a collection of buckhead baseball historical photos and
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A Collection Of Buckhead Baseball Historical Photos And Articles Enjoy these Buckhead Baseball memories. Please contact [email protected] if you have historical photos or articles to contribute to our archive. Origins of Frankie Allen Park Frankie Allen Park off Pharr Road has long been associated with the Garden Hills neighborhood and Buckhead Baseball. The park has baseball diamonds, tennis courts and a long meadow dotted with large granite picnic/grilling areas. The area now occupied by the park once was a black residential area when Buckhead was an area of farms. The Mount Olivet Methodist‐Episcopal Church was located there in the early 1900s. Its cemetery remains in a corner of the park near the entrance. Graves in the cemetery are still visited, and small wreaths and other tokens are sometimes left beside the old stones. The park was established around 1952 as Bagley Park at 1120 Bagley Street. In 1980, it was renamed Frankie Allen Park in honor of a popular baseball umpire who had died the year before. "Frankie Allen had become an Atlanta sports legend with his penchant for building character in the young, through the Buckhead Baseball program for the last 28 of his 51 seasons in sports in Atlanta and Georgia," the Atlanta Journal‐Constitution wrote at the time of the renaming ceremony. Young players continue to benefit from Frankie Allen's legacy in the park that bears his name. 1953 50 Club Team Buckhead Baseball In The Beginning. Thanks to Tom Carlock for letting us use this great picture! He was 12 years old when this was taken and played shortstop. The team was on the Majors field. Oh, how it has changed... Go Buckhead! First Row (L to R): Douglas Mitchell, Wade St. John, Ben Stathan, Harvard Hughey, Jack Addison, Bill King, David Jamison Second Row (L to R): Sam Mitchell, David Truby, Jeff Stewart, Billy Hull (Mascot), Jimmy Sudderth, Richard Askew, Burnett Hull, Tom Carlock Not present: Jimmy Respress
1959 State Champions Thanks to Kenny Squires and his wife, Diane, for sending us this picture of the Buckhead Nationals All‐Star team in 1959. Diane contacted us after seeing the 2005 Buckhead 12 year olds on ESPN at the Regionals. In 1959 there were 2 teams of 12 year old All Stars. They were the Americans (blue and white uniforms), and the Nationals (red and white uniforms.) Kenny played on the National team. According to Ken, the Americans beat the Nationals with a home run in the bottom of the 6th. inning. The winning pitcher was Buddy Copeland (went on to pitch for the UGA), and the losing pitcher was Taylor Branch. Ken believes that Billy Payne played on the winning American team. Ken played on the Elks team in the regular season prior to the All Star Nationals. He knew Frankie Allen and kept score for Allen when he got too old to play ball. He said that Hoyle Dye, a policeman, was killed in the line of duty and there was a plaque honoring Dye on the wall of the concession stand. Most of these boys went to high school together graduating from North Fulton High School in 1965. Ken and Diane were in the same high school class and went on to the Univ. of Ga following graduation. A great piece of Buckhead Baseball History!
1961 Civitans Team Top Row Left: Al Becham‐Coach Top Row Right: Mark Pope‐Manager Middle Row (left to right): Ken McDuffie, Hampton Morris, Mike McLaughlin, William (Tub) De Golian, Billy Graham, Mark Pope, Bobby Davis, Bobby Feninger Bottom Row (left to right): Joe Sigur, Ed Evans, Kelly Barge, Jack Jamison, Mike Smith, Bobby Campbell, Bobby Lawler
1966 AA Giants Team (8 and 9 year olds)
Front Row (from Left): Jimbo Livaditis, Jonathon (Bubbie) Weston, Mark Lieb, Trip Hope, Sammy Mathis, Alan (Abba) Waller, Todd Tinkler, Jeff Levin, Dale Latty, Alan Quarterman. Back Row (from Left): Ed Ruus, John Olden, Lewis Robinson, Johnny Jarman, ? ?, Richard King, Kenny Whiten, Scott ?, John Hallen, Herbert Avery, Kevin Latty, Teddy Weiner (sp?). Coach: Buzz Hope Thanks to Jimbo Livaditis for sharing this photo.
