While I have not played the last couple of years, I still regularly follow the CDMSBL to see what is going on.
Wanted to pass along the news that Mike Bintz, who played in the CDMSBL a number of seasons, and a former Peppers teammate of mine, passed away this morning. Mike had a short battle with cancer, diagnosed shortly after he had retired from the Albany Police Department.
Sad news. No details on services - watch the TU for that information.
Mike called me a month ago to tell me what was going on. I knew he had a battle agead, but this was Bintzy....he was gonna do this! I am shocked hear of this today as I just spoke to him Friday. God bless you Mike.....
This one hits me hard! Mike was a good friend, a better ball player, and a great person. We used to commiserate about the Minnesota Vikings and always had a good laugh. He worked long and hard as an Albany Police officer, and just retired this past summer. I thoroughly enjoyed his Facebook posts from golf courses all over the country. He lost a ton of weight and looked great as last season came to a close. I cannot believe that he is gone! CANCER SUCKS!!! I hope that Mike finds Ralphie and Jim Jordan, when he passes through the pearly gates, and they organize a great game! Condolences to Mike's family as they deal with this loss. Godspeed my friend!
Mike was a good man, a great teammate and a dream player for a manager to have on a team. He was always willing to give a helping hand to those in need. Mike and I had a running joke about stealing a base. "Come on skipper I'm ready to run!" "Mike I will give you the steal sign when I give it to myself, and I don't foresee myself running any time during this millenium." Near the end of last year we had a game at Schenectady C Diamond and Mike was smoking the ball all day and ended up with 2 triples. I was coaching 3rd base and as he came rumbling into 3rd on his first triple, a big smile on his face, " whatya think skip, maybe a green light next time." I just laughed and suggested he just keep hitting triples and we need not worry about stealing second. The second triple was laced on a line to deep right center, bounced once and hit the fence. As he approaches 3rd I start yawning and exclaim " Christ, what took you so long, I almost fell asleep waiting for you to get here." We both laughed. I will miss you Mike, but I am sure when you get to the 'pearly gates' you will have the green light. My heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Mikes' wife Mary, his two sons and extended family.
Rest in Peace Mike
Don Wixon
-- Edited by dbwixon on Wednesday 25th of March 2015 06:16:25 PM
I am very sad about this news today. The picture of Mike in his football uniform brought back memories as I was his football coach back then. He was a proud member of the Amsterdam Rams Football program and I am sure his experience with football made him the man and police officer he became after graduation. He was a true gentleman and will be greatly missed. RIP Mike.
I didn't know Mike as a childhood friend or as a teammate. Still Mike always greeted me at the field by name, with a handshake and a smile. Whenever I reached first base he would pat me on the back with hearty congratulations. There have been many times while I have been out jogging when I would hear a car horn sound and see the window roll down and there was Mike just smiling and saying hello. I soon realized that Mike wasn't being friendly because there was anything special about me. Mike was being friendly because there was something special about Mike. He was the kind of guy that made being in this league a little better.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mike's family and what I'm sure is a quality circle of friends.
Knew Mike from playing against him, and umpiring his games. Gentleman who will be missed. Always a good word, and a pleasure to see on the diamond. Deepest sympathies to his family.
