A Fearless Competitor
If I were to compare Eyes
Ford in his prime to a modern
day, conventional athlete, he
would be CC Sabathia a
combination of arm and
strength. Please bare in mind
you modern day governments,
Sabathia is the higherst paid
pitcher in the history of the
Major League Baseball(180
million dollars over seven
years). Put that in your
economic pipe and smoke it.
But there goes another one,
another great athlete not
recognized, not honored, not
compensated. There goes
another story that has not
been told and another athlete
not invested in, who will not
be able to invest in his own
country.
Kevin Ford was a tremendous
baseball and softball player
who represented The
Bahamas internationally. K-
Boogie left his sweat on the
mound, and threw out his
arm with the game he loved
on his mind.
But he never lost his offence.
in the 1982 Baseball
Championships bottom of the
7th two & two on the Barons
down by two, Eyes clamly hit
the ball over the score board
in right field to tied the score.
and then in the ninth inning
with the score still tied Eyes
repeated the same thing 2 run
homer over the right field
score board. .
There Goes Another A tribute by Adrian Francis
Greatness is sometimes shielded by ignorance and success dressed
in the wrong garment. So is the legend of Kevin Ford. They called
him Fireballer, Eyes, or as those who knew him well said K-
boogie. Kevin Eyes Ford died on Tuesday, December 22 at the old
homestead onWindsor Lane. Those who know and understand
sports in the Bahamas know full well that the Fords represent
Bahamian sport’s royalty.
Kevin Ford is the younger brother of former Professional
baseballer Wenty Ford who along with his brother Eddie Ford,
Peter Bethel, Jason Moxey, and Anthony ‘ Sal Bando’ Boswick
were the foundation of the boys from Dorsey Park. But there is
more ! More to the death of our good friend Eyes. Because when
Eyes died, my first thought was, There Goes Another One. Not
another Ford, even though Eddie, Wardie, Keith, Mario, Linda,
and Andy are still here with us.
But there goes another one, another great athlete whose name
and contribution to sports annal will most likely be forgotten. As
the younger athletes in this country search for the foundation, the
history and ancient boundaries, it has become more and more
apparent that they will not find one.
Not because the history does not exist, but because true honor is
only recognized in generational wisdom, not economic policies. If
it cost to much to honor the great ones, it will cost more to
imprisoned the other ones.
I began this piece by saying, “ Greatness is sometimes shielded by
ignorance, and success dressed in the wrong garment.” Before
Ford took ill he drove public transportation for a living, and truth
be told, he was very good at it. But it is very painful to be great at
something and the people you are driving don’t even know.
Kevin Eyes Ford will never hit another homerun in his lifetime,
but the next generation of ball players should be talking about the
last one he hit. Eyes, the guys at Pabi’s will miss you, the Alanta
Braves, your favorite team will miss you, the Valley Boy’s will
miss you and Jim Rice, Super Cash and Sangee will miss you. So
long Buddie, say hello to Charles Wire Smith for me. .
Warren Kevin Ford
A Bahamian Baseball Player
Kevin : Eyes” Ford was born on
September 5th 1961 The 8th
Child of Percival & Florence
Ford. following in the foot step
of his older brothers Wenty,
Eddie, Wardy, Keith, Mario,
Leighton & followed by
younger brother andy all played
Baseball and played very well.
From Little League Baseball
Eyes was a star on the team and
started to come into his own at
the Junior League level where
he won Junior League Pitcher
of the Year in 1978.
At the Senior League Level he
had a very dominant fast ball
that he had command and
control off.
KEVIN “EYES” FORD
September 5th 1961 to December 23rd 2008
SPOTLIGHTING