1969 National League All‐Stars This color photo is from the 1969 National League All‐Star Team Tournament (we had both an American and National League team when we were broken down that way in the league, and the 11's and 12's played together). It shows what our old heavy cotton uniforms looked like (that we turned in after the season!). Unfortunately, I don't remember how we faired in the tourney. From left, the first kid in uniform is Wade McKinney (12 year old) and me, Jimbo Livaditis, (11 year old). I don't remember who the other two kids with their backs to us are. Thanks to Jimbo Livaditis for sharing this photo.
Ross Dedeyn Wins 1982 Buckhead Baseball Sportsmanship Award This picture shows Terry Jerden, our umpire chief, in 1982 presenting the Sportsmanship Award to Majors Oriole player, Ross Dedeyn. The sportsmanship award is presented to the Majors player who best exemplifies good sportsmanship during the season. The Sportsmanship Award is nominated by the Majors coaches and voted on by the season umpires.
1995 Majors Champions Top left: coach David Edwards, coach Scoot Dimon, head coach Scott Arnold, coach (not identified) 3rd row left: Billy Glisson, Judson Wallace, Charlie Yates, David Fenton 2nd row left: Patrick Arnold, Rollins Luckey, Noble Stafford, Ricky Dimon, Zach Lipton Bottom row left: Frank Edwards, Si Sitterson, Palmer Dobbs
Ricky and his Dad and Coach, Scoot Dimon
"22. The number of wins the 1995 Buckhead Baseball Major Royals had heading into the playoffs. That’s 22 more than their number of losses. That’s right, 22‐0 and hands down the most talented team in Buckhead history. We, the Dodgers, headed into that semifinal showdown with a meager 12‐10 record. I can’t say that the Royals weren’t a team in the truest sense of the word; they probably were. But I know for sure we were. Most of the Dodgers had played together for 2 years, and most of us went to Westminster, courtesy of the drafting of my dad in the Major Draft two years earlier. That included me, Charlie Yates, Noble Stafford, David Fenton, the late Si Sitterson, Judson Wallace, and Rollins Luckey. Wallace, an all‐Ivy League hoopster and now playing professionally in Germany, pitched the game of his life against the Royals and somehow we prevailed, 8‐6. How we got to 8‐6 is almost all a blur now, although I do know I reached base 5 times in 5 at bats, although I think at least one was via error. Either way, it was then and always will be both the biggest upset in Buckhead Baseball history and the greatest moment of my playing career." ‐ Ricky Dimon
Buckhead Baseball A Poem by Philip K. Curtis, Father of a Former Buckhead Baseball All Star A summer respite from stress and strife, Buckhead Baseball has been a way of life; From Opening Day to the last recorded out, We relish the outcome be it close or a rout. It all started way back in the Fall of ‘52, Bagley Park was the name of the venue; Baseball & Buckhead were an instant hit, With bat, baseball, cap and leather mitt. Little League was the center of attention, But others soon vied for special mention; Mickey Mantle and Connie Mack came, Then the Dixie League put on the game. The players learn to respect the team, As good sportsmanship is the theme; Lessons are learned that last life long, As solid fair play prevails over wrong. Coaches are role models for the boys, As they turn raw material into alloys; Leaders like Ward, Tucker and Farmer, Loyd, Hammond, Hawkins and Doster. But the players are always number one, As they compete mightily under the sun; All Stars Bryant, Beckham and Small, Sure knew how to play great baseball. Still it is the average player we hail, The lad who occasionally lets one sail; Buckhead Baseball is for one and all, From the major leagues to T‐ ball. Our hats are off to this legacy of fun, We acknowledge parents and everyone; Frankie Allen Park is the place to be, For every young baseball “wannabe”!
2003 State Tournament Logo Check out this tournament logo drawn by Jack Davis. This design was specially drawn for the 2003 Georgia State Little League Tournament by Jack Davis, creator of MAD magazine. The 78‐year‐old artist is one of the "Buckhead Boys" whose artwork has adorned at least 36 Time magazine covers, 80 album covers, scores of movie posters and dozens of dust jackets. His awards include the prestigious Milton Caniff Lifetime Achievement Award and the Reuben Award, the National Cartoonists Society equivalent of a Pulitzer Prize. The Tournament Committee thanks Jack Davis for his contribution to the Little League State Tournament!
