A few years back, I got a response to one of my "seeking players" press releases from a fellow Columbia County resident named TIM COSTER. Some of you may know Tim, as he has been active in adult baseball in the capital region in recent decades. When he first contacted me, he was too busy to play, but assured me that he would be good to go the following season.
And then I didn't hear from him. When I finally managed to talk to Tim again, he reported that he had been very ill and had undergone surgery. Shortly thereafter he underwent surgery again. He told me that he was still hoping to play, and I penciled him in for my 2014 roster.
And now I am saddened to hear that Tim continues to struggle with his health.
I asked Tim to give me some biographical info, which I am including below. This is Tim in his own words:
Well, as far as a career, I played HS ball for both Amsterdam High and Hudson high and played both baseball and softball for the army from '82-'92. Around '93 I started the Capital Region Adult Baseball League. I ran the league and managed the Columbia County Cardinals (and also played some 1B). We started with I think 8 teams then went to 12 the following year. Our all-star game was played at Heritage Park--even scored a live on-air interview with the sports anchor John Spatafore (of course I was wearing a shirt from the Gym that said Psycho on it, LOL). After the '94 season I turned the league over to a couple of team owners (forgot their names); not sure how far it went after that as I traveled a lot for work etc. I played some ball over the years when I was a Correction Officer for the state in a few leagues then kinda gave it up till I saw your league and as you know that's when things began to happen that kept me from being able to play--although I still follow the Cougars and the league on the website. I was diagnosed with colon cancer in May 2012, and have been fighting ever since--although right now I am in probably the darkest part of the battle since it started.
Some co-workers of mine are having a spaghetti dinner and raffle on February 22, 4-6pm. (see flyer below)
If any of you are interested in helping Tim out, but cannot manage to get to the benefit, you can send donations to Tim directly:
Tim Coster
PO Box 88
Columbiaville, NY 12050
I should add that while I do not know Tim well, I've spoken to him a number of times. He seems like a truly wonderful guy--warm, sincere, upbeat--just the sort of guy you'd want on your team.
And I encourage all of you to extend best wishes to Tim: yoco1963@aol.com
Many thanks,
Frank
-- Edited by Frank Montagano on Wednesday 12th of February 2014 05:50:29 PM
-- Edited by Frank Montagano on Wednesday 12th of February 2014 05:52:06 PM
-- Edited by Frank Montagano on Wednesday 12th of February 2014 05:53:38 PM
-- Edited by Frank Montagano on Wednesday 12th of February 2014 05:54:22 PM
-- Edited by Frank Montagano on Wednesday 12th of February 2014 05:55:06 PM
i corresponded with tim briefly two years ago when frank also helped raise some funds for the ex-player and veteran.
frank's right: tim comes across as a decent fellow. in our notes, he seemed a humble, down-to-earth guy. i'm pleased to see tim's friends and the veterans are doing something. if memory serves, at the time tim contracted cancer, he did not have health insurance. so frank and the cougars pitched in a little. i hope tim's been able to pick up some insurance through the affordable care act (obamacare). i'm sure he'd appreciate any help any of us can give.
-mike
-- Edited by mikehart on Thursday 13th of February 2014 03:24:20 PM
