Disclaimer

If you do not know me (I mean, really know me) then there is something you need to understand before you read this blog: I value the truth above everything else... except a good laugh. A good laugh will almost always beat the truth as far as I’m concerned. Everything you read on this blog will be true, somewhat true, or something I made up in an effort to get a laugh. Sometimes I will go on a rant that I don’t really mean (or only kind of mean). Sometimes I will mean what I write only to completely change my mind a year, month, or day later. Such is life. By reading this blog you agree not to get offended by anything I write (or, at the very least, you agree not to tell me or anyone else that you are offended). It is worth noting that my employer does not endorse my blog (or even read it, to tell you the truth). The Wife also does not endorse my blog (though she will read it from time to time). I am not paid to write this... it’s just my way of giving back to the community. I have, and will, touch on a wide range of subjects and will give my opinion on these subjects. Again, most of what I say is for laughs but every now and then I will say what I really think and feel (see my views on Westboro Baptist Cult). How will you know when I’m serious and when I’m trying to get a laugh? You’ll know. And if you don’t know, well... maybe this isn’t the best thing for you to be reading. So, sit back, read and enjoy. Leave comments if you want and don’t be afraid to publicly follow me.



Sunday, June 29, 2014

Matthew 4:5-7

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private William Rankin (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 29, 1872, at Red River, Texas. His citation reads:

Gallantry in action with Indians.

Corporal John Rannahan (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on January 15, 1865, on board the USS Minnesota. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Minnesota in the assault on Fort Fisher, 15 January 1865. Landing on the beach with the assaulting party from his ship, Cpl. Rannahan advanced to the top of the sandhill and partly through the breach in the palisades despite enemy fire which killed or wounded many officers and men. When more than two_thirds of the men became seized with panic and retreated on the run, he remained with the party until dark when it came safely away, bringing its wounded, its arms and its colors.

Assistant Surgeon George E. Ranney (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 14, 1864, at Resaca, Georgia. His citation reads:

At great personal risk, went to the aid of a wounded soldier, Pvt. Charles W. Baker, lying under heavy fire between the lines, and with the aid of an orderly carried him to a place of safety.


The I’m just sayin… Gospel Verse of the Week
Matthew 4:5-7

5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”


7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor...

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Commander Lawson Paterson Ramage (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 31, 1944, in the Pacific. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the U.S.S. Parche in a predawn attack on a Japanese convoy, 31 July 1944. Boldly penetrating the screen of a heavily escorted convoy, Comdr. Ramage launched a perilous surface attack by delivering a crippling stern shot into a freighter and quickly following up with a series of bow and stern torpedoes to sink the leading tanker and damage the second one. Exposed by the light of bursting flares and bravely defiant of terrific shellfire passing close overhead, he struck again, sinking a transport by two forward reloads. In the mounting fury of fire from the damaged and sinking tanker, he calmly ordered his men below, remaining on the bridge to fight it out with an enemy now disorganized and confused. Swift to act as a fast transport closed in to ram, Comdr. Ramage daringly swung the stern of the speeding Parche as she crossed the bow of the onrushing ship, clearing by less than 50 feet but placing his submarine in a deadly crossfire from escorts on all sides and with the transport dead ahead. Undaunted, he sent 3 smashing "down the throat" bow shots to stop the target, then scored a killing hit as a climax to 46 minutes of violent action with the Parche and her valiant fighting company retiring victorious and unscathed.

Second Lieutenant George H. Ramer (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 12, 1951, in Korea. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as leader of the 3d Platoon in Company I, in action against enemy aggressor forces. Ordered to attack and seize hostile positions atop a hall, vigorously defended by well-entrenched enemy forces delivering massed small-arms mortar, and machine gun fire, 2d Lt. Ramer fearlessly led his men up the steep slopes and although he and the majority of his unit were wounded during the ascent, boldly continued to spearhead the assault. With the terrain becoming more precipitous near the summit and the climb more perilous as the hostile forces added grenades to the devastating hail of fire, he staunchly carried the attack to the top, personally annihilated 1 enemy bunker with grenade and carbine fire and captured the objective with his remaining 8 men. Unable to hold the position against an immediate, overwhelming hostile counterattack, he ordered his group to withdraw and single-handedly fought the enemy to furnish cover for his men and for the evacuation of 3 fatally wounded marines. Severely wounded a second time, 2d Lt. Ramer refused aid when his men returned to help him and, after ordering them to seek shelter, courageously manned his post until the hostile troops overran his position and he fell mortally wounded. His indomitable fighting spirit, inspiring leadership and unselfish concern for others in the face of death, reflect the highest credit upon 2d Lt. Ramer and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Private Charles F. Rand (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 18, 1861, at Blackburns Ford, Virginia. His citation reads:

Remained in action when a part of his regiment broke in disorder, joined another company, and fought with it through the remainder of the engagement.



