Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
Like many events of recent days, it was not how the seniors on the Madison County High School (MCHS) baseball team had envisioned their "final banquet." But, in a certain way, it was fitting none the less. On Sunday, May 3, the seniors, along with parents and coaches held an outdoor ceremony in the parking lot of the Madison County Recreation Complex. Many of the seniors sat on the tailgates of trucks as they listened to their coaches give them a few words of encouragement. Many of these seniors began playing baseball together on the fields of the recreation complex years ago while playing Babe Ruth Baseball as young children.
The MCHS baseball team saw their season cut short during the month of March, when the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) canceled all spring sports in the wake of the COVID-19 virus. Head Baseball Coach Jason Fletcher echoed the disappointment the young athletes were still feeling. "Don't let this be the memory you take away from high school baseball," said Coach Fletcher. "You'll always remember the bus rides, the locker room, hanging out with your friends and the memories you made. Let these positive, fun things; when you look back on your time as a Cowboy; let that be what you remember. That's what it's about. It has been an absolute pleasure to coach you guys. Everything you guys are about to go do, you're going to be great at it. You all have a bright future ahead of you."
"You are truly some of the hardest working kids I've ever seen in my life," said Assistant Coach Dan Rutherford. "It was always our goal to put Madison baseball on the map. You've done that. I am truly proud and honored to have coached and to have spent the time I've spent with each one of y'all. I am truly proud of that. Never forget it."
The Class of 2020 finished their Cowboy careers as one of the most successful senior classes in recent years at MCHS. The previous three years saw the Cowboys make two final four appearances and three district championships.