When I wrote In The Beginning I recalled a specific incident where two players hit the deck going after a loose basketball during a scrimmage. After helping his team maintain possession, one of them got up, and contributed to the basket at the end of the play. Rodger and Ron stopped practice to point out what hustle can do. The player who received the praise was Gary Orr.
Gary was a good, stocky (strong), guard who always seemed to make his presence felt on the court. He dropped off the radar for me after that first AAU season. Had I been a baseball player I probably would have continued to bump into him as we grew up. I always wondered what had happened to him, because he was a nice guy and a pleasure to be around.
What I didn’t know about Gary was that his parents had divorced about that time – much more rare in the mid-70s than now – and for a time Gary found solace and guidance at Rodger and Ron’s apartment, which was not far from where he was living.
Gary went on to be a switch-hitting, all-field outfielder at the University of Toledo. He became the Rocket’s team captain, and though he said he had to work hard to be in the lineup every day, I’m sure a little research would prove that he was a natural.
Gary’s mother called me after the picture of the ’77 team appeared in The Charleston Daily Mail. Through her call, Gary called me shortly after. Like many of the calls I’ve received, talking with Gary reminded me of the fraternity of athletics. We went on like it had only been days since we’d seen each other, not 30-some-odd years -- married his college sweetheart, has FIVE kids (a boy and four girls).
Most importantly, through that call, Gary then hooked up with Rodger. These are the kind of reunions I had hoped would come from doing all of this. Here’s what Gary wrote:
Remember a long haired raw little guard from the hill that enjoyed your guidance back in the mid 70's'? I received your e-mail from Andy Spradling. It's Gary Orr.
I certainly hope all is well with you. I wanted you to know each day I have the opportunity to coach my son and daughters’ teams not a practice or game goes by that I don’t think about all you did for me on and off the court. I recall it all very well (driving me to evening/night practices and games in the Corvette) and you should know that I am committed to the same beliefs and practices. I think of Rodger Monk as the builder - You built houses by day and men by night!
God bless and talk soon,
Gary
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