Pro Ball’s Travis Fryman: Putting Away The Childish Things
February 3, 2012
Travis Fyman appeared to be sitting on top of the world. He has just played in his first American League All-Star Game. He had just met and had his picture taken with the president of the United States. The big money was rolling in for the small town boy in the big leagues with the Detroit Tigers.
“If you met me in 1994, you’d say that this guy is living his dreams,” Fryman told a meeting of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Thursday morning before class at Northview High School. “My life and career at that point in my life were better than my dreams as a kid.”
But appearances can be deceiving and it took Fryman a little more to realize what was wrong amidst all that seemed so right.
As for the picture of him with President George H.W. Bush, that problem was pretty obvious when the glossy photo arrived in the mail. After the All-Star Game, the Secret Service had swept the locker room quickly before President Bush visited and posed for a photo with each player.
“I was in my underwear shaking hands with the president of the United States,” Fryman said, evoking a chuckle from the Northview students. “In all of the excitement, I had forgotten to get dressed.”
What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Matthew 16:26
But there was something much more wrong than the President Bush photo with Fryman’s life.
“I was completely miserable and lost in my life,” he said. “I didn’t enjoy playing baseball; I was never satisfied.”
After watching his parents divorce as a teen, one of Fryman’s top goals in life was a happy marriage. That too was falling apart.
Fryman knew his wife was attending a Bible study group with other baseball wives. What he did not know right away was that she gave her life to Jesus in the parking lot of the Detroit Tigers stadium in 1994, right before major league baseball went on strike and ended the season without a World Series.
“…When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.” 1 Cor 13:11
Fryman, who now lives in Molino, knew something was just not right in his life. He and wife Kathleen began going to his childhood church, Olive Baptist in Pensacola. On February 25, 1995, he knew what was missing.
“I took my wife by her hand, and we walked down to the front of the church,” he said. “Boy that was a long walk.”
When asked by the pastor why he had come forward, Fryman said, “I’m ready to put away childish things and become the man God wants me to be.”
It turned out, however, that there were still realizations to come for Fryman.
The first game of the 1995 season was against the Seattle Mariners in the King Dome. The normally strong hitter had struck out three times. He was up to bat a fourth time. “The drunks over third base were taunting me, pushing for a fourth strike out.” A bad hit and the old Travis Fryman reared its ugly head and he cursed and threw his helmet with enough force to shatter it.
Back at the hotel after perhaps his worst-ever pro game, Fryman unlocked the door with his key card and slipped inside. It was about to be that real life changing moment.
“I fell on my face, and I cried like a baby,” he said. “God, I don’t want to live my life this way.”
“Jesus requires everything from us because he gave everything,” Fryman, who is now the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Indians, told the Northview FCA members. “You can have a lot of fun in this life but you never know joy until you know God.”
Pictured: Travis Fryman addresses the Northview High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes before school began Thursday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sims, Nero, Craft Ink On National Signing Day
February 2, 2012
Three North Escambia area players inked letters of intent Wednesday on National Signing Day.
Dak Sims, McDavid
Dak Sims of McDavid was among three Pensacola High School players to sign with NAIA Cumberland University of Tennessee. Sims at center, linebacker Brian Rudolph and defensive end Kendrell Jenkins will head to Lebanon, Tenn., about 30 miles east of Nashville, in the fall. The Cumberland Bulldogs were ranked as high as 14th in the NAIA Top 25 last season. With a 7-3 season, the Bulldogs ended at No. 25.
Tyler Nero, Atmore
Tyler Nero of Escambia County High School in Atmore signed with the Auburn Tigers. The defensive tackle had fielded offers from several SEC schools before settling on AU.
Dalvin Craft, Atmore
The Escambia County High School Blue Devil’s Dalvin Craft signed his letter of intent to play for Southern Miss.
Pictured top: Tyler Nero reacts after signing his letter of intent to play at Auburn. Pictured below: Dalvin Craft of Atmore signs with Sothern Miss. Photos courtesy WEAR 3 for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Softball Preseason Classic Begins Tuesday
January 30, 2012
The Tate Lady Aggies will host a Preseason Classic Tuesday and Thursday this week at the Tate Softball Field.
On Tuesday, West Florida will take on Pace at 4:30 and Tate will play Escambia at 6:30. The two losing teams will play again Thursday at 4:30, while Tuesday’s winners will meet Thursday at 6:30.
Tate High Head Football Coach Ed Rigby Resigns
January 27, 2012
Tate High School head football coach Ed Rigby submitted his resignation Thursday following a winless season.
“I can confirm that I spoke to Coach Rigby today and he has resigned his position as head football coach,” Tate High Principal Rick Shackle said Thursday afternoon. “We are certainly very grateful for his commitment and dedication and wish him the very best.”
Shackle would not confirm if Rigby would remain at Tate in any other position.
The application process to replace Rigby will be immediately, the principal said, following district guidelines.
Rigby has been at Tate six seasons, with a 22-39 overall record. He took over the Tate program in 2006, becoming the Aggies’ third coach in just eight months. He led the team to the playoffs in 2008, their first appearance in eight years and just their third playoff appearance since a 1980 state championship.
The Aggies were 0-11 in 2011.
Jay’s Rebecca Calloway Signs With Pensacola State
January 27, 2012
Jay High School senior Rebecca Calloway has signed a softball scholarship with Pensacola State College.
Calloway had a .508 batting average for the Lady Royals, knocking in 10 home runs during her career.
The 17-year old starting playing t-ball at age 4 and softball at age 7.
She was named All Area 2nd Team in 2011. She also has several other accomplishments off the softball field, including a 4.0 GPA, six years on the varsity basketball team, parliamentarian of the Beta Club, district treasurer of the SGA, senior class vice president and membership in numerous other organizations.
