This one hits different.

We all have come across many players in our participation with the FORD All-Stars, through LaPlace, Reserve, Garyville, and Edgard. But this group right here was special.

We watched.
We listened.
We learned.

We said we were going to do it better, and that faith, that confidence, carried us to this stage in our life and in our baseball experience. We didn’t just play; we represented where we came from and who poured into us.

We were a bunch of young black boys from different parks in St. John Parish, different towns, but we came together like brothers. And every one of us brought something that made that summer one to remember.

So here they are. From left to right just like in the photo below.

SITTING (L to R)

1. Damon M. Mason – Played with the LaPlace A’s, starting at 3rd base for both the A’s and FORD. A hard worker and focused individual known for stealing bases and dropping down bunts. With a solid glove and relentless mindset, if Damon got on base, it was basically an automatic run. He was going to steal second base, third base, and home plate, if he had to.
2. Terreke Grover (Teddy or Rag) – One of two players selected from the Reserve Phils. Starting shortstop and part-time pitcher. Had great command and pitch location, with strong plate discipline and the ability to spray the ball all over the field as a hitter. He was a technician in all aspects of his game. A quiet leader who always delivered when it mattered.
3. Durwin Mealey (Red) – Outfielder for the LaPlace A’s. Brought speed and strength at the plate, along with a cannon for an arm from the outfield.
4. Jermaine Rousell (T-Boy) – Started at second base and also pitched for the LaPlace A’s. Consistent hitter and dependable fielder who gave you everything he had on the mound and in the field.

KNEELING (L to R)

5. Calvin Lee (Flip Flop) – One of the Garyville Pirates’ two selections. Started in left field and was one of our aces on the mound. A powerful hitter who could clear the bases with one swing. And a dominant force when pitching. His fast ball was fast but his curve ball was even faster. Also our team comedian—Flip Flop kept the dugout live.
6. Derek Savoie – From Edgard’s squad. Though the team was new to the league, Derek made his name known quickly. Effective pitcher, strong at the plate, and a threat on the base paths with great speed.
7. Michael Davis – Utility player from the Reserve Phils. A fierce competitor despite his size. Respected by everyone for his energy and willingness to do whatever was asked of him.
8. Anderson Armond (Snowball) – One of our most fundamentally sound players. Started at shortstop for the LaPlace A’s and 2nd base for FORD. Switch hitter, disciplined at the plate, and a reliable defender. Also pitched when called upon. One of the most complete players on the team.
9. Nick Mitchell – Making his first All-Star appearance with FORD. Held it down at first base with a strong glove and earned his spot with steady hitting all season long.
10. Mandry Smith (Manny) – Starting catcher for the LaPlace A’s. Known for being solid behind the plate and respected for his power at bat. He was very capable of knocking the ball out of the park.

STANDING (L to R)

11. Daniel Dumas – One of two players selected from Edgard. Made his mark with consistent hitting and quality performances on the mound.
12. Calvin Miles Jr. (Cal) – Outfielder, first base and pitcher for the Reserve Phils. One of their most talented and dependable players. A consistent hitter and someone you could count on in pressure moments.
13. Richard Martin (Tricky Dick) – Right fielder for the LaPlace A’s. Brought serious power to the plate and had one of the strongest arms in the outfield. Known for launching balls deep and throwing runners out at home.
14. Romell Anthony (Ro) – The most dominant player on the team. Started at first base and on the mound for the LaPlace A’s. Cleanup hitter with unmatched presence at the plate. Even at age 12, teams were afraid to pitch to him. Tall, poised, and complete. Ro’s presence was undeniable. Regardless if he was pitching, or at the plate batting, Ro gave us even more confidence and energy.
15. Damon Perrilloux (D) – Reserve Phils standout. Quiet but sneaky good. He had a knack for making you pay if you underestimated him. Tough, competitive, and clutch.
16. Lendell Dusty Smith (Dusty or Roller) – Center fielder for the LaPlace A’s. Dusty was wild in the best way. Fearless, funny, and versatile. Could drop a bunt or knock one out of the park. Always a spark plug and made sure we had fun doing what we loved. He was definitely our Hype Man!
17. Chris Nicholas – Played with the Garyville Pirates and was our catcher. Chris was our glue, our backbone. He handled every pitcher like a pro and added power at the plate when batting. Consistent, strong, and reliable—he was the anchor of the team and the only other player I can say that was as focused as myself and worked just as hard to prove himself, prove his value, and earned his respect.

COACHES (L to R)

Terry Charles (TC) – Head Coach of the LaPlace A’s. Disciplined, demanding, and believed in high standards. He made us better because he expected our best.

Juan Watkins Sr. (SUGE) – Assistant Coach. A local legend FORD ALL-STARS and East St. John Highschool, who came back home after a standout career at Grambling State. He gave back to the game and to us, following in the footsteps of his father, Mr. C.J. Watkins. Suge had a profound effect on us from all the stories we heard about him, for those who had the opp to see him play and definitely his hands on coaching and story telling.

Why this matters…

We didn’t all grow up together, but we came together.
We weren’t perfect, but we played the game with heart and we expected perfection from each other and ourselves.
That summer, we didn’t just make a run. We made a statement.

Episode 16 is for every dude in this picture and with love and respect for the role they each played in my early development.
FORD Family.
Forever.