Post by CEZAR on Dec 18, 2013 9:26:03 GMT -6
I recently ask Joey DiDi if he can answer some questions for us at ILSOFTBALL.COM, Joey Didi is the son of the late and great Jim DIDI of the Neon Nation Lemont Rockers, we look forward to doing a longer interview in the near future, Thanks Joey!
ILSOFTBALL.COM- Joey The softball world took a tragic blow when your father Jim Didi passed away in 2008 After a game in Moline IL at the ASA nationals, which his team ended up winning for 4 Didi.
What did the Rockers mean to Jim DiDi?
Joey D-The Rockers meant everything to Didi. He built it from the ground up with two other dads, and it slowly started to become one of the nation’s top travel programs. He had 3 daughters, so opening avenues (college scholarships) that really weren’t prevalent in our area at the time was his main goal, and that always remained his goal throughout his coaching career.
ILSOFTBALL.COM-What did the kids mean to Didi??
Joey D-The kids meant everything. That is why he was out there every weekend in the summer and doing midnight madness in the dome, was all for the kids. He always wanted to win, and winning a national championship was the “dream” but he never obsessed over it, getting the girls to college was his real focus.
ILSOFTBALL.COM-Didi was a visionary and had a heart of gold What do you think he would've done today differently if he were alive?
Joey D-I always wonder these things myself, but in terms of his plan of running an organization, not much would of changed on his end. Not sure how he would of enjoyed PGF with traveling to California every year for nationals.
ILSOFTBALL.COM-I know Jim Didi and Bill Sokolis who is the owner of the Chicago bandits were the original founders of the Lemont Rockers?
Joey D-Jim Ross was also involved in starting the Lemont Rockers. All 3 men had a goal to offer more to their daughters in terms of athletics than a 10 game in house league for the summer.
ILSOFTBALL.COM-Joey and Richie how are the Rockers doing today?
Joey D-We are doing well. I feel like we are getting back to our roots in many areas, team and family concept has always been a priority on my end. The game has changed a bit in the sense that families and players tend to jump from team to team, but my goal as a coach/board member is to keep a core of girls for as long as you can. I think that is how you develop a team, develop a love for the game playing with your friends, and it makes it enjoyable as a coach. I always tell people, we can't run this organization like Jim Didi did, things have changed, but change is not always a bad thing. Im excited about our future.
ILSOFTBALL.COM-Compared to two years ago? when others were running the org?
Joey D-Well things are much better, ill leave it at that.
ILSOFTBALL.COM-Is there anything you guys would like to speak up about?
Joey D-I guess my overall concern is with parents and their obsession with college recruiting and scholarships. I think for the most part a lot of organizations do a good job showcasing your daughters skills and getting her to a school she is capable of succeeding at. But education is the most important, and many gloss over this. You will make a career out of what you study, not what you do on a softball field. Enjoy the ride and I can promise things will work themselves out in the end.