To the editor:

I wish to be in accord with the high praise of: National, State and Mingo County leaders toward the late Mike Whitt.

In this article, I wish to convey and anecdote of the youthful Michael Whitt.

In bygone years, we had several teams playing baseball under the banner of Coal Field League Baseball.

I was playing manager of the Blackberry team. We had several players on this team which had established stars of the league: Ireland Smith, Bobby Hatfield, Don Hatfield, Jim Whitt and Jack Varney, just a few of the names.

The youthful Michael Whitt would appear on the scene before each game.

I could detect in his mannerisms he wanted to be on the baseball diamond playing with the big boys.

I asked this question of the 14-year-young lad.

“Do you wish to play with this team?”

Michael Whitt was very polite, yet determined.

“I want to play on this team.”

I penciled Michael Whitt into the lineup at the age of 14. He was a winner and quiet leader as a youth. In my opinion, Michael Whitt was a born leader.

In later years, Mike Whitt and I taught at the Red Jacket School. He always spoke with a soft voice, very polite and spoke with due respect.

While teaching at Matewan Jr. High, I held the pleasure of teaching Mike’s daughter, Mary Ann Whitt. She was an honor student; never a problem in my class. She took part in all school activities.

Little Michael was in my classroom for one semester at Matewan Jr. High. He too was an honor student, displayed great respect and spoke quietly.

I’m a firm believer that, beside every successful man, be a successful spouse. Mrs. Mike Whitt was dedicated to her husband and their children’s welfare and education.

The youthful Michael Whitt I knew was a dedicated leader and he left that trait for thousands of people throughout our state of West Virginia and tourists from all over parts of the U.S.A. to view and enjoy.

The Hatfield-McCoy trails remain.

We the people of Mingo County, West Virginia, shall always recognize the name, Mike Whitt, with the trails and his many achievements as a youth and adult.

Written with pride and pleasure of knowing the Whitts of Mingo County,

Tom Varney

Retired educator of Mingo County