PROJECTS

For some 40 years or more, Mountain View Lodge #244 has sponsored a 13-15 year old Babe Ruth baseball team. Over the years, the number of teams in this age group has varied. This year, 2009, there were 5 teams sponsored by local activities: the Eagles Lodge, a mortuary, an auto repair business, a locksmith shop, and our Odd Fellows Lodge, #244.

Our team played each of the other teams four times, for a total of 16 games, between May 17 and June 20th. During this regular season, our team, (normally pronounced as “I-OOF” at the games) won 15 of 16 scheduled games, for an undisputed and commanding position as first place in our league. IOOF then went on to win two consecutive playoff games to clinch the championship with a 17 win / 1 loss season.

On June 20th, following the 15th game (a winner), Mountain View Lodge #244 provided a BBQ for the team, parents and siblings, managers, coaches and their guests, at one of Mountain View’s large city parks. Planning, purchasing, setup and cooking was provided by 4 members John Meierdierks, Ed Brown, and David (Eddie) Brown. With Ed tending and protecting our city BBQ site, John went to the 15th game (only for the first 4 innings, so that he could return to help Ed with the fire and setup). Much to John’s surprise and pleasure, the team had placed “IOOF” in large chalk letters in the dirt adjacent to their dugout (see photo). The team won that game 12 to 2.

Mountain View Lodge #244 has been honored to be a sponsor of these teams for so many years, whether they have been this successful, or farther down the ladder. We encourage these young men to pursue the concept of working together, as a team and as members of their community, to the betterment of themselves and their families, their friends, and their community. We are proud of these young men, and of their families as well, for their support.