Former professional baseball players and little league coaches Walt “No Neck” Williams and Jerry Don Gleaton were honored Tuesday as Brownwood City Council approved the naming of fields at the Bert V. Massey II Sports Complex in their honor. These honors were recommended by the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board at their monthly meeting on April 3, 2013 and unanimously approved at Tuesday’s council meeting.
Little League Baseball Field #1 will be named in for Gleaton for “his significant and lasting contributions to the City of Brownwood youth.” After his career in the major leagues as a player and scout, Jerry Don returned home where he has been heavily involved in youth sports.
“He is involved in the Coggin Avenue Baptist Church as Activities Director, coaches little league, has served as the pitching coach for the Howard Payne Baseball team; has and continues to be involved in the Youth Baseball League where he coaches, mows, officiates, picks up litter, cleans restrooms, and anything else that may need to be done for the benefit of the program,” said City Manager Bobby Rountree.
Gleaton was also honored with a congratulatory resolution of recognition from the council for his induction into the Big Country Athletic Hall of Fame in Abilene which will be held on May 6th.
Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes recalled that Neal Pepper was an institution in Brownwood Little League when Haynes was in the program and stated , “I am proud to say that you have developed that same institution of character, every little boy that has come through Brownwood the last 10 or 15 years, however long you have been out there, associates little league with Jerry Don Gleaton. It’s not because you threw in the big leagues, as I’m not sure my son knew you pitched in the big leagues, but he knows you gave your time, you gave your heart and gave all your effort to serve those boys who were out there to play that sport.” Haynes also stated that he remembers Gleaton leading teams in prayer and encouraged them to be “good men,” and additionally stated “I am proud of you and I am proud that you are from Brownwood.”
Field #3 at the baseball complex will be named for Walt Williams for “his significant and lasting contributions to the City of Brownwood youth.” Williams played professional baseball for 10 years, managed a Rangers Minor League team for 7 years, and has worked at the Bennie Houston Recreation Center for 15 years. He has mentored the local youth and stressed the importance of getting an education. Williams has attempted to inspire young people to believe that no dream is impossible.
“Walt ‘No Neck’ Williams, is an example of a young boy from Brownwood, Texas who has applied his talents, aspired to greater heights, and achieved his dreams,” said Rountree. “His message to youth of Brownwood is ‘great achievements can be made by individuals coming out of Brownwood if you work hard and follow your dreams.’”
Mayor Haynes congratulated Williams who then expressed his gratitude for this honor, “I would like to thank all of my friends for showing up and all of those who are not my friends. It is an honor to me and my family, thanks again.”
A field at the old sports complex was named after Neal Pepper and that will be honored by moving the namesake to Field #2 at the blue complex, according to Rountree.
Pictured above is Mayor Haynes presenting Gleaton the resolution, surrounded by family and friends.
Pictured below are Walt Williams and his family with Mayor Haynes after the naming of Field #3 in Williams’ honor.
