Lyda toiled for the Downing nines in his youth, and for a gaggle of other aggregations of raw-boned Southern boys for whom hardball was a way of life. Played over much of the world in the Navy, put in a season of minor league ball in the Cleveland chain. Coached, played softball, etc., all his life, long as he could, and retired from the phone company after 39 years. All his life, any way you figure it, on a playground, on a ball field. Many are obvious.
Signs abound around the field crediting donors large and small.
She's in Washington now, but she always asks if there's anything she can do. I'll think of something,'' Lyda confides. Jim Overton is a great man,'' Lyda tells you. There are tall lights now, on splendid standards. ''Best lit ballpark in this town. Once a coach called time out 'cause he lost an outfielder in the old lights.