Good luck to our boys in Brazil as they face the Germans today in the World Cup. That’s right… for a few weeks every four years I like soccer (or, futbol, as the funny speaking people call it). We hope they get the win and leave no doubt about advancing to the next round.

Congrats to my good friend and brother Jason Farr on his performance last Saturday night. As you will remember, The Wife and I went on a double-date with Jeremy to see the MRSOE! Show that Farr was part of (MRSOE = Most Races Show On Earth). Rebecca did not attend because she thinks only white people can be funny (to be fair, that’s just a theory of mine). There were a lot of old white people there, which didn’t really seem to be the demographic that this show was geared towards. My guess was that they thought they were going to see the Most Racist Show On Earth. Overall, I thought it was a great show. A lot of laughs. I felt like Farr was the best of all of them… partly because he was the only one who had a clean act. All of the others had at least something in their set that was vulgar. I don’t mind cuss words, but I could do without the vulgar stuff.

The Wife has a new business… Path Finders. Make sure you go on the Facebook and “like” them. She will be doing the same thing she’s been doing for the last ten years… just now she will be on her own… with some of the same people she worked with at Pattison’s (but now she’ll have more control). Anyway, she is great at what she does so I know Path Finders will be very successful and will help a lot of special needs kids and families for years to come. I’m sure I will talk about this some more over the next few weeks.

Longtime I’m just sayin… fan (and my good friend and brother) Jeremy told me about a new podcast that some guys we know from college are doing called Bad Christian… but I never remembered to check it out. He told me about it again this past Saturday, and this time I remembered to give it a listen. All week I’ve had a Bad Christian marathon going as I try to catch up to the current episode. So far, I’ve got to say I’m glad Jeremy reminded me about this thing. I have found it great… very entertaining and some of the things they say really make me think. And sometimes, believe it or not, I like to think. They will talk about any and everything… a lot of stuff you don’t hear talked about in church. Some of their topics might make you uncomfortable, but I have found all of them interesting. I’m sure this podcast isn’t for everyone… but I like it. They remind me that being Christian does not mean being perfect. Feel free to “like” their Facebook page, too.

I emailed Jeremy to tell him that we needed to start a podcast (but that he would need to do about 90% of the “real work” on it). He hasn’t gotten back to me yet. I’m assuming he wants to get everything set up before he brings me in…

Speaking of Jeremy... A young man in my office (who I trained) told me yesterday that he met my old college roommate.  It went something like this...

Young Man:  "I met your old college roommate on the elevator the other day".

Me:  "He's a liar".

My boss (to Young Man):  "Jeremy?"

Young Man:  "Yeah... He said not to believe anything Greg tells me".

Me:  "He was probably drunk... Jeremy drinks all of the time".


How ‘bout the Winthrop President? That’s messed up…

Daniel punched Mary Ruth in the face Sunday night. Right on the nose… A right cross that Rocky would have been proud of. I doubt I would have believed it if I hadn’t walked into the room a split second before the threw the punch. That was bad luck for him…

I think Susie was born to be a soccer player. Why do I say this? Because she “flops” when she gets in a fight with Daniel or Mary Ruth. If one of them touches her just a little bit, Susie will fall to the ground and cry like she just got shot… but once you scold the offending party, she will get up and laugh like nothing is wrong. She’s only four, but she’s already working on her PhD in Mind Games. I’ll be honest, she scares me. I mean, The Force is strong with this one.

I went to a funeral yesterday.  I one point, I found myself thinking... What I would like is for a friend to hire a very (very) good looking woman (or three or four) to come to my funeral and just cry uncontrollably.  I mean, cry to the point that people look at her/them and think... "How did she/they know him?"  I feel like that could be a nice little joke...