2007 Opening Day Ceremonies Tball players during the national anthem Buckhead owes a great debt of gratitude to many of its volunteers for making opening day a super success! In particular, Martha Payne put together our opening day ceremony this year which was not only an outstanding start to our season but well organized and on time! Krist Voyles, our roster book coordinator, worked very hard to produce our essential roster book and get it in our hands by opening day. This is no small task! Paige Lee, merchandise coordinator, was on the spot in very cold weather doing a wonderful job getting our Buckhead gear out for everyone to enjoy. Last, but certainly not least, is our Coach Loyd. He did a superlative job getting our fields in picture perfect condition for opening day. Many remarked that the fields looked as good or better than the Brave's spring training facility in Orlando! Thank you to the finest volunteers in youth baseball!
Andrew George Wins The 2007 Buckhead Baseball Sportsmanship Award Andrew George of the 2006 Majors Athletics and winner of the 2006 Sportsmanship Award leads the Little League Pledge at Opening Day. The sportsmanship award is given to the Majors player who best exemplifies by his or her character and behavior the best that sportsmanship has to offer. Players are nominated by the Majors coaches and voted on by the umpires. Andrew has graduated from Buckhead now and we wish him well.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2007 ESPN Zone Game Was A Great Success! The first ESPN Zone Game ended with an exciting finish played by very enthusiastic participants. All players got into the game and had a lot of fun. Players of the game were: White Team: Drew Einbender (Red Sox) & Red Team: Will Rucker (Pirates). With 1 out in the bottom of the 6th, Will Rucker (Pirates) doubled to RCF. With Ben Brown on 2nd and Will Rucker on 3rd, Alex LaRosa (Yankees) laid down a picture perfect bunt to score Brown to win the game. What an exciting finish! Will Rucker came through with clutch hits and pitched well for the Red Team and Drew Einbender robbed several Red Team hits with stellar defensive play at 2nd base.
2007 ‐ Coach Thad Ellis Elected To Buckhead Hall Of Fame
Coach Ellis (left) Congratulated By Past‐president Gene Warren (right) On Hall Of Fame Designation. Many of your know about the outstanding coaching talents of our Coach Ellis over the years at Buckhead Baseball. A special honor was bestowed on him this year for his dedication to teaching the skills of baseball and sportsmanship to the youth of Buckhead Baseball. He is not only a role model for how to run a team but he is also a very successful leader winning all but one on the post‐season contests available to our league. Thank you, Thad, for your contributions to Buckhead over the years on and off the fields. The Coaching Hall of Fame at Buckhead Baseball is a very select group with Thad being only the 10th coach selected in the history of Buckhead Baseball since 1952.
2007 ‐ Former Buckhead Baseball And NYO Stars Playing At Westminster and Lovett Before squaring off in a 2007 Westminster vs. Lovett high school game, former Buckhead Baseball and NYO all stars posed together. Lovett won this game 5 to 1.
Front Row (Westminster): John Stelling, Keller Carlock, William Linginfelter, John Egan, (Lovett): Hunter McGranahan, Paul Austin, Zach Boden, Neil Ratigan. Back Row (Westminster): Baylor Banks, Drew Orman, Matt Payne, Dallis Joiner, Henry Portwood, Charles Warren. (Lovett): Grant Sebastian, Ian Campbell, Thomas Patton, Hunter Budd, Kinman Bailey.
