Letters: Theo Heilig cared about every Legion player

Published 12:00 am Thursday, May 8, 2008

Theo Heilig cared about every player on the Legion ball team
I was saddened to read in the Post on Wednesday about the passing of longtime American Legion baseball manager Theo Heilig.
I played for Rowan County in 1991 and 1992 and quickly became acquainted with Theo. My first impression was that he reminded me of the “old man” in the neighborhood who yells at you to get off his lawn.
I soon found out that the man who appeared so tough on the outside cared more about the Legion program and its players that anyone I have ever met. Theo was the most adamant supporter in good times and in bad. He cared about every player on the field and in the dugout, the superstars and the supporting cast.
I saw Theo twice after my playing days. The last time was last summer at the state tournament in Garner. It was 100 degrees, and Theo was there behind home plate with his family under an umbrella, braving the elements and supporting Legion baseball like he always did. I went up to him both times I saw him and reintroduced myself, and each time before I could say my name, he recognized me before I could finish.
As Theo aged into his 90s, his love for the game and his team never diminished.
I’ll truly miss seeing Theo at the games when I get back to Salisbury, or when I see the team play on the road, but I know his spirit will forever be present at Newman Park.
ó Travis Holshouser
Raleigh
Know your Confederate history
Lutrell Hancock, as uneducated as you are about the Confederate flag and the subject of treason, I’m surprised that you were able to write a letter to the editor!
After the fall of the Confederacy, President Jefferson Davis fled south and was captured in Georgia. The federals took him to prison and were going to put him on trial for treason.
But guess what happened? Federal Chief Justice Chase at that time said that a trial would condemn the North and prove that neither he nor the South committed treason.
Therefore, no trial was ever held. Jefferson Davis was released on bail. Praise the Lord!
ó Perry D. Miller
Salisbury