Recently, the SAD 70 school administration honored one of its staff for his outstanding dedication to the youth of the school and in particular, the spring athletic program, by renaming the baseball and softball fields to honor him.
“There are a lot of people who could have been named – it’s just an honor and privilege,” said Graydon Drake of the recognition. “It’s a humbling and kind of embarrassing too. But, I just the hope the kids enjoy playing.”
For the last 17 years, Drake, school custodian, has been a driving force behind maintaining and upgrading the fields in Hodgdon.
“When I first came here, I couldn’t tell where the outfield or where the infield was,” said Superintendent Robert McDaniel. “It was difficult to differentiate between the two.”
McDaniel said the administration wanted to show their appreciation by holding the Aug. 16 dedication ceremony. The rain drove those in attendance inside to enjoy a hot dog and other refreshments, while words of thanks were offered to Drake for his work.
“We are here to honor Graydon for all the work he has done on the fields,” added McDaniel. “He does a terrific job and I personally want to thank Graydon for all of the work he has done for us and I appreciate all the work he is doing.”
Former SAD 70 principal Woody Dunphy was happy to address the crowd.
Dunphy, like Drake, “grew up” on a baseball field and baseball was his life. “You should be proud. You’ve done a great job,” he said. Dunphy and Drake were part of the Houlton Elks softball team which brought home a state title.
Others continued to chime in with words of appreciation, like three of Drake’s former high school baseball and men’s softball teammates.
“I’m one of those guys that did play with Graydon,” said Joel Oliver, who was Drake’s teammate for three years at Houlton High School.
“When he wasn’t pitching, he played first base,” Oliver said. “I played shortstop. He saved a lot of E6s in the book. I would throw it in the dirt, he’d scoop it up. I also played softball with him and we have a lot of good memories.”
David Tuttle said it was a privilege to know Drake as a friend.
“He is an asset to the community, not just in Hodgdon, but Houlton, as well,” Tuttle said. “We’ve been through a lot together. You are definitely a great leader. You don’t need a lot of people around you. You see something that needs to be done and you just go do it. You do it quietly. Now, you are a leader for God and that makes me very happy.”
Tony Hartt added, as he stood over Drake and his wife Kathy, “I agree with David. I have seen a change in this man and this woman. It’s a blessing and honor to know you both. It was a blessing to play ball with Joel, Graydon and David for many years. Graydon does give 100 percent in everything he does and he doesn’t stop.”
Drake, a stellar high school baseball player for Houlton High School from 1970-74 dreamed of being a professional baseball player. He attended tryout camps for Montreal at Jarry Park, the old Expo baseball field, as well as Boston and flew to Florida for a month-and-a-half with the Philadelphia Phillies. Injury derailed Drake from living his dream. He continued to play semi-pro baseball for the Senior Baseball League for nine years in Canada.
“I didn’t play baseball with you,” said Estella Lane, drawing laughter from those in attendance. “My kids have grown up in this district and I have been on the school board for a long time. I just want to say, it is not just the ball fields. Grady is there, regardless, of what you need or what you want. He’s right there and he goes beyond what the job calls for and you are a great asset. Don’t ever leave.”
Former principal Clark Rafford echoed Lane’s words.
“He puts his heart and soul into the work,” he said. “I can remember when we started the project on the baseball field … there is Graydon out there with his shovel … he’s painstakingly cutting the sod with it and moving the sod over so it could be used later on.”
Rafford spoke about how several were discussing how nice it would be to have a soccer kickboard like Houlton High School has.
“Over the weekend, boom it appears,” he added. “Those are the types of things that he does, like Estella said, he’s always listens and he is going to meet our needs and it doesn’t make any difference what you ask him to do — he does.”
Brian Fitzpatrick, SAD 70 teacher and former varsity girls soccer coach for 20 years, added his appreciation, as well. Fitzpatrick kidded Drake about putting a retractable roof on the field because of the rainy occasion.
“The soccer field always looked outstanding and thank you,” he added.
Drake’s brother mixed humor with his emotion.
“We used to go down to camp on Timoney Lake,” said Wayne. “I don’t know if you still have the bat or not, but he’d go down to the shore and bat rocks. He got to a point where he could put them across the lake from the other side … wow. I couldn’t even get it halfway across.”
Then he talked about playing catch with his brother.
“I’d throw the ball real hard, he’d look at me and grin,” recalled a smiling Drake. “He’d throw it and my hand would burn for about an hour. He had a snap in his wrist and [he’d] leave a mark on your hand.”
Welling up, he finished by saying, “I am proud of you Graydon.”
Drake considers what he does just ordinary.
“I just try to do my best and sometimes I make mistakes. But I try to learn from them,” he said.
