When last we heard from Eugene White Sr., he and his sons had just returned from watching the White Sox clinch the 2005 World Series in Houston. Now he has a Cubs story to tell, so the Whites are apparently equal opportunity baseball fans.
This past winter, White and his son, Eugene Jr., attended the Cubs Convention and Junior met Cubs’ GM (General Manager) Jim Hendry. They talked for a while and Hendry asked him to send along his team’s baseball schedule when the season started. He might just drop by.
Eugene Jr. did just that and, lo and behold some three months later, Hendry was true to his word, stopping by to watch White’s Bronco team (Strikes) play at Ridgeland Common a few Saturdays back. Before the game, he spoke to the kids.
According to Eugene Jr., “He was very nice and inspirational. He told us that baseball is a team sport and we should never get down on our teammates or ourselves when things are not going right – that we need to do our best on and off the field. He told us that school is important and that we should listen to our parents, teachers and coaches because they are all there to help us grow.”
“I thought it was really great that he actually kept his word,” said Eugene Sr.
Hendry’s gesture certainly had an impact.
“I am a Cubs fan,” said Eugene Jr., “but after Mr. Hendry came out, I will always be a Cubs fan. The Cubs organization is lucky to have a man like Mr. Hendry who keeps his word and is there for the fans (especially children) who need positive role models.”