Plaques show more than 4 are "Lord of the Rings'
The red flags should have been there, and they were, but they popped up a little too late.
So, upon arriving at work Wednesday morning, there was no doubt in my mind that the flashing red light on the telephone answering machine would leave me with a red face.
In Wednesday's issue of the News-Times, coverage of the Columbia County Dixie Boys winning the World Series included a story titled "All-stars' three-peat possibility is thrown into doubt."
The piece focused on seven members of the Dixie Boys team, and discussed their opportunity to win a World Series title in each Dixie Baseball age division.
A tidbit late in the story listed four Columbia County all-stars who had played for three Dixie World Series winners - Parker Dye, Danny Ryan, Jordan Belcher and Brian Newman.
The one saving grace, for me at least, is that the story didn't state they were the "only" Columbia County players to win three Dixie championships.
OK, that's a bit of a stretch. The word "only" could have been implied, but for the sake of argument, let's say I was just biding my time to do more research.
All right, the Mighty Mikey has struck out, but rather than calling this column a correction, let's consider it a Dixie addendum.
The previously listed foursome has the distinction of being the only county players to win Dixie baseball crowns in three successive summers; there are several more local legends who have claimed three World Series rings.
The aforementioned phone message was from Jimmie Lewis. The veteran coach from Harlem High School provided a history lesson, but even before listening to the recording, the name "Lewis" was on my mind.
As soon as the Dixie Boys story was in print, I thought about Jimmie's son Russ - didn't he win three World Series titles?
Well, Jimmie confirmed that Russ has three rings at home to prove it. Jimmie also suggested checking the records, and the best way to do that was to visit Patriots Park.
While strolling by the plaques on the Walk of Fame, which immortalize Columbia County Dixie baseball champions of the past, I may have compiled an accurate list of three-time winners.
These guys deserve some credit - just call them "The Lords of the Rings."
Russ Lewis, Tydus Meadows, Stephen Saccone and William Rowland: Players - 1992 Dixie Boys, 1994 Pre-Majors, and 1996 Majors.
Parker Dye, Brian Newman, Danny Ryan and Jordan Belcher: Players - 1998 Dixie Boys, 1999 Pre-Majors, and 2000 Pre-Majors.
Nat Dye: Coach - 1998 Dixie Boys and 1999 Pre-Majors; Manager - 2000 Pre-Majors.
Believe it or not, one county native has four Dixie Baseball championships to his credit: former Harlem High baseball player and assistant coach Taylor Brooks played on the 1991 Majors title team, coached with the 1994 Pre-Majors and 1996 Majors winners, and was manager for the triumphant 1999 Pre-Majors.
In closing, here's a thanks to Jimmie Lewis for helping set the record straight, although I have this nagging suspicion that other folks may soon be calling.