Black American Softball Association

BASA STAFF: What's Up Vernon?

Vernon: What's up BASA?

BASA STAFF: Since the time we set up your interview, you have made a roster move.

Vernon: Yes, I played with Club 51, Brian Cox’s team in ’05 and will be playing with Team Takeover, Darius Miles team in ’06.

BASA STAFF: There seems to be new celebrities getting involved with BASA every year, which of course we are excited about. Why do you think BASA is a place where celebs are willing to spend their money.

Vernon: I think that most of them are involved because of their competiveness and also the love of the game. Also their willingness to give back to the community.

BASA STAFF: We are currently working on something now, which may entice more celebs to get involved with BASA.

Vernon: Is that right, may inquire what that is?

BASA STAFF: Let’s just say television is involved and we’ll leave it at that for now.

Vernon: That would be nice, real nice. Let us know if there is anything we can do to help.

BASA STAFF: Most definitely and I am pretty sure Team Takeover and other celebrity sponsored teams will be involved if this can happen, which will benefit all of the teams of BASA in their quests for more sponsorship opportunities.

BASA STAFF: BASA in 2005 was a memorable year to say the least. We lost 2 of the most well known veterans on the circuit, but you had a tremendous loss of your own in the passing of your mother.

Vernon: My mom was just like my sister. During my sports careers she was always at all events and functions. She was a wonderful individual that would give you her clothes off her back if that what was needed. Most players on the circuit had a oppurtunity to meet my mom and knew my mom. She treated all if they were hers.

BASA STAFF: We missed you at World’s of course, but everyone had you and your family in our prayers as I am sure you noticed on the message board.

Vernon: I would like thank all for their support and prayers during the homegoing of my mother. I would like to give a special thanks to Bryan Cox, Tony Cox, Simpson Sylvester: and Club 51 organizations for it's cards, flowers; and prayers.

BASA STAFF: Nothing can provide total comfort in a situation like that, but it had to be comforting to see the outpouring of love from people across the country that you have never met.

Vernon: Thanks to all the B.A.S.A. and it's sponsors for their concerns and messages on the board.

BASA STAFF: We have always said that BASA is so much more than just softball.

Vernon: It's like a family reunion every weekend. It's great to see everyone getting along with each other. Between the lines is competitive, but outside the lines is love.

BASA STAFF: Speaking of, you were quite a football player prior to joining the softball circuit.

Vernon: You can say that. It was very exciting to be name to several all city, all metro; and all state teams. You really don't realize how gifted and blessed you are until you pick up the newspaper and see yourself on the front of the sports page. It's a blessing. I had knee surgery my sophomore year but I came back strong to finish my career at Assumption Catholic H.S. in E. St. Louis,Il. I was also being sought by several major league organizations, including the Cincinnati Reds which recruits heavily out of the Midwest. I lettered in football,baseball, and basketball. I went off to Central State University in Wilberforce,Ohio were there I learned discipline and team sportsmanship from one of the top coaches in Black College Football, Coach Billy Joe.

BASA STAFF: There are quite a few ex-football players playing softball, is that just a natural transgression for you guys. And how did you get involved in softball?

Vernon: It's just the determination to be the best you can be in all sports. Softball is a sport that has taken over. I take it a as recreation but in a very competitive way. I came home from college and I started playing in the famous Lincoln Park in E. St. Louis where the Darryl Dixon's, Rick Howliett's, Five-O, Tony Cox's, Marty Gulley's, and Mike Truitt took me under their wings and from that point I have been playing every since.

BASA STAFF: There has been a lot of buzz concerning the Super Rec division and it seems now that the Rec division is starting to get just as hyped now. How do you see Team Takeover faring in ’06.

Vernon: We should do pretty well. I'm very excited to have the opportunity to be asked to play. We have a variety of players from the east side coming together to make one. I really don't get into the hype conversations because as they say anybody can be beat on any given day.

BASA STAFF: What do you think the first meeting between you guys and Club 51 will be like?

Vernon: It will be exciting. I love Club 51 and it's surroundings. I have spent the last 10+ years with a great organization. Through ups and downs we still stayed together as a family. Without unity it won't work. I would like to thanks Bryan & Tony Cox for giving me the opportunity to play for a great organization. It's not always about winning, but how you take a loss is more important. If Team Takeover doesn't workout, I know I will always be able to call Club 51 my home.

BASA STAFF: Are their any other teams that you look forward to playing against?

Vernon: All. I like competition so it's doesn't really matter. 7 innings or 5 innings. U win some ----U lose some.

BASA STAFF: Do you plan to travel outside of the Midwest other than for World’s?

Vernon: Yes, we are currently working on our schedule.

BASA STAFF: Give us your thoughts on BASA as it stands today.

Vernon: B.A.S.A. has come a long way since I started. More people are involved and more celebrities are attending. I hope that the corporate sponsors keep getting involved. Because it takes money to run anything.

BASA STAFF: As we always ask, if you could make one change in BASA, what would it be?

Vernon: I would love for the World to be a park where you don't have to play at one place then drive another 20-30 minutes to play somewhere else. Columbus,Ohio was a pretty good place because you had a chance to see everyone play at one park. But besides that, keep up the good work.