Picture Thursday

We could call this "Suck it... Picture Thursday"....   :)

Me with Aunt Yvonne... Suck it, Susan

Me with Mom... Suck it, Sonny

Another one of me and Aunt Yvonne... Suck on it some more, Susan

Me and Uncle Keith... Why this angle?  Because we were at a funeral (not the one I talked about above).  Friends, all of my favorite funeral memories involve Uncle Keith. 

Hey look... Me and Aunt Yvonne... You know what to do Susan.

Me and The Wife... Suck it, Scooby

Hmmm.... Scooby looks like he doesn't care

Last one of me and Aunt Yvonne for Susan...

Sunday, June 22, 2014

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY THE WIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private John Raerick (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 14, 1869, at Lyry Creek, Arizona. His citation reads:

Gallantry in action with Indians.

Private Peter Rafferty (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 1, 1862, at Malvern Hill, Virginia. His citation reads:

Having been wounded and directed to the rear, declined to go, but continued in action, receiving several additional wounds, which resulted in his capture by the enemy and his total disability for military service.

First Sergeant Theodore Ragnar (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on December 30, 1890, at White Clay Creek, South Dakota. His citation reads:

Bravery.


Today I’d like to wish The Wife a very Happy Anniversary!!!! Asking her to marry me was the best thing I ever did, and I thank God every day that she said yes… Even if He did send so much rain on our wedding day that we started to worry the church would flood…


The I’m just sayin… Gospel Verse of the Week
Luke 11:9-10

9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

WE WANT LEAH BACK!!!!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Sergeant Alexander M. Quinn (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 1, 1898, at Santiago, Cuba. His citation reads:

Gallantly assisted in the rescue of the wounded from in front of the lines and under heavy fire from the enemy.

Private Peter H. Quinn (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 13, 1899, at San Miguel de Mayumo, Luzon, Philippine Islands. His citation reads:

With 11 other scouts without waiting for the supporting battalion to aid them or to get into a position to do so, charged over a distance of about 150 yards and completely routed about 300 of the enemy who were in line and in a position that could only be carried by a frontal attack.

Staff Sergeant Laszlo Rabel (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 13, 1968, at Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. Rabel distinguished himself while serving as leader of Team Delta, 74th Infantry Detachment. At 1000 hours on this date, Team Delta was in a defensive perimeter conducting reconnaissance of enemy trail networks when a member of the team detected enemy movement to the front. As S/Sgt. Rabel and a comrade prepared to clear the area, he heard an incoming grenade as it landed in the midst of the team's perimeter. With complete disregard for his life, S/Sgt. Rabel threw himself on the grenade and, covering it with his body, received the complete impact of the immediate explosion. Through his indomitable courage, complete disregard for his safety and profound concern for his fellow soldiers, S/Sgt. Rabel averted the loss of life and injury to the other members of Team Delta. By his gallantry at the cost of his life in the highest traditions of the military service, S/Sgt. Rabel has reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.


Baseball lost some great men recently… Don Zimmer, best known in my house as the former Cub’s manager, passed away on June 4 at the age of 83. He had a great baseball life, including playing with such greats as Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, Roy Campanella, Duke Snider and Sandy Koufax and managing such greats as Ryne Sandberg, Rick Sutcliffe, Andre Dawson, Mark Grace and Greg Maddux. Tony Gwynn, perhaps the greatest hitter I ever saw, passed away on June 16. Sonny sent me something about Gwynn that I have to share with you. “Gwynn batted .462 (30 for 65) against John Smoltz, .429 (39 for 91) against Greg Maddux and .312 (29 for 93) against Tom Glavine. In 249 combined at-bats against these Cy Young Award winners, he struck out a total of 3 times (twice against Glavine, once against Smoltz). Greg Maddux is the greatest pitcher I ever saw (without a doubt in my mind). I saw him make a baseball do things that the Laws of Physics will tell you aren’t possible. Maddux called Gwynn "the best pure hitter in the game. Easily". Both of these great men will be missed. Stay away from tobacco products.

