Mike Thomas made baseball in Opelika better
By Joe McAdory
Published: October 16, 2009
It was sad to hear the other day that Mike Thomas, who has served as President and Director of Baseball for Opelika Dixie Youth Baseball has announced his desire to step down from that position, effective immediately. Thomas has been a fixture at the fields in Opelika and his hard work and genuine care for youth baseball has allowed this program to prosper. Serving in this capactiy can become a cumbersome task—particularly when you serve as a volunteer.
Mike Thomas will be difficult to replace. Below is the full text of his letter sent to friends and colleagues within the program:
Dear Dixie Youth Family,
I am letting you know that as of Wednesday night October 7, 2009, I have stepped down as President and Director of Baseball for Opelika Dixie Youth Baseball. It was not a decision that I made hastily but one that has been very difficult for me. I have served the ODYB program for 40 years, and times and people are changing and if has been difficult for me to change my way of looking at youth baseball.
There have been many people who have contributed to the success of the Opelika Dixie Youth Program, a number of which are included in the address line of this email. I hesitate to list names but there are a few that I must mention; Guy Rhodes has been by my side for 30 years and his guidance of the Minor League program has been invaluable. Alberta Boyd has given 10 years to the program and never had a child participate in the league; her organizational skills and financial professionalism have served the organization well.
Bill Harrelson, Sam Bailey, and the Parks and Recreation Board have been supportive of all our activities and needs. Keith Edwards was a key part of our West Ridge Park operational group. In the early years Bruno Prince, and now with ESG Melvin Thomas, have been indispensable because of their care and pride that they have in the grounds and facilities at West Ridge Park.
All of the past and present board members, team moms, and exchange club members deserve our graduated for time spent with the youth of Opelika. Last and most important the coaches and players that have come through Opelika Dixie Youth; without these two groups there would have been no need for the rest of us.
My hope is that in my tenure with the league that we created an atmosphere of fun, sportsmanship, model behavior, and fair dealings with each child that was entrusted to us. It is my sincere desire that the league will prosper and grow and that the past and present participants will look back on our time as a wonderful and growing experience.
This has reminded me of one of the many lessons that my father taught me. He said, “Success is leaving something in better shape than when you found it.”
I believe that my tenure in Opelika Dixie Youth Baseball, and service to the youth of Opelika, the city that I call home, has been a success.
My sincere thanks and graditude to you all.
Yours in service to our youth,
Mike
