Naylor one to remember

By JEFF OLIVER

MVI Sports

When I was first told Sunday about the passing of Ed Naylor, I thought it was one of Eddie’s jokes being played on me.

That’s because nobody enjoyed a good prank like Ed Naylor did. He’d often go to great lengths to see a prank through.

So my initial skepticism at what I just heard was understandable. Plus, he was only 62 and so full of life.

But it quickly turned to shock and deep despair.

If you knew Ed Naylor, news of his death was akin to losing a family member.

To me, Eddie was my brother. Oh, sure, he could get under your skin at times and maybe didn’t know when to ease up on the needling. But if he was your friend, there was almost nothing you could not ask him for and worry that he would say no.

I got to know him about 40 years ago through playing softball in the old Monessen Slo-Pitch League. Back in those days, the sport was very competitive and all of the good teams were always trying to get better.

My team, Reginelli’s Sportsworld, was one of those teams always trying to improve and Eddie was a solid, left-handed bat who could threaten the short right-field porch at City Park.

Over the years, I picked up a lot of players who came and went after a year or two. But Eddie was different.

Not only was he a good player, he was a great guy. Fun to be around. Always willing to pitch in and help. He was a true team player and he had that fun, good time personality that was infectious.

Adding that lefty to our team 40 years ago was one of the best decisions of my life. It planted the seed for one of the greatest friendships I will never forget as long as I live.

He was the kind of guy that if my vehicle broke down in another state, I could call him to come get me and bring me home. Those kind of friends are few and far between.

Eddie was more than a talented guy with a bat in his hand and loyal friend. He was a hard-working man driven to be successful. He spent time on the Belle Vernon Area School Board and worked his tail off to try and better the district and do what was best for the students.

Eddie was a true people person. He loved being surrounded by his friends and entertaining. The barbecues he hosted at his property in Rostraver Township were legendary and highly anticipated by all who attended.

To read the rest of the story, please see a copy of Wednesday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at http://monvalleyindependent.com.