He is truly in a league of his own and has helped several young Baytownians soar in the clouds like eagles or, in this case, hawks.
Since the Baytown Hawks Athletic Club’s creation in 1957, the team has won 12 Latin American State Championships, with two ISC World Tournament appearances. The Baytown Hawks are one of the longest-running and most successful Latin American, fast-pitch softball team in Texas. But they wouldn’t have that success without one Daniel “BeBe” Garcia.
BeBe took the work his father Remy did as a baseball manager and turned it into a Latin American Softball legacy no one will soon ever forget.
Mario “Crash” Delgado said, “BeBe, like his father, organized neighborhood kids into 5-time State Champions over a period of 10 years.”
For his former players, like Crash, it was more than just a game.
Crash said, “We want to thank you because but I think we rode the coattails of your success in our careers. The passion that you had for softball, carried on through our lives also so we thank you.”
Little did Crash and other players know at the time, but that’s what BeBe wanted.
BeBe said, “We played ball, but you guys went on to become professional people. Engineers, lawyers, CPAs and that’s what I was about. I wanted my people to get up there and we were fortunate enough to get to the height where they’re at. We’re doing a whole lot better because of the participation in not only softball but getting an education. I’m just so glad to have been a part of your lives.”
It was his work on the field and in the classroom that prompted Mayor Brandon Capetillo to honor BeBe with a recognition at a recent City Council meeting.
Mayor Capetillo said, “I wanted to take an opportunity to recognize Mr. Garcia as an outstanding Baytownian and certainly his successes on the field.”
BeBe was also recognized for writing a book about his coaching career and his players. ‘While Daring Greatly’ is a story about a little about softball but mostly about life in an always-growing community.
Mayor Capetillo said, “A lot of times we go and look at our family history and things we experience in life. We never really chronicle or document that. Mr. Garcia did that as a coach.”
It was actually the suggestion from another former player that pushed BeBe to write the book. But this recognition isn’t just about the book. It’s about a person who belongs in many more Hall of Fames when it comes to sports, but also belongs in the Hall of Fame of life.
BeBe said, “I received this recognition on behalf of all of the fans and players that participated with us. It’s just amazing to me at my age of 86 to be here and enjoying you good people.”
He ended with, “I’m just overwhelmed. Thank you so much for all you guys do.”