N.B. coach Don Anthony earned spot in ‘celestial hall of fame’

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orth Brunswick Town-ship lost one of the good guys with the recent passing of Don Anthony. I came to know Don about 12 years ago during my son’s first year of Little League baseball. To the many players and parents that had contact with him, Don will be remembered as a patient and dedicated coach. The only time he yelled at his players was with a loud voice of encouragement.

Often volunteer coaches have a tenure that parallels their own children’s participation. Not Don. He stayed intimately involved long after his son, Keith, stopped playing. As a league official, Don spent countless hours during the off season working with DHS staff to craft comprehensive practice and game schedules for the North Brunswick Little League. He was well-known for his detailed, computerized schedules.

In a time when great seasonal demands often outstripped the available facilities, Don maintained focus on the bigger picture. He always understood the need to coordinate the field requirements of school teams, adult and girls softball, spring soccer and others.

There is a song that alludes to a celebrity band residing in "rock & roll heaven." If there is a similar celestial Little League hall of fame, Don Anthony will be selected unanimously on the first vote.

Thomas M. Seilheimer

North Brunswick