For some kids, little league can be a painful experience–especially when it come to choosing sides. But even in compromising circumstances, there are some who hold their ground.
“When we were growing up, we played ball on this field every single day. And every single day, I got picked last. Of course I knew I wasn’t as good as the other kids, but it sure takes the wind out of your sails when you bring up the rear all the time.”
As we walked and talked, John Doyle continued to reminisce about the summer of 1963.
“But that summer, my younger brother Jake turned nine and that meant he could play in our league. And let me tell you, Jake was as good a baseball player as a small town was ever going to see. Even at nine, he was head and shoulders above the rest of the kids.”
“When it came to choosing sides, Jake always picked me first–always. And somehow he’d find a place to hide me and we’d always win. I never forgot that. Hey, when your nine and your good, you want to win–no matter what it takes. But not Jake, he only wanted to win if we could do it together. That’s something for a nine year old kid, don’t you think?”
John and Jake Doyle have been the best of friends since childhood. They opened an auto parts store in northeast Nebraska in 1975 and have been partners for more than 25 years.
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