A few weeks later, I worked out a much-anticipated return visit to Joliet. I remember being a little scared, but that all melted away when I walked into Coach Gordie’s office. He shook my hand with a huge smile as he greeted my parents. We sat and talked for a little while, and in that short time, I knew I was where I was supposed to be. My instincts as a young man were spot-on: there is no one I would rather play for because of the way he made me feel. Two specific questions really created a special interaction.

After discussing various topics, he asked me about my batting average. As soon as I responded, he repeated my answer in a disbelieving voice and said to Coach Del, “Can you believe how lucky we are to get this kid?” This was more than likely a typical routine, but I fell for it hook, line, and sinker. Now I did not want to disappoint him either. I wanted to prove that I was the player that I said I was. My parents often told me, “When all is said and done, more is said than done.” I did not want to be one of those people who talked a good game but could not back it up.

I also remember him asking what my favorite movie was. Without hesitation, I let him know that it was Rocky. Coach Gillespie then went on to name all the things about that movie he loved. He talked about the indomitable spirit of man, believing in yourself when no one else does, never giving up, giving it everything that you have, your heart is not something that can be measured, to name a few. I felt like we were kindred spirits when he said his favorite line was actually from Rocky II. He asked if I remembered when Apollo wanted a rematch and he asked his trainer Duke what he was afraid of: “I saw you beat that man like I’ve never seen no man get beat before and he kept coming after you.” It was like we shared the same brain. Did Gordie know that I wanted to be Rocky because of everything he represented? I couldn’t wait to show him my spirit.

I was oblivious to what a remarkable coach he was because he never used his accomplishments to “sell” the school. I focused on how he made me and everyone else around him feel. I was later educated on his incredible win/loss record and long list of awards. I learned that he was a successful coach in basketball, football, and baseball. He had even been inducted to several Hall of Fames in both football and baseball on the state and national level. He even played college basketball for the legendary Ray Meyer at DePaul. My dad admired the way Coach Meyer coached and knew without a doubt that Gordie picked up some valuable lessons from him. It was remarkable to me that he did not feel the need to brag about any of those incredible honors.

I became even more enamored by his humility. It was no surprise to me that graduates would often stop in just to spend a little time with him. The more people knew Coach, the more time they wanted to spend with him. Players were shocked when they were in an airport with Coach Gillespie and a booming voice yelled out, “Hey, Gordie!” The man came over and gave Gordie a huge hug. As he pulled away, the players discovered that it was the one and only Ted Williams. Obviously, Gordie never felt the need to brag about the famous people with whom he was friends.

Near the end of my senior year, I drove to Joliet again. I wasn’t able to see Coach Gillespie because his team was playing in the NAIA College World Series. The athletic office had just received word that the team had finished second. I knew that Coach had won three national championships at Lewis University but had been stopped shy of this goal at St. Francis. I now set my sights on a new goal: I wanted to be on a team that would bring Gordie his first national championship at the College of St. Francis.

To learn more about the story of Paul Babcock’s experience with Gordie Gillespie, email him at babcockpaul711@gmail.com.