03/27/2019
I was taught baseball by my Mom- Deeta Lonergan- who never played an organized baseball game in her life. She knew more about the game than any other sandlot baller I’ve ever known... she knew the value of a single baseball through the years and never touched an official base or field. (She did get land for fields donated in Anc, AK - Klatt/Bax Ballfields, raised many funds including bringing her favorite baseball players ever to AK - Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, and Bob Gibson, started the BP Invitational in Anchorage for top American Legion Baseball teams vs top in country, and started the Alliance of the Support of American Legion Baseball for Alaska and served as first VP)
I’ve been able to touch so many bases on so many fields around the US and Mexico. I have been on so many mounds and batters boxes that I can die a proud baseball player- but to think about those who never have had a chance - breaks my heart.
I will take my next at bats for everyone who never had a chance or doesn’t anymore. I love a game that my mom loved more... I will forever miss her. I’m going to share her love of baseball with everyone I meet and anyone/everyone interested.
Thank you mom for playing ball with me in the culdesac when I was 4-7 years old, before organized ball and all the years after, the time was well spent and so cherished. Sorry for hitting the ball back up the middle at you- I’ve hit so many pitchers with the ball off my bat. I hated hitting the ball back at you, but enjoyed hitting my dad every time.
Thank you for motivating me after career ending knee operations/surgeries to continue having fun playing baseball. I thought I’d never play again after 1999! You helped me back to college to play NCAA D2 after not picking up a baseball for 3 years. You quickly ended my up and coming 4-wheeling racing/jumping career and future marriage/potential divorce - to help get me back on the mound, outfield grass, and on the mound. Because of your love of the game and pure enjoyment of watching me play - I continued my baseball dreams. I’ve played more innings for fun than for a career - I’m still able to play today and never plan on stopping!
Little did I know I had all my dreams come true by having you for almost 40 years- Mom, friend, counselor, baseball catcher/pitcher, tutor/teacher, coach, critic, team mom, and best fan ever. Sooo much love!!!!
Brady Lonergan