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Last week, I had the pleasure to umpire a baseball game, not an experience out of the ordinary, but as it turned out it was a special day for two reasons.
First, my partner was my grandson, Alex. Through the years I have now had the opportunity to umpire with both of my sons, and now with two of my grandsons, Peyton and Alex. Certainly, longevity plays a role in this, but also the love of the game that now continues into a new generation is also a factor.
The second pleasant experience happened when our game was over. As Alex and I were walking off the field, I assumed that he would want a ride home. When I questioned him on this, his reply was "No, I am going to walk home with Coach." You might think I would be a little miffed that I was jilted by my own Grandson, but nothing could be further from the truth. "Coach" you see, is Donald Stoyle. I have known Don since he was a kid and have been friends with many in his family for years. Don has faced adversity in life, but throughout it he has been such a positive influence on so many youths of this community that it needs to be recognized.
I have had the opportunity to coach with Don on many occasions, and both of my sons have played for him. It is amazing that now I still get to see the positive attitude he brings as an assistant coach for Dunkirk High baseball. It is great to see the bond that he has always been able to form with ball players is still there, that the young men on this team react to him in such a positive manner.
There are many ways to contribute to society, but I cannot think of a better to do it than that of Coach Stoyle. I hope he realizes how much of an impact he has had through the years, and how that impact is still working. It is wonderful to see him out on the field, it is even better to see him going home talking to Alex, an experience that Alex will remember long after his playing days are over. Once you are a friend of Coach Stoyle, you remain a friend for life. God Bless you Coach, and thank you for making our community better.
Keith Ahlstrom is a Dunkirk resident.