Tom Macneil - RIP 10/04/08

"Happiness, that grand mistress of the ceremonies in the dance of life, impels us through all its mazes and meanderings, but leads none of us by the same route." - Albert Camus

Here we are on the eve of another wonderful baseball season. Our kids are due a lot of fun times this coming year, and yet it begins with a tragic loss, not only for me, but for the entire YAO and Bermuda Inline Hockey Association. Our fearless leader, Tom Macneil, died yesterday of a heart attack. Tom, who has tirelessly given of himself, both on the field as a coach, and off as Rookie League Commissioner, even this year with no connection to the rookie league - both his boys Tyler and Riley have moved up - stayed on because no one wanted the job. It is a big job, and it's a credit to his unspoken passion and devotion to the development of our kids in baseball that kept him there.

I don't have a lot of "I remember" Tom stories, I do know that we were good friends, and I truly respected all that he did for the YAO. His unwavering support of us as coaches, all volunteers, kept him at the ballpark much more than he should have been and we never really had a chance to thank him. For that I am honoured to have worked alongside him. Tom was a not only a buddy, but a mentor and led by example. He wanted his kids to succeed and in that process he has turned out some amazing kids. We should all do so well.

A few people wanted to delay the opening week this week, but upon reflection and the insistence of his wife Gail, we shall play on. It would be Tom's wish. It's the least we can do for him.

In fact I do have an "I remember" Tom story. When his boys would do something well, at the plate or on the field, there was always a huge " 'ATTA BOY " from him. It was his trademark. It was his stamp of approval.

Atta Boy Tom... Atta Boy....

Tomorrow will be a tough day. I only hope we continue to make him proud.