Spotting Bob Festervand in the high school baseball game, cigar clinched securely between his your teeth, although never lit, intended the world to the players plus coaches lucky enough to brush back with the long-time Texas Rangers hunt.
A baseball lifer and beloved parent, grandfather and friend, Festervand located his heavenly home with March 23, leaving the baseball scene in northwest Louisiana a touch darker than ever before. Festervand was a light of pray and opportunity, helping plenty of players achieve their desires playing professional baseball.
His pal of more than two decades and chap MLB scout for the Co Rockies Dave McQueen was in Sibley on Wednesday afternoon, along with Festervand’s daughter Cindy Caldwell and granddaughter Lindsay, to disperse a portion of Festervand’s ashes on Knight Field, ensuring his long term happiness
Lakeside and Calvary paused what was an incredible day for a doubleheader after recreation one to honor Festervand, with McQueen, Lakeside’s Joe Gray and Calvary head private coach Shannon Cunningham sharing thoughts and stories as declared by Lakeside open public address announcer Jack “Buddy” Slaid.
Tears flowed from the eyes of Festervand’s daughter along with grandaughter, who were both perfect images of poise through their most-trying time period.
Festervand always wore a smile, despite if he had to trade in her signature cigar for pop-sicle sticks once stadiums commenced banning tobacco use.
Festervand, who actually also spent time scouting for baseball’s premier franchise, the New York Yankees, worked for $1 hour throughout his years with the Rangers, along with compensatory pay coming as soon as players he recommended had been drafted or moved up this team’s minor league product.
Festervand was a skilled salesman with retail during his earlier decades, but it was never about the revenue; baseball was his passion.
More occasions are expected at other colleges, and some have already reached outside in the form of paying for Festervand’s funeral rates. All of these gestures are a small way to honor the man with the cigar for a life well-lived.
Festervand is not left to do but talk baseball with whoever is certainly listening upstairs. He probably would have loved the action on display Saturday.
Whether any future experienced players were on the field is actually unknown, however the competitive attitude flowing on both sides can have made it hard for Festervand to possess a grin.
Lakeside fought back with a three-run deficit in the sixth inning in game one, but still dropped to Calvary 6-4 in eight innings. Around game two, the A warrior fell 3-1 and were forced to watch the Cavaliers celebrate a district title.
It wasn’t the outcome any Warrior players, motor coach buses or fans wanted and also expected, but Lakeside head private coach Will Gray tried to always keep things in perspective once the tough losses.
“Calvary is a good quality ball team,” Bleak said. “We would have loved to acquire won district, but it just didn’t go our strategy on Friday. We’re continue to fine in the rankings, as well as we can use this to redouble and get back on track.”
Among the players Festervand acquired drafted was Brandon Chreene of Sibley.
“As with regard to Mr. Festervand, he was a fabulous guy,” Gray stated. “A baseball man. He managed it much for the kids in this area. I am going to miss seeing him within the ballpark.”