So long to a good friend of Post 334 and Legion baseball, Red Haddox
When our 2007 came to a close with a loss to Eden Prairie in the semifinal round of the state American Legion baseball tournament last August and I was called up to receive the third-place trophy from Bloomington’s Red Haddox, I had a hope it would not be the last time I shook his hand.
Unfortunately, it was.
Haddox, who was best known for his work in the Bloomington program as well as with Minnesota American Legion baseball, died late Tuesday night (June 17), losing his year-and-half battle with cancer.
I had the great privilege of coaching against Red during the 1980s, then working as a coach under his guidance for more than a decade when he served as American Legion’s 10th District baseball director. He had a special love for the game and took a special interest in our program, especially during our run to the 2001 state title.
He was a mentor to many, including me. There were insights he shared that I hold close to my coaching heart and call upon with enthusiasm to this day. He was not a close friend as friends go, but he was, nonetheless, one of those special friends. I will miss him, those who came in contact with him during our travels into Bloomington last season will miss him and American Legion baseball in all will greatly miss him.
I cherished my relationship with Red and today feel sad, but happy I did get to shake his hand one last time last season.
— Tom Yelle
Posted: June 18th, 2008