Submitted
LATTA’S “OLD TIMERS” - (Left to right): Wade Brown; Hubert (Hubcap) Small; Richard Jackson; Mr. Alex H. (Buddy) Johnson; Albert Daniels; Junior Rabon; Carl Moody; JW Gasque; Carlton Caulder; Jerry Daniels; Johnny Mac Gasque; Carl Wiggins; Milton Rogers; Billy Wiggins; Ryan Finklea; Tony Jackson; Gregg Carter; Wayne Hardy; Lavern Brigman; Jack Britt; Mike Thomas; Jim Braddock; Billy Ray McDonald; Jeff Lee; James Hayes; and Pete Hyatt. Playing but not pictured: Paul Brown; Gomer McCormick; and Richard McFee. (Photo submitted. Click to view at full size.)
There was a good turnout at the Latta Recreation Complex to see these men whose ages range from their sixties to some in their mid seventies. Some of these fellows chose to use pinch runners and some of the local youth were glad to oblige. It was surprising to see how well some of these senior citizens could still run, hit and catch.
Some of the guys play regularly in places who have regular games for their age groups. One could imagine though that the fellows who don’t play much probably were a little sore the next day.
There were food and drinks available and everybody had a good time. The weather was picture perfect as most of the games held have been blessed with good weather.
The real reason behind this game goes a lot further than just getting together once a year to play a little softball. Mr. Alex H. (Buddy) Johnson coached most of these men in High School and this Old Timer’s Game came about through the former players wanting to do something to honor their the coach that taught them not only the game of baseball, but some very important values that would stay with them during their lives.
A scholarship fund was started in Mr. Johnson’s honor and since its inception, $40,000 has been raised to benefit students who qualify to help with their further education. There have been many scholarships awarded over the years and this year three more scholarships were presented.
Now, the group has taken on another task by starting another scholarship fund in the name of Mr. and Mrs. Seba and Lou Stoudenmire, who taught many years at Latta Schools and left a lasting impression on the many students they taught and guided in the right direction during their careers.
