Bill Cordrey Field dedicated on a postcard-perfect afternoon
“Look at me, I can be centerfield.” The muppets of Sesame Street by the Sea gathered in centerfield Oct. 8 for the dedication of Bill Cordrey Field. Steve and Ernie stepped to the amped-up podium.
Rep. Steve Smyk read a General Assembly tribute that included Cordrey’s record of 15 years coaching softball from 1992 to 2008 with a record of 221-77 and his incredible history of being a four-sport athlete, including scoring 57 points in a game for the Milton High Warriors in 1996.
Bill was a 1,000-point scorer his three varsity years at Milton. The game was stopped and he was presented with a signed ball by his uncle H.O. Brittingham. “It was suggested I then dunk the ball, but I said, ‘I’m certainly not going to do that. That would be showing off.’”
Sen. Ernie Lopez quoted his grandfather in Spanish, which translated to: “Tell me who you are with and I will tell you who you are.”
Cordrey aka the Silver Fox, a Vietnam veteran, has always upped the game of those around him. Obviously his players maintain a lifelong loyalty, but so do coaches and peers, who Bill always accepted for who they are and just enjoyed being around them.
“The sign says ‘Bill Cordrey Field’ but it's not just about me, but all of us who shared this journey. I thank coach Shannon Timmons for putting this together and wish her and her team great success.”
Randy Johnson, a celebrated Cape athlete from 1977, who is now the Caravel softball coach, was there out of respect to support Cordrey.
“I’m a Cape guy and a softball guy. Bill Cordrey is part of the culture. And, man, he could hit a softball. And I understand as a coach he was fair and tough,” Johnson said.
Superintendent Bob Fulton said, “I’ve been in the Cape district for 30 years. Bill Cordrey is the type of person we want representing Cape. The dedication of Bill Cordrey Field is a well-deserved honor.”
Tony Fazio presented Bill with a card from the umpire’s association like straight out of a Godfather movie.
“I had no idea so many people would show up. It was an absolutely perfect afternoon,” Cordrey said.