…………………………………………………………………………………………….… 2009 Buckhead Classic Recap In only its second year, the 2009 Buckhead Classic was a big success once again, having just completed the 10 and 12 year old weekend. Our boys played very well against some of the best teams in our area. Congratulations to all our players and coaches for being winners on and off the field. We owe a debt of gratitude to our Tournament Directors ‐ Bill Falconer and Chris Adair ‐ for organizing and conducting a superb tournament. An outstanding job by both of these guys in pulling this off in two short years, and when you see them out at our fields, go out of your way to thank them. And a big thank you to the many volunteers who helped with things like providing water, putting up fencing, announcing games, keeping scores, etc., etc., etc. We are blessed with a group of parents and volunteers who stepped up to contribute their time and energy these past few weeks, and it showed. Finally, although it's difficult to single out individuals because we'll undoubtedly miss someone, let's also make sure we recognize Jim Loyd ‐ we know what an amazing job he does for our league all year long, so maybe we take him for granted sometimes, but others who visit our park rave about the fields and the hard work that goes into making them so beautiful, game in and game out.
2009 Buckhead Baseball Buddy Program receives Atlanta Braves Foundation Grant
Buckhead Baseball has generously supported the Buddy Program, formerly known as the Challenger Program, since 1992, where children with disabilities enjoy the game of baseball. Players with disabilities are matched with select 12 year old, Majors’ players who assist them in hitting, throwing, fielding and base running. The children form lasting friendships. Player’s development from year to year is remarkable. Currently under the direction of Manager David Barron and coached by John Griner and Lee Hicks, the buddy program was selected as one of eight other Challenger teams from across Metro Atlanta to receive the Atlanta Braves Foundation Pinch Hitter Grant. The award included a $500 donation to the Buckhead Buddy Baseball program which in turn will be donated to the Green Monster Campaign. Buddy Baseball at Buckhead was founded by Janis Pease for her son Kyle in 1992 in conjunction with Beth Salzman her counterpart at NYO. In years past has been coached by Richard Pease, David Brown, Bo Smith, Terry Jerden and G.K. Johnson. Annually, sponsors include Robert Hammond, Jonquil Sporting Goods and Ed Eudoff of American Roadhouse. Buddy home games are 9am Saturday mornings during the Spring Buckhead Season. For more information, see our website http://www.buckheadbaseball.com/index.php/buddy‐baseball. Go Buckhead!
2009 ‐ Gordon Beckham Called Up By Chicago White Sox There were no trumpets blaring or any sort of official proclamation issued by Chicago Mayor and ardent White Sox fan Richard M. Daley when the news became official late Wednesday night. Just a simple statement made to the media in the U.S. Cellular Field Conference Center, prior to Ozzie Guillen's press conference and after a 5‐3 loss to the Athletics. Gordon Beckham is coming to the Majors. "I hope I can sleep tonight and not think about it," said Guillen with a broad smile and a sarcastic tone to his comments. "Beckham, he's going to play," Guillen continued, returning to more serious analysis. "Where [is] he going to play? We are going to find out how we are going to start him. We'll move him around, play a little bit of third, second and help the Missile [Alexei Ramirez] play a little shortstop. But I have to get him at‐bats." Guillen's words strike directly to the core of Beckham's callup, as one thing concerning this situation stands as a certainty. The White Sox are not bringing to the Major Leagues their top pick in the 2008 First‐Year Player Draft and the eighth selection overall to have him ride the bench. Beckham will play, and he will play often, taking the roster spot of Wilson Betemit, who will be designated for assignment before Thursday's contest. From the looks of his numbers starting in Spring Training and carrying over through 2009 stints at Double‐A Birmingham and Triple‐A Charlotte, Beckham should play well. Over the course of 45 combined games this season, he hit .326 (57‐for‐175). He appeared in 32 games at shortstop, four at second, one at designated hitter and eight at third base, where he started following his Charlotte promotion. Beckham also knocked out four home runs and 23 doubles, to go with his 25 RBIs. "Yeah, he's got some talent," said White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski, who served as a mentor to Beckham with their Spring Training lockers stationed next to each other at Camelback Ranch in Arizona. "He has a chance to be a really good player.