I hope everyone had a great Father’s Day. I had a great time going to the church I grew up in. I got to sit with Dad (who has gone to that church his whole life), Mary Ruth, Teresa Lynn and her whole family (and Mom, who was playing the piano. Mom is playing the piano “temporarily” for the church. I put temporarily in quotes, because the last time she did something like this for a church she was there over 20 years). After church we went back to Mom and Dad’s house for lunch (The Wife and The Twins met us there). From there, we went to The Wife’s grandparents’ house (where we ate again). All in all, it was a great day. I have some great Father’s Day videos that the kids made for me that I will share with you next week (I had trouble uploading them this week). Oh, by the way…


We need Leah to come back!!!!!! We miss her so much that, in protest of Teresa Lynn taking her, we have decided to not do the dishes and not clean around the house. The kids are also protesting by not playing well together. Our house is going to hell in a hand basket and it’s all because Teresa Lynn took our Leah away!

Speaking of Teresa Lynn, here are some (real) conversations from this past Sunday…


Lady in church talking to Dad: “My hair would be gray too if I didn’t dye it”.

Dad to lady in church: “Mine would be black if I didn’t dye it gray”.

Teresa Lynn (looking at Dad with a shocked look on her face): “Really?! Do you really dye your hair”.

Me (looking at Teresa Lynn with a shocked look on my face): “Bless your heart”.

Friends, after this exchange I spent most of the remaining time in church “I’ve GOT to remember to tell Sonny about this”. I then thought back over my life and I’m pretty sure the only time Teresa Lynn didn’t believe something either Dad or I told her was when I told her The Wife was pregnant with our third baby. How unlucky for her that the one time she didn’t believe is the one time one of us was telling her the truth… What are the odds?! I also found myself thinking… “Where are all the old people who were here when I was a kid?” (sadly, I realized that they were all, for the most part, now dead… and Mom and Dad are now the old people in the church).

Another conversation came at Mom and Dad’s house when Teresa Lynn wanted a picture with me and Dad on the sofa. At the time, I was sitting on one end with Dad to my right and Teresa Lynn on the other end.

Me: “Wait! Teresa Lynn and I have to switch places!”

Teresa Lynn: “Why?”

Me: “We just do…”

Teresa Lynn (while switching places with me): “But why? I don’t understand”.

Me: “You really don’t know?”

Teresa Lynn: “No! What did it matter?”

Me: “Because in pictures, I like sitting at the right hand of the father”.

Teresa Lynn: “Greg!!!”

Sadly, the pictures that were taken at that moment didn’t look good (blurry and too dark)… I’m sure it didn’t have anything to do with what I said…


Picture Thursday


Susie during her program at achool




Me with my buddy Jason Farr, before he won the stand-up competition

Us in the light.  Farr will be back down here this Saturday for a pretty big show


Scooby... after he was bad (he won't make eye contact)


Dad and Mom with Mary Ruth

Me and my award winning Mary Ruth

Goofy Boy Daniel


Sunday, June 15, 2014

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Sergeant John Henry Quick (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 14, 1898, at Cuzco, Cuba. His citation reads:

In action during the battle of Cuzco, Cuba, 14 June 1898. Distinguishing himself during this action, Quick signaled the U.S.S. Dolphin on 3 different occasions while exposed to a heavy fire from the enemy.

Coxswain Joseph Quick (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on April 27, 1902, at Yokohama, Japan. His citation reads:

For heroism in rescuing Walenty Wisnieroski, Machinist Second Class, from drowning at Yokohama, Japan, 27 April 1902, while serving on board the U.S.S. Yorktown.

Major James Quinlan (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 29, 1862, at Savage Station, Virginia. His citation reads:

Led his regiment on the enemy's battery, silenced the guns, held the position against overwhelming numbers, and covered the retreat of the 2d Army Corps.


Today we’d like to wish my Dad a VERY HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!!!!!!!!!! He is a great man who has taught me a lot these last 35 years. There were times he woke up way too early to drive up to Columbia for meetings and then to Beaufort (or worse, Hilton Head) to watch me play a baseball game, then he would drive home and wait for me to get there so we could talk about the game… then he’d wake up way too early the next day to head back up to Columbia. That’s not normal. Last week you saw what I had to say about Coach Hatley and the impact he has had on my life… What went unsaid at that time was that Coach Hatley couldn’t have had that impact without Dad. Why? Because Dad didn’t sit at home bad-mouthing Coach Hatley. Dad didn’t second guess him (or, if he did, he didn’t do it in front of me). So Thank You, Dad… and HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! I love you. Oh, and I hope all of you other dads have a great day…


