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| Elam Stadium nights not dark for 'Hounds 'Batman' Butler |
By: By KENNETH COKER, Messenger Sports Reporter
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Posted: Wednesday, July 22, 2009 4:24 pm
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Alan Butler may be the Union City Greyhounds’ “Batman,” but he’s not a “Dark Knight.”
Instead, the 29-year-old Tiptonville native has turned out be a shining light in the ’Hounds’ dugout, giving players inspiration throughout the “dog days” of the Kitty League season.
“The energy he brings to the ballpark is contagious,” Greyhounds’ manager Mike Gilner said. “These guys can learn from him and, hopefully, not take things for granted.
“When he’s there, we know it and, when he’s not, we feel like something’s missing. What’s missing when he’s gone is the excitement he has for his job and the fun he has at the games. I think the fun does rub off on my players and they, in turn, start to have fun with him and in general.”
Butler, who has battled a hearing impairment, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and some learning difficulties, is indeed having the time of his life as what he calls a “ball chaser” but includes the normal bat boy duties as well for both the Greyhounds this summer and Dyersburg State Community College each spring.
Union City has a doubleheader at the Tradewater Pirates tonight. The Greyhounds return to town Thursday night — with Butler in the dugout — for their final home series of the season, a four-game set against the Sikeston Bulls.
Coming into tonight’s action, the ’Hounds are second in the Kitty League standings — a game back of the league-leading Fulton Railroaders.
“I really like it,” Butler, the son of Terry and Priscilla Butler of Tiptonville and a 1999 graduate of Lake County High School iin Tiptonville said of his work in UC. “They (the Greyhounds team) took to me real quick and it’s an easy job once you know what you’re doing.”
Butler, who has been a part of the DSCC baseball program for the past four years suited up in his own baseball jersey, joined the Union City team in late June and, for the most part, has been a fixture at home games since then.
And apparently, “Big Al,” as he’s known at the ballpark, has done his job right and has become a quick friend to many members of the UC team.
Popular among the Greyhound players, “Where’s Big Al?” was a question heard often in the dugout at Elam Stadium when he was not in attendance for a week earlier this month.
It turns out, Butler was helping out with church duties. A born-again Christian and member of First United Methodist Church in Tiptonville, he misses Wednesday and Sunday games to attend services.
“He prayed that he would have the chance to work with people around his age,” his mother said. “He just wanted that opportunity and he’s been blessed with it at both Dyersburg State and in Union City.”
Additionally, Butler claims he has brought good fortune to the team, which climbed all the way to the top of the league’s standings with a franchise record nine-game winning streak shortly after he joined the team.
“I feel like I’m a lucky charm,” Butler admitted.
Away from the field, Butler uses his charm and infectious upbeat attitude as a laborer, currently cutting grass in Lake County after a stint indoors at the local Fred’s store.
“I just want him to do what he enjoys,” his mother said of her son’s work in baseball and as a mower. “He enjoys being busy and out with people and he’s had more faith in himself than I think even I have had at times.”
Butler’s never-say-die attitude has seen him through tough times, helping him obtain a driver’s license and during his time in Smyrna to learn life skills at the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center. Butler even attends one class per semester at DSCC.
Despite all these accomplishments, Butler, a devoted St. Louis Cardinals’ fan who named Albert Pujols as his favorite player, still isn’t satisfied.
“I’d like to go to the professional level,” he explained. “I’m looking at a couple teams right now. The Cardinals are my first choice, but I’d go to any team.”
Lofty goals for a man that has already accomplished so much.
However, if “Big Al” ever makes it, it’s a sure bet that he won’t forget the little people.
Sports reporter Kenneth Coker can be contacted by e-mail at kcoker@ucmessenger.com. |
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