Reminisces – Richard McBride, ’62

I always called him “Mr. LeBaron” and still think of him as Mr. LeBaron – our teacher, coach, role model – and I always will.

I have a lot of good memories about Mr. LeBaron, our team and our high school community at that time. If I remember correctly, Mr. LeBaron was not only our great basketball coach but also vice principal, drivers ed teacher, baseball coach, science teacher, and more.

I remember Mr. LeBaron taking good care of his players. Before every practice, he would act as trainer, wrapping ankles and doing what he could to prevent injury. He instilled values, not by preaching, but more by example and the way he taught, coached, and lived his life.

Mr. LeBaron encouraged us to be the best we could be in whatever we did. I remember him encouraging me to study hard, to learn and get prepared for life. He taught us how important it is to be a member of the team and how to compete. It was all about hard work, discipline, focus, sacrifice and being true.

I remember “Sweet Georgia Brown” just before every game. I remember how excited Mr. LeBaron would get before a big game and at the state tournament. I think “Sweet Georgia Brown” calmed his nerves as much as it did ours. I remember that quiet smile he had when one of us did something unexpected or perhaps foolish or if we unexpectedly excelled at something. Mr. LeBaron liked us kids and was delighted when we succeeded.

Mr. LeBaron also had an influence on my daughter some 22 years later. She was living with my mother in Castle Rock when she was 18 years old. She had not yet learned to drive despite my best efforts and the efforts of many others.

I think she had developed a mental block, even though she was a very bright young woman in every other respect. Mr. LeBaron took her under his wing and by the end of summer she had her driver’s license. I have always thought this was a remarkable feat, given my experience with her. It took a man of great patience and perseverance to accomplish this. Now my daughter can drive with best of New York City’s most aggressive drivers!

Mr. LeBaron had a profound influence on many of his student athletes. We are all very fortunate to have known him.