Coach, player relationship unlike others

By Staff
Scot Beard
For more than a century fathers and sons have bonded over America's pastime – baseball.
In the 1920s dads across the nation told their boys about an amazing player unlike any other player in history – Babe Ruth.
Forty years later they watched in wonder as Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris chased the single season home run record.
In 2009 David Ward and his son Jake have a new experience to bond over.
The Russellville varsity baseball coach is one of the coaches for the North Squad at the Alabama All-Star Sports Week in July and he will take his son along – as a player.
"I talked about that (Thursday) when I had a meeting with the other coaches in Huntsville," David said. "We've been blessed."
Jake also said he feels lucky to be playing for his father during the event.
"I don't guess there has been too many people who have had their dad coach their All-Star team," Jake said.
He said since he started playing on the varsity he has learned quite a bit about baseball from his father, but the most important thing is patience.
Jake said during his first season he was nervous and swung at many bad pitches. Now he is much more selective, and his batting average shows it.
The father-son duo has been part of some strong Russellville teams in the past few years. Although the Golden Tigers missed the playoffs this season, they reached the state quarterfinals in 2007 and 2008.
During that time David has watched his son grow as a player, but he is most proud of how is son has developed off the field. He describes Jake as a good kid who has grown into a pretty good person.
Jake said it can be kind of unusual to have his coach come home with him each night, but he said his father is good at keeping baseball and home separate.
"It stays on the field," Jake said. "We talk a little off the field. He doesn't come home mad most of the time after a serious game."
David said he tries not to treat Jake any different than any other players on the team, but admits he is tougher on Jake at times.
Jake agrees.
"It's not as hard as most people think, but he is on my case most of the time," Jake said. "He just wants me to be perfect."
Many fans that have seen David interact with the umpires when a call goes against Russellville might thing he can be a little bit intense. Jake said that is not the case.
"Most people can't tell, but most of the time he is laid back," Jake said. "If you're hustling, he's not going to gripe."
David knows this time with is son is special. Jake will be a senior next season, which means Jake's playing days for him are numbered. He plans to enjoy every minute of that time.
"I'm happy to be here," David said.