One
year ago Monday our forty-two year old Clubhouse Manager Colin Saunders passed away. He had been very ill, seemed to be improving, then suddenly, he was gone.
Despite
fourteen years of greeting one another in the office and catacombs of the
ballpark, Colin and I weren’t close. I did not post about this last March.
There were no stories or insights to share. (That photo does suggest a shared bad taste in argyle vest sweaters.)
I
especially regret that disconnect because a profound sadness among my coworkers
settled over the ballpark. Colin was beloved by our staff and within the Rays
organization. Confessor to some. Motivator to others. And chamberlain to the
players and coaches. I use that archaic term to confer dignity on the Clubbie’s
responsibilities and work. He pretty much lived at the ballpark. Steward to the
ball players. Friend to all.
Looking
back twelve months, the 2017 season had a gloomy beginning. Yet the Bulls went
on to win the Governors’ Cup and Triple-A National Championship. We set
business and attendance records - a remarkable year. It’s not sentimental
conjecture - there's undeniable proof - Colin’s spirit was with us.
