Author: braidwoodguy

Born and raised in Braidwood, Illinois. Worked in secondary and higher education since 1962. Have 5 kids and 14 grandkids. Avocation is writing and genealogy.

A Legendary Lewis Baseball Game

“It was the greatest individual pitching performance, and the greatest game pitched in Lewis College history.”   Coach Gordie Gillespie on pitcher Bob Bachman’s masterpiece.  Unfortunately, Coach had to watch the last five innings of the 13-inning game from the stands, having been ejected along with two Flyer players in the 8th inning. Instead of being … Continue reading A Legendary Lewis Baseball Game →

Journey into the Past

“People say you're born innocent, but it's not true. You inherit all kinds of things that you can do nothing about. You inherit your identity, your history, like a birthmark that you can't wash off…”   Erik Pevernagie We all hope to learn more about who we are and how did we get this way.  For me, I have … Continue reading Journey into the Past →

Era of the Lewis Intramural Nation

“Creative ideas come from marinated observations of the obvious.” TK Coaches Paul Ruddy and Tom Kennedy Looking back to my days of teaching and coaching at Roncalli High School in Aurora, Illinois, it is easy to see the genesis of a highlight in my career. That highlight, of course, was the Lewis University intramural program … Continue reading Era of the Lewis Intramural Nation →

Longest Lewis Basketball Game…Ever

"When the legs go, the heart soon follows."John Wooden A game played on Sunday, January 10, 1960 is arguably the most memorable game played in Lewis College/University history.  The game matched rivals Lewis versus Loras College. It is memorable because the game went into six overtimes and was won in “sudden death.”  What makes the game … Continue reading Longest Lewis Basketball Game…Ever →

The “Grandfather Affliction”

“Perfect love sometimes does not come until the first grandchild.”  Welsh Proverb I believe that almost all men who become grandfathers will, sooner or later, come down with an affliction that I term “avus paternus empathia,” or the empathy of a grandfather.  The definition of empathy is “the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.”  In the case … Continue reading The “Grandfather Affliction” →

We Were Never Bored in Braidwood

Small towns make up for their lack of people by having everyone be more interesting.      Doris "Granny D" Haddock  Preparing for another adventure: Marty Kozloswki, Louie Highbaugh, Killer Kozlowski, me, Pete Cinotto, and my brother Kenny. “Weren’t you bored growing up in Braidwood?”  Never. Growing up in my hometown of Braidwood in the '40s and '50s, I … Continue reading We Were Never Bored in Braidwood →

Continuing the Gospel of Gordie

"Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words."St. Francis of Assisi In prior blog articles, I have written about lessons I learned from the greatest coach/teacher a person could have.  I played basketball and baseball for Coach Gillespie for four years and then had the opportunity to be his assistant coach for another five … Continue reading Continuing the Gospel of Gordie →

Travel Lust Started Here

“A rule of the blue road: Be careful going in search of adventure—it’s ridiculously easy to find.” William Least Heat-Moon, Blue Highways: A Journey into America As you know, I have great respect and love for my hometown, Braidwood.  I owe so much to the people who surrounded me during those critical growing years. In many ways, I … Continue reading Travel Lust Started Here →