The I’m just sayin… Gospel Verse of the Week
Gospel 1:2-16

2 Abraham was the father of Isaac,
Isaac the father of Jacob,
Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,
3 Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar,
Perez the father of Hezron,
Hezron the father of Ram,
4 Ram the father of Amminadab,
Amminadab the father of Nahshon,
Nahshon the father of Salmon,
5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab,
Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth,
Obed the father of Jesse,
6 and Jesse the father of King David.
David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife,
7 Solomon the father of Rehoboam,
Rehoboam the father of Abijah,
Abijah the father of Asa,
8 Asa the father of Jehoshaphat,
Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram,
Jehoram the father of Uzziah,
9 Uzziah the father of Jotham,
Jotham the father of Ahaz,
Ahaz the father of Hezekiah,
10 Hezekiah the father of Manasseh,
Manasseh the father of Amon,
Amon the father of Josiah,
11 and Josiah the father of Jeconiah and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.
12 After the exile to Babylon:
Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel,
Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,
13 Zerubbabel the father of Abihud,
Abihud the father of Eliakim,
Eliakim the father of Azor,
14 Azor the father of Zadok,
Zadok the father of Akim,
Akim the father of Elihud,
15 Elihud the father of Eleazar,
Eleazar the father of Matthan,
Matthan the father of Jacob,
16 and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Picture time!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private James Pym (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 25, 1876, at Little Big Horn River, Montana. His citation reads:

Voluntarily went for water and secured the same under heavy fire.

Seaman George Pyne (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on March 5 and 6, 1865, on board the U.S.S. Magnolia. His citation reads:

As seaman on board the U.S.S. Magnolia, St. Marks, Fla., 5 and 6 March 1865. Serving with the Army in charge of Navy howitzers during the attack on St. Marks and throughout this fierce engagement, Pyne, although wounded, made remarkable efforts in assisting transport of the gun, and his coolness and determination in courageously standing by his gun while under the fire of the enemy were a credit to the service to which he belonged.

Colonel Matthew S. Quay (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on December 13, 1862, at Fredericksburg, Virginia. His citation reads:

Although out of service, he voluntarily resumed duty on the eve of battle and took a conspicuous part in the charge on the heights.


Not sure if you have followed the news or not, but there was a rumor last week that my high school baseball coach (Coach Hatley) was going to be fired at the James Island Charter High School Board meeting this past Monday. I was there… It was great.  Over 100 people were there to show support for Coach Hatley (and Coach Wilkins, who was also under fire).  There was some exciting stuff that I can't do justice on here.  You'll have to ask me about it the next time you see me.  Anyway, here is a copy of the email I sent to support Coach.

Dear Mr. Gordon,

I do not believe we have ever met, so please allow me a minute to introduce myself. My name is Greg Horres and I played baseball at James Island High School for Coach Hatley from 1994-1997. My initial time with the varsity team was spent mostly on the bench, getting into games here and there. I was the starting second baseman my Junior and Senior years. After high school, I graduated from Winthrop University with a Business Management degree in 2002 and from Charleston Southern University with my MBA in 2010. I was recently alerted to a rumor that the JICHS Board is thinking of firing Coach Hatley as the Head Baseball Coach. I have loved James Island baseball ever since my big brother ([Sonny]) played from 1985-1988 and would hate to see the board make a mistake that would hurt the program. Please forgive me for the length of this email, but during my four years at JIHS I always saw Coach Hatley publicly give us players all of the credit for wins while he took all of the blame for losses. I feel that this is my chance to give him the credit he deserves. I hope that after you read this email, you will be kind enough to pass it on to the other board members.

As I am sure you know, Coach Hatley has well over 400 wins, many Region Championships, 3 Lower State Championships, 2 State Championships and has also been named Coach of the Year a number of times as well as being inducted into the Charleston Baseball Hall of Fame. He has had many players go on to play in college and some have even played professionally. I do not know what reasons there may be for wanting to fire Coach Hatley, but based off of wins, championships and other honors, I do not see how it can be related to the success of the program. Heck, based off of those things, we should be talking about naming the field after him, not firing him. So then what could it be? Is someone mad because their son didn’t start? I would never blame a parent for caring for their children and wanting to protect them. I have three children myself and one of the hardest things for me is to watch my children fail at something. It is so hard, that I find myself wanting to do everything for them so that maybe I can shield them from the sting of failure. So if little Timmy is not starting, I understand his parents wanting to blame the coach. It is probably a natural thing to do. But is it the best thing to do? Do we really want to teach our children that the way to deal with adversity is to have mom and dad fix it? What happens when problems come up in college? Or in the “real world” when the “perfect job” is given to someone else?

