Wakulla School Board Accepts Proclamation and Memorializes Houston Taff Field

The Wakulla County School Board officially approved the Houston Taff Proclamation, renaming the WHS baseball field, “The Houston Taff Field” at the May 19, 2008 meeting. The War Eagles hosted a special ceremony prior to a regional playoff game to pay tribute to Coach Taff. With an audience consisting of Houston Taff, his family, current and former baseball players and friends, School Board Chairman Jerry Evans read the proclamation and officially recognized the WHS baseball field as “The Houston Taff Field.”

Superintendent Miller stated, “It is important to recognize tradition and pay homage to those who give to others, especially youngsters, like me, a hand up. It is an honor to pay tribute to Coach Taff.” Houston Taff responded, “What an honor to have my name represent such a beautiful place that means so much not only to me, but to so many players and parents.”

David Miller reflected on the time when he was a baseball player and Coach Taff took their team to the 1968 playoffs. With David Miller catching, David Harvey pitching and Butch Taff in the outfield, Coach Taff made WHS history, as their team made it to the State Playoffs. All were present to honor their baseball coach. Not only were players from days gone by present, but today’s War Eagles were present as well. Former athlete Bobby Porter remembered, “Coach Taff made a baseball club out of us.  I’ll never forget the State Tournament.” Scott Gaby also added, “I appreciate being a part of Coach Taff’s team. He taught us life lessons we carried through our lives.” The current War Eagle baseball players were able to experience a trip down memory lane. Coach Taff shared, “I remember when the baseball field was nothing but a peanut field. We had home team advantage too. Our guests just couldn’t handle the sand gnats.” The 2008 WHS District Championship baseball team presented Coach Taff with a framed jersey with Houston “Cat” Taff engraved on the frame and a signed baseball.

{sidebar id=3}David Harvey applauds the field name as well. He said, “Houston Taff’s knowledge of baseball is phenomenal and his contribution to this county has been unsurpassed.” Superintendent Miller concluded the official naming ceremony, “We love you Coach Taff. We respect you. You taught us all to carry ourselves with class. You taught us dedication. You always arrived early and stayed late for your boys. We have carried that same philosophy through our lives as we have coached others and pursued our careers.”

1968 Baseball Team Players Present:  Keith Linton, Harvey Stokley, Mitchell Lawhon, Tyler Gray, Bobby Tully, Scott Gaby, Mike Harvey, David Harvey, Mark Hudson, Merwyn Jones, Bobby Porter, Butch Taff, Mike Roddenberry, Thurmond Roddenberry, Clint Nazworth, David Miller.

First Photo:  Houston Taff with School Board Members (L to R):  Greg Thompson, Jerry Evans, Becky Cook, Houston Taff, Ray Gray, Superintendent David Miller, and Mike Scott.

Second Photo:  Wendy Taff Jones (bottom), Beth Taff, Houston Taff, and Superintendent David Miller. 

This article originally published on May 21, 2008.

Written by :

mkwestmark

 

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