When I moved to Harvey, IL I was exposed to a community full of opportunity and activity for kids. One thing that was available was Little League Baseball. I didn't know a thing about the game! The person who introduced me to it was Andre Hebert. Andre was a pure athlete and a great player at that stage. It wasn't uncommon for him to pitch no-hitters. He got me interested and talked me into playing Little League. Harvey actually had two leagues for young players: Major and Minor Leagues. Since I knew absolutely nothing I started in Minor League, and that's where I met Mr. Heimlich!

I never met or knew my father. My mother's husband at the time signed up to be one of the coaches, but he was rarely there and NEVER worked with me on my game. That's where Mr. Heimlich stepped in! He worked with me on my game, gave me tips; and, maybe most importantly, he gave me encouragement. He was a wonderful coach, a wonderful person to interact with young children in the game; and, through his activity with the team ("The Harvey S.W.A.T.") I met my teammate and lifelong friend Jim Heimlich (his son) and Margie Auman (his daughter) who was and is one of the sweetest people on the planet. I was also always welcome at his home, which was right down the street.

After that season, where I got zero hits, I took time off to learn and get better. I played with Andre Hebert after school, and with Parrish Luvertsky Walker and Hiram Walker before school everyday. After a year or two away from organized baseball I came back -- this time to Major League. The difference was dramatic and immediate! I was one of the best hitters on my team! At this time I played for the Harvey Elks. Mr. Heimlich and his son Jim Heimlich were with one of the best teams in the league: Big Frank's. My team didn't win very much. When our teams played we came up against one of the hardest throwers in the league: Bob Skonicki. He threw so hard that you could hear the ball sizzle in the air; and he was tall and intimidating on the mound. That intimidation shut down most of the hitters on my team; but I wanted the challenge. When I came up to bat there were two outs. I took the first pitch to get a read on his speed. The second pitch he threw went got hit, and went into centerfield for a base hit. Jim Heimlich was playing second base and I remember him diving for the ball. I stood on first base while Skonicki struck out the next batter, and the game was over. I was going back to my dugout when Mr. Heimlich stopped me. "Whitehurst, you've become one helluva ballplayer" he said. That stuck with me! I finished the season hitting .368.

Later I moved on to Babe Ruth League, where in my second season there I hit .450 and led the league in home runs. On the strength of that season I ended up getting an invitation letter from Coach Richard "itch" Jones, the coach of Southern Illinois University, to tryout. However, by the time I enrolled at SIUC, I had lost my love for the game. I had a girlfriend at the time and a lot on my plate. I never tried out for the team, and never even played again, but much of the success I had was due to Mr. Heimlich. Through him I gained confidence, got to meet great friends in his son and daughter, and got to meet a great family. Thank you so much Mr. Heimlich, I really appreciate all that you did for me.

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