RFD

I know of some Burke County grandparents who are busting with pride over their grandson. Patsy and Roy Black and Sally and Jimmie Barefield's grandson, Mitch, is on the North Augusta All-stars who won the state baseball championship in Mount Pleasant, S.C. last weekend. Their team won all four games in the state tournament. Mitchell, a relief pitcher, and his team will be heading to Louisburg, Tenn., near Nashville, for the Babe Ruth League Inc. Southeast Regional tournament on Friday, July 24. Mitch, age 10, is the son of Jennifer and Mitch Barefield, formerly of Waynesboro.

Upon hearing the news of Mitch and his team heading for the playoffs, it brought back many fond memories of his daddy's early baseball days.

About 27 years ago, my son, Lil' Eddie and Mitch were on the Waynesboro Jaycees baseball team and we played a team in Sandersville. It was a big deal. Mothers of the team players wore custom-made T-Shirts. On the back of Sallie's T-shirt read, "Mitch is Mine."

Little did we know when we got there the boys had to hit the ball from a pitching machine which our boys had never experienced. We were getting struck out left and right.

Eddie was the first to get a base hit, followed by Mitch. It was a great game ... even though we lost. Our boys played their hearts out and we were so proud of them.

Our recreation department got pitching machines the next season. The Waynesboro Jaycees continue to be among the sponsors of local ball teams. And, little boys continue to follow in their dad's footsteps. Life is good!