sport that provides so much more than recreation. I have had a lifetime of fun, pride and friendships. I hope that kids are forever given the opportunity to participate for as long as they want in their lives.

Wessington Springs is such a great community that provides so much support. From myself and all of the players, thank you for your support.