Jerry Lindsey wrote this article.
Every child grows up following the dreams that surround their childhood options. Living in a small Midwestern community allows a special story to be told covering 60 years on the diamonds of Morrison, IL.
Bill Popkin grew up on the south side of Morrison. As in most small towns, daily entertainment was the challenge of each child. Local ball diamonds offered the greatest chance for kids to gather and entertain themselves throughout the summer. Youth were blessed with a quality baseball facility on the south side, next to the Whiteside County Fairgrounds.
Popkin recalls his first practice of organized Little League on April 21, 1961, as a member of the Morrison Orioles. His time on the diamonds, following the Oriole inaugural practice, included minor league scheduled games and regular pick-up games with friends. Advancing to the majors in 1965 earned him a Cubs uniform, until being upgraded to a Dodgers uniform. He played for that team, sponsored by Eddie Schuler, in 1967 and 1968.
The routine of local baseball competition continued as it added years and experience to each young Morrisonian. Pick-up games held their interest and social attraction, but the action shifted to the High School diamond. Organized opportunities focused on the American Legion team, sponsored by Veron Paul, known as Paul’s Prestos. The American Legion action provided a reason to return to the diamonds until the age of 18. Then baseball had to be shelved. Action was diverted to the somewhat different style of play of slowpitch softball.
Diamonds remained an attraction to the same group of friends, the enjoyment of competing, and socializing–only at a more mature age.
Slowpitch participation provided Popkin with an excuse to gather with friends and create memories that seldom fade and that often grow into embarrassments, as the years grind forward. Memories of the local slowpitch softball action were created while playing for these businesses and their managers: Morrison-Whiteside County Bank-Dale Bielema; Hunter’s Body Shop-Bruce Hunter; Rock River Surge-Larry Brackemeyer; Robertson Construction-Don Robertson; Candy’s Crow Bar-Candy Kullerstrand; Martin Construction-Mr. Martin; Gene’s Tap-Gene Fields; Savanna’s Manny’s Pizza-Manny Castro.
Following the retirement of his playing days, coaching drew Popkin into the dugouts again as Manager of the Morrison Yankees Little League team from 1992-2000. Popkin saw his youngest son outgrow Little League, only this time he manned the “blue” and monitored the games as an umpire.
For 18 years Popkin proudly wore the Illinois High School Association insignia and hit the diamonds. He would spend a few hours with area youth and absorb that good feeling, that only someone who has worn the “blue” can appreciate.
Popkin offers the following comment in appreciation for the memories, “I want to again thank the aforementioned sponsors for allowing me to be able to enjoy the games of baseball and softball, and the City of Morrison, for having this park available for all in the City to enjoy since 1952. Recently refurbished, my hope is that any boy or girl in town that wants to, can utilize this beautiful, little ‘gem,’ just as I and countless other Morrisonians have for many years. My hope is that ‘down the road,’ someone in the future can tell some stories for their 60 years on the diamonds in Morrison.”
Sixty years on the diamonds of Whiteside County have formed many memories for Bill Popkin, some good, some bad. All the times, however, were spent with friends experiencing the same attraction of developing memories on the diamond, that only small-town America can provide.