"He can definitely hit. I don't know about defensively, but everybody has work to do when they come up. It's a different game up here, so we'll see what we get tomorrow." Pierzynski put Beckham through his own sort of big league initiation during Spring Training, frequently moving Beckham's equipment bag if it dared to cross into Pierzynski's locker territory, as a humorous example. Beckham took the good‐natured ribbing in stride, showing a maturity beyond just the 59 Minor League games he's played as a professional. "We've become good friends," said Pierzynski of Beckham, with the duo clearly putting aside their Florida‐Georgia rivalry as teammates and friends. "He's great. He likes to have fun. Hopefully he'll come and fit in and do well." "Good for Beckham," said White Sox first baseman and team captain Paul Konerko. "He's a good kid, a good player. I'm sure it has all happened kind of fast for him, but I'm sure the plan now is that he doesn't go back down. He's up, and hopefully he stays up for good." Along with questions concerning where Beckham would get his at‐bats, Guillen was asked if Beckham has enough experience to succeed at this elevated level of competition. Beckham, 22, has a career .322 average and will reach the Majors in just 364 days after being drafted on June 5, 2008. For that particular answer, Guillen deferred to people such as White Sox Minor League director Buddy Bell and general manager Ken Williams, who have greater firsthand knowledge of Beckham's work this season. "Well, I got a lot of confidence in Buddy Bell and the Minor League system," Guillen said. "I have plenty of confidence in my general manager and assistant general manager Rick Hahn. Here's the reason: They think he can play, and we are going to find out." "This guy is a little bit more polished, and he may need less time," said Konerko of Beckham's collegiate experience at Georgia paying dividends. "But, yeah, it's quick. There's no argument there." Betemit, 27, batted .200 over 45 at‐bats and 20 games with the White Sox, but his abysmal defense at third made it tough for Guillen to provide him more playing time. Beckham's arrival also will cut into playing time at third for Josh Fields, who Guillen said will start working some at first as a new backup to Konerko, and at second for Chris Getz and Jayson Nix. Hype surrounding Beckham makes it seem as if he can play third, shortstop and second all at the same time, but the White Sox just want him to be one of the 25 guys, with his play on the field eventually causing any additional fanfare. "He's not the savior," Pierzynski said. "Just one piece." "White Sox fans and the media should be happy now," said Guillen with a wry smile. "He's here. I hope he can save us."
John Livaditis Wins 2009 Sportsmanship Award
John Livaditis of the 12YO Majors Athletics is the recipient of the 2009 Frankie Allen Sportsmanship Award. This award is voted on by the umpires and was originated in 1980 by umpire Terry Jerden in memory of his mentor, Frankie Allen. Frankie Allen considered sportsmanship to be the most important aspect of Little League baseball. In the 30 years since the award originated, Terry stated that this is the the first time the vote by the umpires has been unanimous. Pictured with John on May 24 at the Majors Championship game are umpires Patrick Harper and Cedric Hunter.
……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2009 ‐ Congratulations to the Majors Cardinals for their impressive sweep of the regular season and tournament.
Put Him In Coach! Put Him In, Coach! A Mother’s All‐Star Memoir, authored by veteran Buckhead Baseball mom, Martha Payne, was recently named a Silver Recipient in the Mom's Choice Awards® contest for 2009. The Mom's Choice Awards®is a program known for establishing the benchmark of excellence in family‐friendly media, products and services. This annual competition recognizes authors, inventors, and companies for their efforts in creating quality family‐friendly media products and services. Written with humor and a touch of hard‐earned wisdom, Put Him In, Coach! follows the Payne family’s journey through Buckhead Baseball during the late ‘90s and early ‘00s when their oldest son played here. “A hilarious read!” says Bill Geist, best‐selling author of Little League Confidential. “Written with passion, insight and humor,” adds Terry Kay, author of To Dance with the White Dog. “Payne’s memoir is a must‐read.” Martha will be signing and selling copies of Put Him In, Coach! during Opening Day festivities. The book is also available at Wender and Roberts drugs and Jonquil’s Sporting Goods, or by order through Amazon.com, bn.com, or through Martha’s website, www.marthapayne.com.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2010 – Remembering James Armstrong James Armstrong was a long time umpire at Buckhead Baseball, and also officiated other youth sports in metro Atlanta (e.g., basketball at NYO) for more than 30 years. Those of us who saw him officiate games will always remember the smiles he shared with our children over the years. James was always chatting and laughing with the players ‐ and they loved him for it. One child said recently when he learned of James' passing ‐ "He was different than some other umps ‐ he wouldn't just call you out or safe, he would always explain things to you, and he was always really nice about it." James was what is good about youth sports ‐ as the kids of Buckhead Baseball and NYO Basketball remember him and tell their funny stories, we know he was a man who put our kids first, and we will miss him. The memorial service for James Armstrong was held Friday, January 15th at the NYO Gym at Chastain Park. Our deepest condolences to his wife and family on behalf of all of James' friends at Buckhead Baseball.
