One of my greatest pleasures in my 45 years as sports editor of this fine newspaper has been covering many outstanding Bainbridge High School Bearcats and Lady Cats athletes.

One of the most outstanding Bearcats baseball pitchers I covered was hard throwing right-hander Stacy Hutchins who played under coach Stan Killough.

Stacy’s dear sister Deanna Ellis, who was an outstanding softball pitcher in the city league, is one of the kindest and most caring people that I have ever known. She does so many kind things for me like cleaning my apartment, buying my groceries and bringing me meals.

Stacy and Deanna’s brother, Gordon Hutchins, who was also an outstanding athlete, is currently seriously ill. This Saturday, Stacy, Deanna and Gordon’s Southwest Baptist Church will be holding a fundraiser to benefit Gordon at the Winn Dixie parking lot.

There will be a rummage sale beginning at 8 a.m. and pork chop plates, which are $10, will also be on sale. Those who have purchased pork chop plates in advance can pick them up between 11 a.m. at 2 p.m. Plates can also be purchased at the event.

Stacy, Deanna and Gordon’s dear late dad, Durrell Hutchins, was also a great person.   I have many fond memories of him and other kind-hearted members of the Bainbridge Bass Club taking youngsters from the Georgia Sheriffs Boys Ranch in Hahira on weekend fishing trips on Lake Seminole for many years. They would take them out to breakfast, take them to the lake, load them in their boats and proceed to the lake for some fishing and fun.  When they returned to shore, they prepared a big grilled meal for them. What a great tradition.

Stacy, Deanna and Gordon’s dear mother Melanie Hutchins was an outstanding basketball player at West Bainbridge High School. The Hutchins are just a great sports family.

I urge members of all faiths throughout Bainbridge and Decatur County to keep Gordon and the Hutchins family in their prayers.