So my concern is not just for Coach Hatley, but also for the future Trojan baseball players. Make no mistake about it, playing for Coach Hatley is not easy. If you want a coach who will baby his players and be their friend while making sure everyone is happy and feels special, then this is not the coach for you. And frankly, if that is the kind of coach you want then you are doing a disservice to the current and future players. Grown men who played for Coach Hatley decades ago still talk about how hard practices were when they were on the team. He is demanding and expects the best from his players. And if your best is not good enough, then he expects you to do better. He pushes you to do things you never thought you could do, sometimes to the point that you think he must hate you. But even as you are thinking he hates you, you keep going because deep down you know that he cares for you and believes in you. I remember he would tell us that there might be a team out there with more talent than us, but there will never be a team that outworks us. For us, the games were fun because all of the work we did at practice.

You know about the wins and the championships, but what you might not know is that they are only a small part of what makes Coach Hatley a great coach. Take a look at his former players and you will see his real success. Some are teachers/coaches, some own businesses, some are firemen, some have their masters, at least one has a PhD and one is an oral surgeon. All are hardworking and a very large majority (if not all) say Coach Hatley played a role in their success.

Please know that I am not writing to tell you Coach Hatley is perfect (who is?) or that I always agreed with him back when I was a player (like most players on the bench, I thought I should be starting). I am writing to tell you that playing baseball for Coach Hatley prepared me for life and that next to my Dad, he has been the greatest male influence in my life. He taught me how to handle pressure and how to deal with adversity. He taught me to be on time and that you are either getting better or you are getting worse, but you never stay the same. He taught me that if you played the right way and respected the game, the rest would take care of itself. He taught me to work hard and never give up and, most importantly, he taught me that you will never be your best if you make excuses. Probably the last excuse I ever made for a mistake was the first one I made at a JI baseball practice. "Excuses don't change man's love for the winner or scorn for the loser!" was what Coach Hatley told me. It was then I learned that mistakes happen... don't waste time making excuses for them, just learn from them and move on.

When I played for him, I thought Coach Hatley was teaching me the game of baseball and making me a better baseball player and, for the most part, this was true. I did learn the game and I was a much better player at the end of my high school career than I was at the start of it. But looking back I have come to realize that the lessons he taught have lasted much longer than my playing days. I doubt I could even name half of the classes I took in college and grad school, but 17 years after my last high school baseball game I can tell you the lessons I learned from Coach Hatley and I can guarantee you they have made me a better man.

Again, I thank you for your time. I hope and pray that Coach Hatley will be given the chance to lead the JICHS baseball program for many more years to come.


That’s the email I sent… The following are some of the statements from my “rough drafts” that I ended up not using…

"I hope you are not stupid enough to follow the jackass on the board who wants to fire a hall of fame baseball coach..."

"Late Citadel Head Coach Chal Port is probably the greatest baseball coach this area has had (at least in my lifetime). Coach Port loved Coach Hatley and thought he was a great head coach. My guess is that, though he may be dead, Coach Port STILL knows more about baseball than the whole JICHS Board combined. Therefore, I ask that you do the right thing... do the smart thing and keep Coach Hatley as the head baseball coach."

"With all due respect, whichever one of you jackasses votes to remove Coach Hatley as the baseball coach can burn in hell."


I didn’t speak at the meeting because I was worried that what I would say would end up more like the stuff that got cut from my email and not like the stuff I kept in my email. The best thing I could think to say was, “Thank you, board, for this chance to speak. I have come here to support Coach Hatley, but the more I think about, the more I realize it’s the young men on James Island who I am worried about. They are the ones who will lose out if you fire Coach. They are the ones you will hurt. Coach Hatley will be fine. He’s won almost 500 games; he’s won championships; he’s been named Coach of the Year multiple times… The greatest baseball coach in this area in my lifetime (late Citadel Head Coach Chal Port) loved that man and thought he was a great head coach. Think about that? If that doesn’t tell you how great he is, then you’re too stupid to be making a decision like this! My GOD, if Coach Port had felt that way about me, I would be wearing a F’ING SHIRT EVERY DAMN DAY OF MY LIFE THAT SAYS, ‘Coach Port thought I was great… Who the hell are you?!’. You want someone you can control? Hire someone else! You want someone who will be nice and speak politely to the players and make sure their feelings never get hurt? Hire someone else! But if you want a man who will teach young men to WALK THAT AISLE… WHO WILL TEACH THEM TO STYLE AND PROFILE… WHO WILL TEACH THEM TO BE JET FLYIN’, LIMOUSINE RIDIN’, KISS STEALIN’, WHEELIN’ DEALIN’ SONOFAGUNS… YOU’VE GOT HIM! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!! At this point I’d raise both hands with 4 fingers raised (like the 4 Horsemen)… and then probably get escorted out of the building.

