REMEMBERING MIKE!

  SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2025

         REMEMBERING MIKE!

  My BLOG is being replaced with a

tribute today. It is a tribute to my late

brother-in-law Mike Williams. Mike

passed away Friday in the Hospice

center at the VA Hospital in Wilkes-

Barre. His loving wife, Karen, was,

as always, by his side.  An Honor

Guard escorted his flag draped

gurney through the Hospital halls

while employees as well as some

patients stood at attention with their

hands over their hearts or in salute

as it and family members walked

behind. A very moving tribute!!!!

Mike was one of the 8 children

born in Mountain Top to the late

Leo and Lena Williams. My wife

Leona is one of his sisters. But

Mike was more than a brother-in-law 

to me. He was my friend. I believe

one of the reasons for that friendship

was out mutual love for the games

of baseball. More than a  fan, however,

Mike played minor league baseball

for the Boston organization. In one

spring training session his batting

coach was Ted Williams! Mike also

managed a woman's professional

baseball team at one time. He cared

deeply about the game and the fans.

During an Old Timers game at the

Lackawanna County Stadium a few

years ago Mike used his between inning

time to sign autographs for kids who

looked up to those on the playing

field. Mike will be a lot missed by his

family and friends. But I smile with

the realization that as he slid across

the plate Friday the ultimate "Umpire"

called him "Safe At Home!"

See you later Mike!