DrumMajor01

quote:

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why exactly was Wally Pontiff loved so much.

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jbirds,

If you met Wally for even a moment, his down to earth demeanor and genuine humility stayed with you. When he played baseball (whether at LSU or Jesuit or any other time), he seemed to play with a heart that could propel a normal guy like you or me to uncommon heights. He made you feel like you could be a champion in your own life because he was just a regular guy like you. He pushed himself to greatness but never acted like he was better than anyone.

I went to high school and elementary with Wally and my mom taught him, but he was older and I never really knew him. I met him maybe twice in my life and that was only for a few moments. But I don't think you have to sit down with someone for days on end to realize when they are special and can make an impact on so many people. Wally made that impact before he passed away, and that's why it was so sad. The community didn't want to let go of that feeling. It was the feeling that maybe they could be better than what they see in the mirror every morning. Wally was many things to many people: an uncommon baseball player, a leader, a diplomat, and a representation of what it means to be a Tiger. But I think to all people, no matter how much or little they knew him, he was an inspiration.


I think that's why people love him so much. And deservedly so.