Pictured above: (front, L-R) Keith Holland, Becca Calloway, Mandy Holland, Leigha Holland Samantha Calloway, (back) Jay Coach Brian Watson, Principal Brad Marcilliat, Pensacola State Coach Brenda Pena and Jay Athletic Director Lance Youngblood. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Basketball Games Rescheduled
January 26, 2012
Northview’s planned basketball games Thursday against Chipley High School were rescheduled.
The Chiefs will host Chipley Saturday morning — the JV at 10 and the varsity at 11:30.
Byrneville Elementary Releases Second Nine Weeks Honor Roll
January 26, 2012
The following students were named to the second nine weeks honor roll at Byrneville Elementary School:
Kindergarten: Mrs. Barberree
All Satisfactory:
Adrianna Atallah
Wyatt Everly
Nolin Godwin
Hank Grant
Josh Johnson
Jakyia Newton
Ryder Nolen
Tyler Riggs
Reygan Steadham
Kindergarten: Mrs. Rogers
All Satisfactory:
Alexa Castro
Riley Dawson
Caitlyn Dortch
Madalyn Grimes
Camron Howell
Bobbie -Sue Jarrell
Meredith Johnston
Tyson McBride
Jaden Newton
Aydan Smith
First Grade: Mrs. Dawson
All A’s:
Leah Anderson
Kayla Johnson
Emily Levins
Kaden Odom
Aubrey Stuckey
A’s and B’s:
Aloysia Dortch
Audrey Goetter
Chase Hampton
Aleigh Thornton
First Grade: Mrs. Thornton
All A’s:
Drake Allen Driskell
Jessica Loftis
A’s and B’s:
Hunter Barnes
C.J. Bell
Briana Dunsford
Marina Franklin
Jamarkus Jefferson
Emily Lambeth
Grace Long
Zane Rolin
Cheyanne Thomas
Savanah Watters
Second Grade: Mrs. Weaver
All A’s:
Hunter Borelli
Shelby Cotita
James Loftis
Dillon Spears
A’s and B’s:
Grace Blackmon
Bama Coburn
Tessa Flowers
Kaitlin Gafford
Taylor Levins
Torka Mills
Harley Walker
Third Grade: Mrs. Dunsford
All A’s:
Sophia Cotita
Maille Kilcrease
A’s and B’s:
Travon Brown
Logan Bryan
Brianna Colter
Alyssa Goldenpenny
Heather Knowles
Abigail Levins
Tyler Merchant
Ty Rolin
Chad Sager
Fourth Grade: Mrs. Gilmore/Mrs. Sellers
All A’s:
Ian Gifford
Alex Glidewell
A’s and B’s:
Madicyn Bell
Skyler Busbee
Jacob Coleman
Alexis Lee
Lea Nall
Valorie Padilla
Savannah Steadham
Nicky Trump
Samantha Walston
Olivia Watson
Fifth Grade: Mrs. Johnston
All A’s:
Kris Baxter
Rebecca Diamon
Paige Killam
Seth Killam
Tanner Levins
Alex McMinn
Courtney Payne
Destiny Payne
A’s and B’s:
Austin Adams
Jacob Borelli
Matthew Caine
Patton Goetter
Colby Graham
Gracie Johnson
Keyana Macks
Hunter Moseley
Sarah Nelson
Peyton Newsome
Faith Watters
Town Of Century Honors Northview Chiefs Football Team
January 23, 2012
During their regular meeting Monday night, the Century Town Council officially recognized the Northview High School football team with the reading of a proclamation.
Mayor Freddie McCall issued the proclamation honoring the regional championship team. The proclamation was presented to Chiefs Head Coach Sid Wheatley during the team’s annual banquet last week.
To read the full proclamation, click the image.
Ball Registration: NWE, Molino, Cantonment, Atmore
January 21, 2012
Baseball and softball registrations have been scheduled for Northwest Escambia, Molino, Cantonment and Atmore.
The Northwest Escambia League will hold open registration for baseball and softball for ages 3-18 as follows:
- Friday, January 27 from 5-8 p.m.
- Saturday, January 28 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
The cost will be $50 for the first child, $40 for the second child and $10 for the third child from each family. A copy of the child’s birth certificate should be brought to registration at Bradberry Park in Walnut Hill.
Molino Ballpark registration will be held every Saturday until February 18 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Don Sutton Ballpark. Cost is $50 for the first child, $45 for the second and $40 for the third from the same family. A copy of the child’s birth certificate should be brought to registration.
Cantonment Baseball and Softball registration will he held every Saturday until February 18 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Cantonment Ballpark, 681 Well Line Road.
Ages 4 and up. Registration is $80 for the first child, $70 for the second, $60 for the third and additional child per family.
Teams include:
- T-ball 4-6
- Coach Pitch 7-8
- Minors 9-10
- Majors 11-12
- Pony 13-14
Atmore Babe Ruth Softball registration for ages 6-16 will be held each Saturday until February 4 at the concession stand at the softball fields at Tom Byrne Park.
Tryouts will be Saturday, February 11 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the softball fields at Tom Byrne Park. Players may register on the day of tryouts.
The registration fee will be $45 for one child and $40 each for the second and additional children. A copy of the player’s birth certification should be brought to registration.
Legendary Tate Coach Floyd Adams Inducted Into Hall Of Fame
January 20, 2012
A legendary former coach for Tate High School and Jefferson Davis Community College was inducted into the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in Birmingham Friday night.
Floyd Adams was 179-37 at Tate High School, where he spent two years as an assistant coach before serving as head coach for seven years. He then moved on in 1984 to the college level at Jeff Davis in Brewton where he was 303-149 in 10 seasons.
Adams is a 1952 graduate of Escambia County High School in Atmore. He has been retired from coaching for over a decade.