So… yeah… I’m thinking it was probably a good idea I didn’t speak. Though who knows… if this happens again, I might speak.


As you know, Sonny also played for Coach Hatley. Mom asked me if I told Sonny about what was going on… It went something like this…

Mom: “Did you tell Sonny about everything going on?”

Me: “Yep”

Mom: “Well, what did he say?”

Me: “Haha… Nothing”

Mom: “Well, was he upset?”

Me: “I guess”

Mom: “Well… you told him and you don’t know?”

Me: “Mom, when I told Maverick about all of this I got a better feel for what he was thinking than I did for what Sonny was thinking”

Mom: “Well, I just don’t understand… You don’t think he was upset?”

Me: “Mom, I don’t know… You know Sonny, he wears his feelings on my sleeve”.


Sonny did send a heartfelt email to the principal that was able to support Coach Hatley while also giving the principal his credentials (you know, just in case they decided to fire Coach Hately). That Sonny… always looking out for #1…


Picture Thursday




















Tuesday, June 10, 2014

HAPPY 12th BIRTHDAY AUSTIN!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private Hugh Purvis (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 11, 1871, at on board the USS Alaska. His citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Alaska during the attack on and capture of the Korean forts, 11 June 1871. Braving the enemy fire, Purvis was the first to scale the walls of the fort and capture the flag of the Korean forces.

Sergeant Edgar P. Putnam (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 27, 1864, at Crumps Creek, Virginia. His citation reads:

With a small force on a reconnaissance drove off a strong body of the enemy, charged into another force of the enemy's cavalry and stampeded them, taking 27 prisoners.

Corporal Winthrop D. Putnam (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 22, 1863, at Vicksburg, Mississippi. His citation reads:

Carried, with others, by hand, a cannon up to and fired it through an embrasure of the enemy's works.


I just wanted to take a minute today to wish my favorite nephew Austin a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! We hope Sonny, Cougar and Allison make it a great day!

Sunday, June 8, 2014

John 7:24

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

First Lieutenant Donald D. Pucket (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 9, 1944, during the Ploesti Raid, Rumania. His citation reads:

He took part in a highly effective attack against vital oil installation in Ploesti, Rumania, on 9 July 1944. Just after "bombs away," the plane received heavy and direct hits from antiaircraft fire. One crewmember was instantly killed and 6 others severely wounded. The airplane was badly damaged, 2 were knocked out, the control cables cut, the oxygen system on fire, and the bomb bay flooded with gas and hydraulic fluid. Regaining control of his crippled plane, 1st Lt. Pucket turned its direction over to the copilot. He calmed the crew, administered first aid, and surveyed the damage. Finding the bomb bay doors jammed, he used the hand crank to open them to allow the gas to escape. He jettisoned all guns and equipment but the plane continued to lose altitude rapidly. Realizing that it would be impossible to reach friendly territory he ordered the crew to abandon ship. Three of the crew, uncontrollable from fright or shock, would not leave. 1st Lt. Pucket urged the others to jump. Ignoring their entreaties to follow, he refused to abandon the 3 hysterical men and was last seen fighting to regain control of the plane. A few moments later the flaming bomber crashed on a mountainside. 1st Lt. Pucket, unhesitatingly and with supreme sacrifice, gave his life in his courageous attempt to save the lives of 3 others.

Sergeant Hiram W. Purcell (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 31, 1862, at Fair Oaks, Virginia. His citation reads:

While carrying the regimental colors on the retreat he returned to face the advancing enemy, flag in hand, and saved the other color, which would otherwise have been captured.

