LEGENDARY high school basketball coach and former softball and baseball player Charles “Chuck” Mackey and former softball manager Russell Franks, who are both ailing, were honoured in an emotional celebration by the Batelco softball team this past weekend.
The famous Batelco Team, which dominated the 70s and 80s in organised softball in the Bahamas, hosted a reunion to bring back the old players but, more importantly, ro give the two legends their flowers.Organised by former manager of the team Keith “Muggins” Archer, Anthony “Boots” Weech, Audley Williams and Brian “Boldie” Gibson, former players, their wives, families and friends came together at Archer’s residence to pay tribute.
It was a very emotional time as many in attendance had not seen Mackey or Franks since the two have been sick. Franks flew in from Freeport just for the occasion and was overcome by the outpouring of love from the many people in attendance. Although he didn’t say anything, everyone could see that he was truly touched and enjoyed the occasion.
The Batelco team, which was the original team from 1960 to 1970, said that they were indebted to Franks who was their manager for teaching and showing them more than just softball but what friends are really all about.
“We just couldn’t pass up the occasion to say thanks to Russell for all the things that he did for us back in those days,” said Muggins Archer, who played second base on the original team. “We owe him so much because we didn’t have time to get into anything because of him. He would pick us up on Friday and we don’t see our families again until Sunday night. He was disciplined but more importantly he cared for us like family”.
Franks was the supervisor in charge of payroll at the Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation on East Street back in the days. He was an athlete who competed in many disciplines and was outstanding. At the time all government departments were organising softball teams, so Franks took on the responsibility to organise a men’s softball team for Batelco, as they were called then.
Most of the players on the team worked at the Telecommunications Corporation. The games were played at Southern Recreation Grounds and Fort Charlotte. They were considered one of the best teams and won many championships during that decade.
Legendary high school coach Chuck Mackey was a catcher on the Batelco Radars, one of the most dominant teams that formed in 1972. They continued on until 1985. Mackey was a part of that team, although he fought for time as a catcher with Winston Colonial Sherman and Lester “Slick” Gardiner. Nonetheless, Mackey was a mainstay on the team and contributed to their success.
The occasion was one of the few highlights that Mackey enjoys these days, according to his wife. Since he’s been sick, she said very few people come by or call to find out how he’s doing.
Mackey went on to become a top teacher, coach and administrator in the local high schools following his return from Mankato State University where he was an outstanding baseball player. From his days at RM Bailey, CR Walker and St Johns, Mackey made a name for himself as an outstanding basketball coach and mentor to many young people in the high schools.
Although his illness keeps him in the hands of a caretaker 24 hours a day, Mackey was brought to the event and was overcome with emotions throughout the evening. His former teammates rallied around him in a show of support that was timely for the ailing coach.
“Charles may not say anything right now because he is so touched by your love and support,” said Mrs Mackey. “But he is really appreciative of this time. This means a lot to him. And although many people ask about him, not many take the time to come and see him, which would mean a lot to him, especially in light of all that he did to help young people in the high schools he worked.
According to “Boots” Weech, one of the organisers of the event, the Batelco Radars was a dominant team at one point during a span of three years and did not lose a single game.
“We were an outstanding team during those years,” said Weech. “We didn’t lose a single game during a three-year period until Scotiabank finally beat us. But we were good and we thought that it was a fitting time that we come together and show our appreciation for our team, but most importantly for Russell and Mackey who are both ailing and not doing very well right now.
The original Batelco team was honoured at the reception where certificates of appreciation were handed out to the members who are still around and those who have passed were remembered.
The original team consisted of Lester Gardiner, Anthony Huyler, Bertie Murray, Keith Archer, Eugene Haven, Peter Burrows, Gordon Farrington, Alcott Wilson, Alfred Fountain, Hesket Strachan, Winston Sherman, Eddie Laing, Freddie Burrows, Edgar Walker, Audley Wiliams, Brian Gibson, Samuel “Bookie” Johnson, Charlie Mortimer and Russell Franks as the manager.
The Batelco Radars team that re-grouped in 1972 to 1985 consisted of: Anthony “Boots” Weech, Keith “Muggins” Archer, Lester “Slick” Gardiner, Winston “Colonial” Sherman, Willie “Capone” Knowles, Mark “Belanger” Demeritte, Julian “Gubba” Glover, Quintine “Squinch” Glover, Rudolph “Vida Blue” Williams, Charles “Chuck” Mackey, J.J. Hepburn, Gilbert “Gilly” Moncur, Charlie “Veblo Pappy” Mortimer, Gordon Farrington, Eddie Rodgers, Randy Gibson, Simeon “Cochise” Humes, Alfred “Buck” Fountain, Alfred “Pops” Burrows, Anthony “Air” Eccleson, Gary “Super” Johnson, Benny Sargent, Eugene “Jiggy” Haven, Charles “Chucky” Smith, Freddie” Scamp” Gibson and Winton Issacs as the manager.
Anyone wishing to contact Charles “Chuck” Mackey may contact Keith Archer, Audley Williams or Anthony “Boots” Weech.
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