Show Notes
To his family, he was simply “Wesley.” But to all in Major League Baseball, Lyman Wesley Bostock Jr. was a master with a bat. A career .311 hitter, greats of the game like George Brett and Rod Carew believed Bostock had the potential for 3,000 hits, and a possible Hall Of Fame career. Long before signing a massive contract with the Angels, Lyman was born the son of a Negro Leagues player. Father and son had little contact in the boy’s childhood. Bostock would later say, “My father helped teach Willie [Mays] but never taught me.” A star high school player in Los Angeles, Bostock almost never played college baseball. He arrived on campus during the tumult of the late 1960s, a period similar to the early 2020s. For Bostock, the fight for equality and social justice, was more important than baseball. “The cause” almost cost him his career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
More from Tom Rinaldi Presents: Sacred Acre
In the final episode of 'Sacred Acre,' we return to Parkersburg to see how Ed Thomas is still impacting the town and the football program. A new interim head coach carries on the traditions, including an inspirational pregame speech.
In Episode 5, we explore the aftermath of Ed Thomas' tragic killing and how the Parkersburg community struggled to reconcile with the devastating circumstances. Through heartfelt interviews with friends, former players, family, and even local politicians, we capture the profound impact Coach Thomas had on those around him.
*Producer's Note: Please be advised that there are graphic descriptions of gun violence in this episode. Listener discretion is advised.
In May 2008, An EF-5 ravaged Iowa and tore up most of the town of Parkersburg. The damage was near atomic. The Thomas family lost their home. Applington-Parkersburg High School was unrecognizable. But the recovery happened immediately. Ed Thomas was undeterred in his goal of getting the football field ready for play within 100 days. His leadership would be covered by media outlets throughout Iowa and the nation. Thomas had become his town's most-beloved citizen. Tom Rinaldi takes you behind the scenes in episode 3 as Thomas and his team inspire their town. Thomas gives a resounding and emotional locker room speech and the Falcons win on the Sacred Acre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Episode Two explores Ed Thomas's early years as head coach in Parkersburg, focusing on his first captain, Dave Becker. A standout player who set multiple tackling records, Becker formed a strong bond with Thomas, who even helped him meet his future wife, Joan.