Those of you who know me well, know that I love me some good ol' american baseball, especially college baseball. I've always been a Catamount & a UGA baseball fan first & foremost, and that won't change, BUT, as we travel the road to Omaha this year, I am finding myself embarking on what could be a very historical moment for the ECU Pirates and those of us who have had the honor of being touched by Coach Keith LeClair. Here's the deal...by the grace of the college baseball god's, my buddy & I scored tickets (lottery style) for the upcoming Super Regional games which will feature UNC vs. ECU. I am so excited about getting to go to this event. Absolutely FIRED UP!!!!
Now here's a little back story to explain my excitement.......Although I was born & raised a Tarheel (or a "Tarhole" to those of you who are Duke or NC State fans) and a Dawg fan, once I set out into the "adult world", also known as college, I learned the passion, the significance & the pride in wearing purple & gold and not just b/c I was a Catamount, but because of Coach Keith LeClair.
Coach LeClair coached @ Western Carolina from 1992-1997 (which btw, was his alma mater where he played from 1985-1988). In the summer of 1997, he had accepted the head coaching position @ ECU where he not only coached from 1998-2002, but he helped build a phenomenal baseball program.
Just prior to leaving the mountains of WNC for the eastern part of the state, Coach LeClair was diagnosed with ALS. I remember EXACTLY where I was when I heard the news. I was standing in the Cullowhee Post Office. I remember it like it happened 2 seconds ago. Those of us who knew Coach and his family knew that their faith was as strong as steel and ALS wasn't gonna slow them down, and it didn't. So, off to Greenville they went and amazing things transpired for ECU baseball, for the LeClair family and an amazing fight against ALS was had. Coach LeClair lost his battle to ALS on July 16th, 2006. But he never gave up and he always believed in big dreams...one of those dreams being OMAHA!!!!
Therefore, I have no doubt in my mind that when I'm at the ballpark this weekend, Coach LeClair will also be there (in spirit with us) backing the boys in purple & gold in hopes of finally seeing his dream come true....a trip to OMAHA! And I can tell you right now, if the Pirates win, it will be one of the most emotional & historical moments in college sports that I'll have ever had the opportunity of being a part of.
Ironically, I came across this article earlier this evening:
http://www.wralsportsfan.com/voices/blogpost/5289069/
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