2009
Lincoln Rebels Exemplary
Service Award
Dan Kirk
In 2009, the Rebels Exemplary Service Award is presented to an individual who has given a tremendous amount of time and energy to the Lincoln Rebels Baseball Program: Dan Kirk. (The following are comments made by the then President, Chris Raun):
Back in 1999, Dan & Sue Kirk’s oldest son – Jordan – made the Rebels 9/10’s Team. That tryout marked the beginning of what will now be known as the “Dan Kirk Era” in Rebels baseball.
The ultimate “baseball dad,” Dan quickly jumped into action, assuming responsibilities and totally immersing himself in select baseball and the Rebels baseball culture.
Dan bought a pair of sandals, a couple of sleeveless shirts and a pair of sunglasses, and he began to view the world through a chain link fence.
For 10 years, Dan has put as much blood, sweat and tears into the Rebels baseball organization as anyone I can think of.
With a total of 3 boys wearing the Rebels uniform over the past 10 years (Jordan, Tanner and Dylan), Dan and Sue have contributed almost as much income to the Rebels budget as Mike and Leslie Gordon. Thanks Dan and Sue!
In 2002, Dan filled the shoes of Al Kuzma as our Tournament Director. Dan had just the right temperament, smarts, people skills, baseball savvy, and knowledge of tournament brackets, to be a great tournament director. (By the way, if you ever want to talk brackets over a beer, give Dan a call).
As tournament director, Dan began to think about Rebels baseball 24/7/365. But that’s what I’ve always loved about Dan: the guy has always had “his head in the game.”
From dragging fields, to keeping the book, to scheduling games for two teams at the same time for years, to calling umpires, to pleading with a coach not to cancel a game, to wrestling with difficult people, Dan Kirk has totally knocked himself out for the Rebels….and for that, we owe him a huge debt of gratitude. The guy cares about Rebels baseball, and he’s a prime example of the Ultimate Rebels Dad.
Today, we honor Dan, our friend, our baseball buddy, with the 2009 Rebels Exemplary Service Award. Nobody could possibly be more deserving.
Dan, we’re going to miss you. But, hopefully, one day you’ll have grandsons, and they’ll be Rebels, and you’ll be back. And then, we’ll carefully approach you, shake your hand, and tactfully ask you if you’d consider being the tournament director again.
Thank you, Dan! We appreciate all you have done for us.
The Rebels Baseball Family
Past
Recipients of the Lincoln Rebels Exemplary Service Award
