Coach was friend and mentor to Jackson's young baseball players

The Webster's Dictionary definition of "coach" is one who instructs or trains, one who instructs players in the fundamentals of a competitive sport and directs team strategy. Tom Avalone was a coach for the Jackson Little League for eight years. He was a coach by definition and so much more. Tom, 42, recently passed away after a three-year battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Tom Avalone was passionate about the sport of baseball. Tom continued to coach throughout his treatments with the help of his assistants. He then left coaching for a period and came back last spring to help coach the Junior Cardinals. Coaches give up so much of their time for our children. Most coaches begin coaching for their own child. Tom was no exception. Any young boy who had the honor of having Tom as his coach was very lucky.

He taught them the fundamentals and really got to know each and every boy on each of his teams. He knew their strengths and weaknesses and continually helped them develop into good baseball players. He was fun, too. Practices were serious and yet playful. He truly taught with his heart and brought a great spirit to his teams and every game they played.

Our son was one of those fortunate boys. He was on Tom's team for four years. We would specifically request Tom. We felt he had so much to offer our son. He was our son's coach but became our friend, too. He not only coached, he mentored. We hope he was aware of how he helped mold these young boys into young men.

We know that our son's life has been touched by Tom. Tom has taught our son so much of what he knows about the game of baseball. He can credit Tom with his understanding of the game, as well as the fundamentals of what a good baseball player is. Tom was one of those people in your child's life that you know was a positive influence and great role model.

Tom, our son's coach, mentor, role model and friend, will always have a special place in our hearts. He will be sadly missed by us and many others. We have always kept Tom in our prayers during his struggle with cancer and will continue to keep his family in our prayers during this incredibly sad time.

Thank you, Tom, for all you have given to each and everyone your life has touched.

Marion and Bob Brokaw

Jackson