Lieutenant James J. Purman (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on July 2, 1863, at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. His citation reads:

Voluntarily assisted a wounded comrade to a place of apparent safety while the enemy were in close proximity; he received the fire of the enemy and a wound which resulted in the amputation of his left leg.


Say a prayer for me, my baseball family and Coach Hatley tomorrow. The James Island Charter High School Board is meeting tomorrow night. Word on the street is that they are going to fire Coach Hatley (and a couple of other coaches… I hope their jobs are safe, too… but Coach Hatley is my coach, so that’s who I’m focused on. Players for the other guys can ask you to support them). Since this word got out, Facebook has been pretty busy (for me, at least). I won’t go into detail right now, because I like for my Sunday posts to focus mainly on the Bible Verse… but say a prayer. The Board meeting is tomorrow at 5:00. I will be there with Dad and some former players (some were my teammates, some played with Sonny). Maybe we can help Coach Hatley keep his job as the baseball coach. And if we can’t, at least we’ll go down swinging.


The I’m just sayin… Gospel Verse of the Week
John 7:24

Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANNY (YES, THAT DANNY)!!!!!!!

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Staff Sergeant Robert J. Pruden (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on November 29, 1969, at Quang Ngai Province, Republic of Vietnam. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. S/Sgt. Pruden, Company G, distinguished himself while serving as a reconnaissance team leader during an ambush mission. The 6-man team was inserted by helicopter into enemy controlled territory to establish an ambush position and to obtain information concerning enemy movements. As the team moved into the preplanned area, S/Sgt. Pruden deployed his men into 2 groups on the opposite sides of a well used trail. As the groups were establishing their defensive positions, 1 member of the team was trapped in the open by the heavy fire from an enemy squad. Realizing that the ambush position had been compromised, S/Sgt. Pruden directed his team to open fire on the enemy force. Immediately, the team came under heavy fire from a second enemy element. S/Sgt. Pruden, with full knowledge of the extreme danger involved, left his concealed position and, firing as he ran, advanced toward the enemy to draw the hostile fire. He was seriously wounded twice but continued his attack until he fell for a third time, in front of the enemy positions. S/Sgt. Pruden's actions resulted in several enemy casualties and withdrawal of the remaining enemy force. Although grievously wounded, he directed his men into defensive positions and called for evacuation helicopters, which safely withdrew the members of the team. S/Sgt. Pruden's outstanding courage, selfless concern for the welfare of his men, and intrepidity in action at the cost of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

Corporal John Henry Pruitt (US Marine Corps) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on October 3, 1918, at Blanc Mont Ridge, France. His citation reads:

Also received the Army Medal of Honor. Cpl. Pruitt single-handed attacked 2 machineguns, capturing them and killing 2 of the enemy. He then captured 40 prisoners in a dugout nearby. This gallant soldier was killed soon afterward by shellfire while he was sniping at the enemy.

Private First Class Ernest W. Prussman (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on September 8, 1944, near Les Coates, Brittany, France. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on 8 September 1944, near Les Coates, Brittany, France. When the advance of the flank companies of 2 battalions was halted by intense enemy mortar, machinegun, and sniper fire from a fortified position on his left, Pfc. Prussman maneuvered his squad to assault the enemy fortifications. Hurdling a hedgerow, he came upon 2 enemy riflemen whom he disarmed. After leading his squad across an open field to the next hedgerow, he advanced to a machinegun position, destroyed the gun, captured its crew and 2 riflemen. Again advancing ahead of his squad in the assault, he was mortally wounded by an enemy rifleman, but as he fell to the ground he threw a handgrenade, killing his opponent. His superb leadership and heroic action at the cost of his life so demoralized the enemy that resistance at this point collapsed, permitting the 2 battalions to continue their advance.


Today we’d like to take a minute to wish my dear friend Danny (yes, that Danny) a very happy birthday!!!!!! We hope our Favorite Nurse Jen and their pretty little twin girls make it a great day! We also hope they are all healthy and that I will get to see Danny before his next birthday…


Picture Thursday


Some Mother's Day pics... Mary Ruth, Susie and Daniel

The Wife with her kids...

It's kinda hard to see here... but that thing out in the water looked like something from Star Wars

Folly Beach... The Edge of America






Lighthouses always make me think of MaMa



My birthday gift to Danny... A picture of me so he can remember what I look like (wearing sunglasses and a hat)...