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‘Mr. Bobby’ a special man with big heart
Commentary by KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
Bobby Andrews is just as much a fixture of Washington as is the waterfront.
“Mr. Bobby,” as he’s affectionately known, has given of his time and resources for years. While Mr. Bobby may be known for all of his work with softball in Washington, he may be better known for his gentle smile and big heart.
That’s clearly evident at any softball game you attend, whether it’s a Washington Pam Pack game, a recreation game or during his annual Bobby Andrews Fast Pitch Softball Tournament. This year marks the sixth annual tournament.
Mr. Bobby has become such an important part of Washington that he has a building named after him -- the Bobby Andrews Recreation Center.
At the ceremony honoring the recipient, Mr. Bobby said, “In my heart (the ceremony) meant so much to me. These children mean a lot to me. That’s what this job is all about.”
Mr. Bobby, who helped start the Washington Girls Softball League, awards scholarships to female athletes each year during his tournament. While the players appreciate the money, I know they appreciate his kindness and friendship even more.
In talking with current and former Washington softball players, it’s clear that Mr. Bobby has left his mark with them.
“Mr. Bobby has always been a special man to me,” Washington High School student Susan Braddy said. “Ever since I was little, I can remember him coming out to support all the girls that played softball. I always thought he had a child that played, but he didn’t. It was just for us. Not only did he come out for Rec. ball, but he also came out for school ball.
“His support was always so helpful to me because there are times in softball where you get down on yourself. Mr. Bobby was always right there to pick me up. Mr. Bobby always told me that I had such good parents and to always listen to them.”
Sometimes, it goes beyond friendship.
“He isn’t just a friend to me; he has always been the grandfather that I never had,” Braddy said. “My grandpas both died before I was born. This year was my last year in Rec. Ball and I’m going to miss seeing him, but I know he will always come out to support me wherever I play.”
Meredith Knox, the Daily News’ Softball Hitter of the Year who will play at Anderson College this year, has always admired him.
“I’ve known Mr. Bobby since I could walk,” Knox said. “I remember being little and going into his office and always giving him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. I still do that.
“He has always been a role model and an inspiration I could look up to. He has done great things for Washington softball.”
Carrie Amici, a Washington graduate, said Mr. Bobby has made it a point to help out any and all girls in softball.
“Mr. Bobby has always been there for not only myself, but for every girl that has ever participated in the WGSL,” Amici said. “He is out there every day, from morning to midnight, making sure everyone is enjoying themselves. He has a contagious smile and great personality, making it a pleasure to play in the WGSL.”
Players like Washington graduate Misti Lee will always appreciate his support.
“I love Bobby Andrews,” Lee said. “When it comes to sports and the player’s life, he is always there. When there is a home game that he can make it to, he will. He is always willing to give up a hug. He pays such an interest in your life and your future plans. He is a good man and will always put a smile on your face.”
Washington graduate Meredith Whitehead said that softball is synonymous with Mr. Bobby.
“Mr. Bobby means a lot to me,” Whitehead said. “I mean, you cannot think about girls softball or sports in general in this town without thinking of all he has done for them. He has always been such a great supporter and always willing to lend a hand. I can remember countless times when he has traveled with us to games and been there supporting us the whole time.
“He has one of the biggest and most generous hearts. To this day if I see him somewhere, he first gives me a hug and then asks me how I doing. He has always been a great supporter and encourager for me and my success and all of the girls success in life and sports.”
Girls in Washington and the area can thank Mr. Bobby for making softball special.
And everybody in town can thank Mr. Bobby for his generosity, his time and, most importantly, his big heart.
Thank you, Mr. Bobby.
Kevin Travis is the sports editor of the Washington Daily News. You may reach him at 940-4217, or by email at Kevin@wdnweb.com.
Bobby Andrews is just as much a fixture of Washington as is the waterfront.
“Mr. Bobby,” as he’s affectionately known, has given of his time and resources for years. While Mr. Bobby may be known for all of his work with softball in Washington, he may be better known for his gentle smile and big heart.
That’s clearly evident at any softball game you attend, whether it’s a Washington Pam Pack game, a recreation game or during his annual Bobby Andrews Fast Pitch Softball Tournament. This year marks the sixth annual tournament.
Mr. Bobby has become such an important part of Washington that he has a building named after him -- the Bobby Andrews Recreation Center.
At the ceremony honoring the recipient, Mr. Bobby said, “In my heart (the ceremony) meant so much to me. These children mean a lot to me. That’s what this job is all about.”
Mr. Bobby, who helped start the Washington Girls Softball League, awards scholarships to female athletes each year during his tournament. While the players appreciate the money, I know they appreciate his kindness and friendship even more.
In talking with current and former Washington softball players, it’s clear that Mr. Bobby has left his mark with them.
“Mr. Bobby has always been a special man to me,” Washington High School student Susan Braddy said. “Ever since I was little, I can remember him coming out to support all the girls that played softball. I always thought he had a child that played, but he didn’t. It was just for us. Not only did he come out for Rec. ball, but he also came out for school ball.
“His support was always so helpful to me because there are times in softball where you get down on yourself. Mr. Bobby was always right there to pick me up. Mr. Bobby always told me that I had such good parents and to always listen to them.”
Sometimes, it goes beyond friendship.
“He isn’t just a friend to me; he has always been the grandfather that I never had,” Braddy said. “My grandpas both died before I was born. This year was my last year in Rec. Ball and I’m going to miss seeing him, but I know he will always come out to support me wherever I play.”
Meredith Knox, the Daily News’ Softball Hitter of the Year who will play at Anderson College this year, has always admired him.
“I’ve known Mr. Bobby since I could walk,” Knox said. “I remember being little and going into his office and always giving him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. I still do that.
“He has always been a role model and an inspiration I could look up to. He has done great things for Washington softball.”
Carrie Amici, a Washington graduate, said Mr. Bobby has made it a point to help out any and all girls in softball.
“Mr. Bobby has always been there for not only myself, but for every girl that has ever participated in the WGSL,” Amici said. “He is out there every day, from morning to midnight, making sure everyone is enjoying themselves. He has a contagious smile and great personality, making it a pleasure to play in the WGSL.”
Players like Washington graduate Misti Lee will always appreciate his support.
“I love Bobby Andrews,” Lee said. “When it comes to sports and the player’s life, he is always there. When there is a home game that he can make it to, he will. He is always willing to give up a hug. He pays such an interest in your life and your future plans. He is a good man and will always put a smile on your face.”
Washington graduate Meredith Whitehead said that softball is synonymous with Mr. Bobby.
“Mr. Bobby means a lot to me,” Whitehead said. “I mean, you cannot think about girls softball or sports in general in this town without thinking of all he has done for them. He has always been such a great supporter and always willing to lend a hand. I can remember countless times when he has traveled with us to games and been there supporting us the whole time.
“He has one of the biggest and most generous hearts. To this day if I see him somewhere, he first gives me a hug and then asks me how I doing. He has always been a great supporter and encourager for me and my success and all of the girls success in life and sports.”
Girls in Washington and the area can thank Mr. Bobby for making softball special.
And everybody in town can thank Mr. Bobby for his generosity, his time and, most importantly, his big heart.
Thank you, Mr. Bobby.
Kevin Travis is the sports editor of the Washington Daily News. You may reach him at 940-4217, or by email at Kevin@wdnweb.com.
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| Bobby Andrews Tournament opens with touching ceremony |
