Ball boy, 74, throws first pitch for Pelicans
BY BETTY ARCHER ALLEN Gulf Breeze News betty@gulfbreezenews.com

Betty Archer Allen/Gulf Breeze News Jimmy Potter holds trophy he received in the Special Olympics.

Opening game at Pelican Park was May 11th and indeed it was music to the ears of at least one local baseball fan.

Clifford "Jimmy" Potter, 74, served as Guest Team Manager and joined the team in the dugout. He threw out the first pitch, received a team jersey, met the players and exchanged the games' lineup cards. Jimmy used to be a "ball boy" for the Pensacola Dons, the Pensacola Angels and the Pensacola Senators minor league teams back in the mid 50's. He was a ball boy who really loved his job of picking out bats for the players, gathering up dropped bats and returning loose balls to the umpire.

When asked what he was paid he said "Ten dollars a night." Kathie Skoglund, his Covenant Hospice Social worker and a great sports fan, said, "But you would have been Ball Boy for nothing wouldn't you, Jimmy?" He responded quickly with a "Heck, no."

Clifford "Jimmy" Potter grew up in Iowa and moved to Pensacola in 1952 with his parents. He was one of four boys and one girl. All his brothers are deceased, but he says, "I have a wonderful sister-in-law, Dee Potter." He was 20 years old when he to work for the Dons. Following his stint as Ball Boy, Jimmy worked as an orderly at Baptist Hospital and went with ARC workshop.

Jimmy currently lives at Consulate Health Care and spends a lot of his time moving around in a wheelchair. But he can stand and walk for short periods of time.

His nursing home room is filled with baseball memorabilia. Jimmy was so excited about his big night that he talked about it constantly. He has a phenomenal memory and can relate many experiences with owners, managers and players.

Jimmy's big dream is to go to a Chicago Cubs game. He is a fan of many sports including football. He is especially fond of the Big Ten and Big Eight teams.

The opening game at Pelican Park was a very special night for Clifford "Jimmy" Potter.