Sunshine, baseball a bright spot in Warner Robins family’s move

WARNER ROBINS -- Patrick Flanigan is trading in his Jedi training for baseball this spring.

The first-grader at Sacred Heart Catholic School likes everything about Star Wars and plays it at home on his Wii.

Although he enjoys playing baseball, he misses living in Washington, where he moved from last summer.

“There is more rain (in Washington), and I get to play more video games,” said Patrick, who plays C-ball with Warner Robins American Little League.

His parents, Bill and Glenda Flanigan, however, are enjoying the sunshine here in Middle Georgia.

Col. Bill Flanigan was transferred to Robins Air Force Base from Tacoma, Wash. He was commissioned into the Air Force in 1977.

He was stationed at Robins once before from 1983 and 1986.

“Houston Lake Road was the edge of the world when I left,” Bill Flanigan said of Warner Robins.

When the family moved to Warner Robins last year, they had to live in the Fairfield Inn for more than a month, which happened to be during the Little League Southeastern Region Tournament.

Patrick is now playing C-ball under manager Jimmy Dunn, former league president.

“It was quite a learning curve,” Bill Flanigan said.

During Little League season in Washington, it was either raining or snowing. Games were played in the rain. The fields were usually muddy, and keeping white pants white was nearly impossible.

Bill Flanigan was concerned about getting into such a competitive league, but his worries proved to be unfounded with the support of the coaches helping Patrick hone his skills.

Patrick plays left field and also has learned to hit the ball, hardly striking out after a few games.

Bill Flanigan is impressed with the amount of time the coaches spend with each child, from the most talented to those who might have never played before.

“He’s gone from practically clueless to knowing what he’s doing,” said Bill Flanigan.

This story was originally published April 4, 2012 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Sunshine, baseball a bright spot in Warner Robins family’s move."