The Amarillo Sod Poodles hosted Grassroots Baseball and their special guests, baseball Hall of Famer, Goose Gossage, and Amarillo baseball historian, Dr. Paul Matney, at Hodgetown during the Sod Poodles contest with the Midland Rockhounds on Wednesday night.
Co-founders Jeff Idelson and Jean Fruth are making their rounds to select cities in the states that define the historic Route 66 corridor. The tour includes stops at various galleries and local ballparks for “Grassroots Baseball Day”. The stops have included many baseball greats and the people that have helped contribute to the new book and the Grassroots Baseball program. The stops have included many baseball greats and the people that have helped contribute to the new book and the Grassroots Baseball program. Their Amarillo stop will include 22-year MLB veteran and Hall of Famer, Goose Gossage, and former Amarillo College President, Dr. Paul Matney who wrote the Texas excerpt in the book.
Fruth, an internationally acclaimed baseball photographer shot the photos for the book and includes photos of 2021 Sod Poodles Alek Thomas, and Stone Garrett during a stop at Hodgetown in late July, 2021. Idelson served as the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum President from 2008-2019.
Gossage, a nine-time All-Star, World Series champion, was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008. His career included a career record of 124-107 with 310 saves, 1,002 games, and 1,502 strikeouts. He was known as one of the premier relief pitchers throughout the 1970s and ‘80s.
Purchase of the book is the only way to guarantee a photo with the members at the Grassroots Baseball Day. Purchase a book at https://www.grassrootsbaseball.org/
Co-founded by Jean Fruth and Jeff Idelson in 2019, Grassroots Baseball’s mission is to promote and celebrate the amateur game around the globe, with a focus on growing interest and participation in the youngest levels. The overarching goal of Grassroots Baseball is to give back by providing inspiration, instruction, and equipment to help ensure more children can have the opportunity to learn, play, and enjoy the game.