By Mike O’Neill
Last week, New Canaan had a death in its baseball family and I felt the need to let you know about my friend, Mike Havard.
In the back row, Mike Havard and Mike O’Neill with their kids’ team, the Mohawks. Contributed
Back in 2006, when our sons were eight, Mike, Al Dupont and I joined forces to coach the Mighty Mohawks. It was a charmed year and we had a good run, going unbeaten. (It should be noted that Sam Tingley’s bunch, the Shoshones, tied us, 22-22, but they didn’t beat us).
The season came to a close on a warm, June day at Country School, which saw us come from behind to close out the season with one more victory. Speeches were made, hugs and high fives were given, and I’ll never forget the feeling of triumph as we gathered our equipment and walked up the hill to our cars.
Everyone was beaming and we all know that those moments don’t come along often in baseball and they need to be cherished. That year cemented Al and Mike and I as lifelong friends, grateful that fate had looked kindly upon us.
Several years later, while serving as a volunteer for NC Baseball, I found myself needing a coach for an 11 & 12 year old team in the “Sixties” division.
I turned to Mike for help and he came through for me. He said, “Yes, of course I’ll do it. It’ll be fun.”
And the Reds had their coach.
Fast-forward two months and there they were, in the final championship game. It was a back-and-forth battle that went into extra innings and was even delayed by rain that evening so it had to be finished the following day. Well, the Reds won it all and there was my friend Mike, at the center of it all, once again, beaming.
Last week, Mike Havard left this world far too early. He had a positive spirit and his charity fundraising through Newman’s Own and the Hole in the Wall Camps was renowned. His affable nature and sunny disposition were ever present and he was beloved by players and parents alike. I will miss his company and his good nature and I’m sure there are dozens of families who feel the same way.
We all hope that the coaches of our children be special and he was.
Please pray with me for his wife, Judy, and for his three fine sons, Jack, Sam and Henry.
God Bless his memory.