Taking Names and Keeping Score
Walking in high cotton
Charlie Anderson
There is an old southern expression that has been used in many contexts over the years but most often to describe new found success or sudden affluence. It originated in a time when cotton was the principle cash crop in the mostly agricultural south. Saying that someone was 'walking in high cotton' let everyone know that his cotton crop was a successful one and that, at least for the moment, things were going to be all right. A century ago, even for the poorest farmers, it probably also meant the children in the family could expect to get a pair of new shoes for the winter and the women folk a new dress or the makings for one.

In this day and time, although cotton is still a cash crop for some farmers, the old expression doesn't have near the literal application it did years ago but is still symbolic of success among those of us who routinely use it. Sometimes it is also used to describe the opportunities we have to associate with those who are successful, powerful, or held in very high esteem.

In that vein, I was recently pleased to read in the February 18, 2008 issue of "Sporting News" that my friend J. C. Romero was once again 'walking in high cotton'. In the Baseball Insider section of the magazine he is recognized as one of the top five Lefthanded Specialists in Major League Baseball today in a story written by Gerry Fraley. On the list he is ranked number three behind Scott Downs of the Toronto Blue Jays and Dmaso Marte of the Pittsburg Pirates, and ahead of George Sherrill of the Baltimore Orioles and Brian Shouse of the Milwaukee Brewers. The story which focuses on specialty areas in the game includes the top five players in four other categories as well including Utility Players, Setup Men, Pinch Hitters, and Situational Hitters.

J.C. Romero speaks to the Thomasville Baseball Clinic.

Romero, who was an instructor at our 2008 Thomasville Winter Baseball Clinic and a featured speaker at the instructor/ sponsor dinner the night before, is a confident but humble and unassuming person as demonstrated by his demeanor, openness and accessibility at both the dinner and clinic. As a man who is quick to give God the credit for blessing him with the opportunities he has had both in his personal life as well as his life in baseball, he openly shares his faith.

Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico on June 4, 1976 the talented left-hander got his first big break in baseball when he signed a scholarship to play baseball and continue his education at the University of Mobile. After a successful career there he was drafted in the 22nd round of the Major League Amateur Draft in June of 1997 by the Minnesota Twins. From there he spent three years in the minor leagues before breaking in with the Twins' Major League Club. Since then he has been on a major league roster for the past eight years as a relief pitcher, including a five year span with the Twins and short stints with the Los Angeles Angels and Boston Red Sox before coming to his present location with the Philadelphia Phillies.

In the 2007 season which was split between Boston and Philadelphia he made appearances out of the bull pen in 74 games compiling a 2 - 2 record and posting a 1.92 era. Topping that, he pitched 15 2/3 scoreless innings in his last 20 appearances in the regular season and recorded a 0.50 era in his appearances in three playoff games. Realizing his value to the team the Phillies signed him on November 10, 2007 to a new three year contract worth approximately $12 million dollars with an option for a fourth year that would make the entire deal worth $16.75 million.

I think it goes without saying that right now this fine young man, who is being blessed in his baseball career and has a beautiful wife and young daughter that he adores, is walking in a cotton field that is full unto harvest. And those of us who know him as our friend and who benefited from his appearance at the winter clinic back in January can say we spent a little time 'walking in high cotton' as well.

Until next time…….be safe!

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!

Other Stories With Comments:
Article	Comments
Frances Nichols passes at 91	1
Bryant is a contestant in Ms. Senior Alabama Pageant	1
Dunagans to celebrate golden anniversary	1