DHS Head Baseball Tommy Maddox & DHS 1955 Baseball Head Coach J.E. Carson
DHS Baseball
NEW BEGINNINGS I
n 1955 Decatur Eagle boys could participate in sports offered - football, basketball, and
In the summer of 2017, DISD Athletic Director, Mike Fuller was on the hunt for the
high school sports and working with kids,” said Coach Maddox.
track. You may not know that the DHS Athletic
best replacement for our open Head Baseball
Department did not consist of a baseball
Coaching position. Who knew he would be
program of 2018 are a far cry from that of J.E.
program at that. Mr. Carson was serving as
hiring a Super Bowl Champion (2005 Pittsburgh
Carson’s team in 1955 whose uniforms consisted
a teacher and boys basketball coach when
Steelers) and former XFL superstar? Coach
of blue jeans, tennis shoes, and white t-shirts with
Superintendent Gantt asked if he could coach
Maddox was coaching for the Grapevine High
black numbers written in magic marker on the
baseball. Mr. Carson said, “Sure! Just show
School baseball program (State Champions in
back! Coach Carson’s team had 12 players and
me where the equipment is!” That’s when he
2016), and Coach Fuller felt Maddox was our guy.
today’s program is 50 players strong! Through
discovered there was no baseball equipment.
“I’ve known him for 30 years and competed
The resources of the Decatur Eagle Baseball
the years DHS Baseball program has had a few
With a $100 check in hand from Mr. Gantt, he
against him in high school. I went after him,
new beginnings. Coming and going through the
drove to “Everybody’s Sporting Goods Store”
knowing it may be a long shot but felt he would
decades a few times due to student involvement
in Fort Worth and purchased a mask, chest
be the perfect fit for our program,” said Coach
and district resources. Though many things have
protector, shin guards, catcher’s mitt, two bats
Fuller. “I’ve had a great career and a lot of great
changed, these things remain the same: high
and six baseballs – just like that, Eagle baseball
opportunities throughout my life, but I feel like
expectations, pride in our school, and a true love
was born.
this is where I am truly meant to be, coaching
for the game.
46
• Decatur Impact • Spring 2018