Put Me in Coach
By: Roger Sigmon – Wise News Network
Cherryville, NC (WNN)— Forty years ago, John Fogerty released a song that has become a staple at baseball games of all levels. Based on his desire to play baseball as a child, Fogerty wrote this song for other young men with the same dream.
I’ll summarize his song’s theme to avoid possible copyright infringement for quoting lyrics. The main character in the song has followed the game his entire young life, he finally gets the courage to give it a try.
The chorus consists of him begging his coach to let him play, he pleads over and over to “put me in coach.” It is rare to attend a baseball game and not hear this song play. In the same way, during the same span of time, it would have been difficult to go to a baseball or softball field and not see Don Sigmon, known by players and parents as Coach Don. Had the boy in Fogerty’s song played for Coach Don, he would have had no need to ask to play. All players got a chance to enter the game; more about that later.
Coach Don’s Unwavering Commitment to Cherryville Little League
Coach Don has invested many years in Cherryville Little League. A large portion of his life has been dedicated to the game he fell in love with as a 10-year-old little leaguer in Jacksonville, Florida. Shortly after, his family returned to their roots in the Cherryville area.
He has taken on many responsibilities with the Little League Baseball organization in Cherryville, N.C. He held the position of head coach for 14 years, ran the concession stand with his wife Robin, helped with player signups, and served on the board of directors. Coach Don quickly became synonymous with Little League in Cherryville.
A Rich History of Baseball and Softball Experience
Sigmon brought a wealth of experience into his stint of coaching at the little league level. After moving back to North Carolina, Don played junior high and high school baseball in Cherryville. He also went on to play American Legion baseball for Post 100 in Cherryville.
The next forty years he spent playing and coaching softball. He honed his skills playing for Hepzibah Church and several travel teams. He had the privilege of playing on four world championship teams and was elected all world six times.
As a player, he was self-driven to play hard and give his all. After becoming a coach, he wanted to teach his players how to play the game the right way and instill the importance of respect and sportsmanship.
Teaching Life Lessons Through the Game
It has often been said that baseball mirrors life. There are life lessons such as sometimes a batter must sacrifice an out to advance another runner, it takes a team working together to win, and sometimes you will win and other times you will fall a little short. Coach Don set out to teach his players discipline and how to both win and lose gracefully. Having fun was the top priority, and whatever happens on the field, to handle it with good sportsmanship.
Respect Kindness and Lasting Impact on The Community
He stressed that everyone should be treated with respect and kindness. Never forget that it is just a game. Former players and their parents still come up to him and refer to him as Coach Don. He reflected on the rewarding feeling of being remembered and appreciated. He takes joy in seeing former players advance to higher levels, such as high school, American Legion, or college. Seeing them excel in baseball and life is a reward within itself.
Equal Opportunity and Cherished Memories
When asked about what memories stand out after so many years, Coach recounted, “I’ve coached kids with minimal skills, some that were naturally talented, and some fighting serious illness such as cancer. I treated each one the same.
Unfortunately, some kids feel they are not good enough to play, but everyone should be given the same chance. As a coach, I made sure everyone got that opportunity. Every player was given the chance to start, if not this game, the next.
The same child should not sit the bench every game.” Year after year, his motivation to keep coaching came from the kids and parents. This included those from other teams, too. Coaching nine all-star teams provided him with the chance to meet more parents and players while building lifelong friendships.
A Moment of Recognition and Farewell
On the opening day of the 2025 Little League season, Coach Don was recognized for all his years of volunteering with the organization. He was also honored with throwing out the first pitch. He felt it was a huge honor for the recognition.
Health issues that have reduced his mobility and eyesight are forcing him to walk away from the game. Cherryville Little League always has and always will hold a special place in his heart. Walking away is not easy, and many things will be missed.
Among those are, getting to know the kids and parents, teaching the nuances of the game, and making lifelong friends. What now? Coach Don will focus on his health and spending time with family, especially the grandkids. He was quick to point out that no one knows what the future has in store, so a future return might not be out of the question. Never say never.
Words of Wisdom and Community Gratitude
Don left a few closing thoughts for us: “Parents and coaches, remember these are just kids. Some need very little coaching and some a little more. Teach each kid the same while stressing good sportsmanship. Coaches will sometimes need to remind parents of good sportsmanship as well. It’s a game, and some of the kids are learning it for the first time. Everyone enjoys winning; however, no one wins every game. Teaching how to be gracious in victory and courageous in defeat are crucial.”
There are many outstanding volunteers associated with Cherryville Little League. Coach Don will be missed, fortunately, there are others to help fill the void. Coach Don, we thank you for your dedication and the memories.
The City of Cherryville has been blessed with some very successful baseball players at every level for many decades. Some of the players are very talented, yet the main source of so much success has come from dedicated volunteers that care enough about the children to coach and teach them not only the game, but how to succeed in life as well.
Please remember to thank the sponsors of the teams by visiting their businesses. They, along with all the volunteers, make each season possible and give every child a chance to play. The only thing left to say is, play ball!
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