2011 Buckhead Braves 9U Capture Dizzy Dean Georgia State Championship The Buckhead Braves 9U All Stars competed and won the Georgia State Championship over the July 4th weekend defeating the Sandy Plains Cougars in the championship final by a score of 5‐2. This completed a run through the winners bracket for the Braves, who were undefeated in the tourney. They compiled victories over Valdosta, Buckhead Bucks, Rome, and two wins over Sandy Plains. The Braves outscored opponents by a margin of 59 to 15. Excellent pitching, defense, and run production carried the Braves to their biggest accomplishment of the season to date. Previously, the Braves had captured the Larry Hutson Tourney, the Buckhead Classic, and finished second in the Dizzy Dean District tourney. The Braves will travel to Jackson County the week of July 16th to compete in the Dizzy Dean World Series. Congratulations to the players and coaches of the Braves! 9U Braves Players: Will Hallmark Jennings McGill Parks Harber Robson Harber Phillip Metzheiser Will Sanders Scott Arbery Jonathan Morgan William Lybrook Franklin Brannen Miller Levitt 9U Braves Coaches: Mike Hallmark Pat McGill Gene Harber Jon Morgan
10U Braves Win 2012 Grand Slam! Here are the 10U Buckhead Braves hoisting the trophy from the Grand Slam World Series, won July 1, 2012 in Panama City Beach, Florida. The Braves went 2‐0 in pool play and undefeated in the bracket to claim the title.
This was very significant because it was a travel ball tournament and the Braves were the only Rec League All Star team entered in any age bracket.
Spring 2012 Opening Day On a beautiful Spring morning at Frankie Allen Fields, in many people's eye the start of spring had officially begun ‐ it was Buckhead Baseball's Opening Day ceremony. A ceremony that started in 1952 and has occurred every year for last 60 years! For many, there is no better time to be in Atlanta as the dogwoods and azaleas begin their bloom, and for many of us the tradition of catching up with our friends, neighbors, coaches and teammates makes this day that much more of an event. This annual rite of passage reminds us of all that is good about youth sports ‐ seeing the youngest kids bonding over piles of dirt in the infield or weeds in the outfield, to the rookie league players beginning to understand the nuances of the game, while the oldest are showing signs of entering adolescence and serving as role models to the youngest boys and girls. Stockton Croft, President of Buckhead Baseball, presided over the ceremony while thanking the many players, families and volunteers that make this league special to so many people. As Stockton stated, "without all of these people it would not be possible for Buckhead Baseball to consistently deliver on its mission of ... developing our players' skills and character, promoting good sportsmanship, cultivating lifetime family friendships and having fun." Several key members of the Buckhead Baseball community were honored during the ceremony: Will Roberts received the Frankie Allen Sportsmanship Award, Gip Johnston entered the Coaches' Hall of Fame, and Amy Wheelus received the Spirit of Buckhead Award. Yolanda Adrean, District 8 Atlanta City Councilwoman and member of the Buckhead community, addressed the nearly 900 players and 600 families that make up Buckhead Baseball. She reflected on the league's partnership with the city of Atlanta that has made Frankie Allen Fields into one of the best youth baseball parks in the southeast. As the 4 and 5 year old players became restless in the outfield, the ceremony neared its end with Warner Jones, Buddy League Player, throwing out the 1st pitch of the season to Will Roberts, Frankie Allen Award Winner. With this 1st pitch of the season in the books, Stockton declared the start of the season official with a traditional "let's play ball" as each team released their balloons into the sky signaling the beginning of the season.
Spring 2013 Opening Day See more images from this event in our Photo Gallery at www.BuckheadBaseball.com