Minnechaug Baseball Team Celebrates The Life Of Chris Burnham

MINNECHAUG BASEBALL TEAM CELEBRATES THE LIFE OF CHRIS BURNHAM

BY BILL WELLS

WILBRAHAM, MA - Chris Burnham not only loved baseball, he also loved attending Minnechaug Regional High School.

On April 8, the Minnechaug baseball team showed their love for Burnham, who died unexpectedly three months ago at the age of 20.

Prior to Minnechaug's home opener against Springfield's Central High School, the team and school recognized the 2007 graduate with a five-minute tribute. The team dedicated the 2009 season to Burnham, and also had the initials 'C.B.' stitched on the team hats.

Among those in attendance were Burnham's parents, Kevin and Barbara.

"It was a very special day for the Burnham family," Kevin Burnham said. "We want to thank Minnechaug for doing this. Chris loved baseball. It was his pride and joy. He played with some of these kids. He was here with us today."

Minnechaug athletic director Ned Doyle spoke to the crowd of 50 people for a few minutes, saying the community suffered "unbelievable sadness" upon learning of Burnham's death.

"Chris was a young man who was far greater than a baseball player," Doyle said. "He was the whole package. He was able to touch everybody in the school community, from the star athletes to the student-athletes who weren't as gifted to the kids in the clubs. He could just relate and link with all populations. He was really a unique human being and his loss was a terrible loss to the community.

"I was happy to see so many people turn out. It shows how much Chris meant to them in their particular circle."

Kyle Ambrose, a long-time neighbor and teammate of Burnham's, said he had mixed emotions leading up to the ceremony.

"It's been tough," Ambrose said. "For the last three months I've been visiting the Burnhams every once in a while. I was looking forward to today because I wanted to hear what Mr. Doyle had to say. I know he's a great speaker. Everyone has been so supportive of the Burnhams, and that makes me so happy because that's how Chris was."

Ambrose, a volunteer assistant with the varsity team, played with Burnham at Minnechaug.

"Chris was one of the most interesting players to watch because he was always happy," Ambrose said. "Everyone who played with him knew that. He was always upbeat, even if everyone was down. He could raise people's spirits. And he was a great baseball player, and his personality helped him out so much."

Joe Lavoie, whose sons Mike and Matt played with Burnham in youth baseball and at the high school, agreed.

"Chris was an outstanding young man who always had a smile on his face," Lavoie said. "He always had something good to say about people. He was always so positive. And he was an excellent athlete: a fantastic baseball player. He was a good leader on the team, and one of the best first baseman I've seen at Minnechaug in the years I've watched baseball here."

As tough as the day was, Kevin Burnham said he was most nervous about throwing out the first pitch.

"I had a better shot throwing underhand than I did overhand," he said with a laugh. "It was gut-wrenching. I got the orders from Barb: 'Do not throw the ball underhand like you always do'."

The pitch was a strike. Bill Wells can be reached at wellsb6@charter.net