Kitch

TK, Terry Bo, Bo, Kitch.  These were some of the nicknames I have used to refer to my friend Terry Kitchen over the years.  Come to think of it, I’m not sure I ever called him Terry.  

I first came to know of Kitch when I would watch the older leagues play baseball.  He was in the National League in Little League so I missed playing against him there. 

I got to know him a little better on the football field at Central High School.  He was a senior when I was a sophomore.   As a sophomore quarterback, I was on the “scout team” and would split time with Larry “Songbird” Swan attempting to run plays of our opponents against the first team defense in preparation for games. I can attest personally that Kitch was a hitter. His leadership on defense was a key to our undefeated (fall) 1969 regular season. We would later lose in the playoffs to a loaded McCluer High School team. He was not a rah-rah type, but rather led by example, and his teammates held him in high esteem. He was not flashy.   He was simply a very tough, athletic football player that got the most out of his ability by mastering the fundamentals and playing fearlessly with a lot of heart.  He did have a natural charisma and was the kind of guy that raised the level of play around him. The kind of guy that made you want to be better.

He would later become my long-time teammate on the Capahas amateur baseball team. From my position on the mound, it was always comforting to see him over at first base or on occasion behind the plate.  I sometimes had a sneaky pick-off move and remember picking off both him and the baserunner a few times. We would laugh about that. His genuine love for baseball rubbed off on you.

It was October 17, 2017 when I travelled to Cape Girardeau on an errand, and I found out that Cape Central was playing a high school football playoff game in town that night.  On a whim, instead of heading home, I decided to stay and watch some high school football, and hopefully visit with some friends I had not seen in a while.  Other than Calvin Brennan who was selling tickets with his wife Kathie, (he waved me through, thanks, CB) I was disappointed that I saw none of my other old friends in the stands, which surprised me frankly.  After watching the first half from several spots, in the third quarter I saw Terry Kitchen down on the field near the north endzone standing by himself watching the action on the field. 

I remember thinking at the time that I had not met or spoken with Kitch in several years.  Having moved away from Cape, I had missed a good portion of his adult life.  I did follow his career, however, especially as a baseball coach.  I certainly knew of the legacy he had earned at Cape Central.  I worked my way down to the field level to a gate within sight of him and waited until he looked in my direction.  I gave him a wave, and he enthusiastically gestured for me to join him on the field.  After a quick handshake and embrace we began reminiscing and catching up.  TK had already been through his first round of medical issues, but he told me about the miracle that had allowed this first battle to be won and his recovery.  He was back! (his way to put it).  I will never forget that 20-minute conversation, and it was highlighted by his unwavering faith in God and optimism.

He eventually lost his next battle with cancer. I attended his visitation at his church on this past Friday, February 8th.  Among other things it was a great reunion of former Central High, Capaha baseball and American Legion baseball teammates, some of whom I had not seen in years. Not surprisingly, there was a steady, long line of people of all ages that showed up to honor this man. I got there 30 minutes after it started and it took me two solid hours to finally greet his wife Barb, their two fine sons and the rest of the family. I thanked Barb for sharing this good man with the rest of us.

Many inspiring tributes have been written since his passing. He was special. He touched so many lives, and left us with so many good memories. I know of no greater example of someone always doing the right thing and serving for the greater good. I know we will miss him.  For me personally, his life inspires me to try to be a better man.  When I think of him down the road, I predict my response will be to smile.  Thanks, Kitch.