Menu
For the love of the game: Phil Hayes going the distance for a summer of baseball
Familiar to highway 6 and 34, Imperial native Phil Hayes accelerates to 65 miles per hour and lets out a deep sigh, as his hour journey has just begun for another day.
He cranks up his 1980's classic rock CD and heads for his destination, which is located at the corner of West M and West 10th Streets.
Once a day, Phil Hayes goes through this routine -- all for his love of America's pastime.
At the end of March, Hayes knew he wouldn't be able to stay home and play baseball this summer.
After only five players from last year's club had signed up to play senior ball for Imperial, he knew right away he wanted to come to McCook rather than Ogallala.
"Ever since I played for the Imperial Juniors, I liked McCook's (the McCook National Bank American Legion Seniors) program much better than Ogallala's," Hayes said. "It seemed like their coaches got along with the kids a lot better, and they had a great attitude towards the game."
As for the other four players who signed up to play, they have found other activities to do to occupy their summer.
"Some of our players have gotten jobs, but I am really not sure what everyone is up to now that they aren't playing baseball," Hayes said.
Only winning nine games last year, could have contributed to the lack of players found at Imperial's ballpark.
"It doesn't matter to me if we win or lose, I just want to play," Hayes said.
Parents may be a little wary to let their son make a 122 mile round trip for the game of baseball. Hayes' mom was not one of those.
"My mom actually wanted me to come here (McCook) more than I did. She was really pushing me to come, and I'm really glad I did because I am having lots of fun," he said.
As gas prices still hang around two dollars a gallon, Phil's trips can start to get a little costly. Having a job on his uncle's farm will help him defray the costs, but he is hoping to get a little help from mom, too.
"Well, my mom said she would pay for my gas this summer, but that hasn't happened yet," he said with a chuckle. "Right now, I am just staying busy working for my uncle and using that money to pay for my gas."
The switch from playing under one program to another went fairly well Hayes thought.
"They are both pretty similar, but McCook is a lot more serious. I have had a fun time playing for both teams though," he said. "I have really enjoyed meeting new people, the coaches are great and the players are a lot of fun. We are starting off slow right now, but I think things will pick up for us."
Contributing in the outfield and on the mound, Hayes has seen plenty of action since joining the McCook National Bank Seniors in late May.
"I like pitching a lot. There is just something about having something going on every play, and I like it that way," Hayes said.
Hayes had two baseball duties to take care of this summer.
Not only is he playing for the MNB Seniors, but he is also helping assist the Imperial Juniors whenever possible.
"I throw batting practice for them and just try to help with as many practices and games as I can. It is a lot of fun helping with the games. We even beat McCook 7-1 on June 2," Hayes said.
Off to a 1-7 start, MNB has been having a hard time compiling wins. According to Hayes, the competition is stiffer in McCook than he remembers it being at Imperial.
"The competition level here is way higher. The teams that we have played so far at McCook have been very good," he said.
Hayes is traveling to Europe for about three weeks for an honor band trip. He departs from Fremont on Wednesday and will be in Europe through June 26 with other selected students from throughout the state.
"I plan to cruise Europe and have a lot of fun. We are playing in seven different countries and putting together 14 different concerts," he said.
Hayes just received his diploma in May and graduated as a Longhorn. He plans to attend Colby Community College or McCook Community College to play baseball.
"Ever since I can remember I have always loved baseball and pitching more than any other sport," Hayes said.
Phil Hayes is certainty going the distance for his love of the game.
He is planning on having a positive impact for the McCook National Bank Seniors as they look to find a way to win the district crown.