Happy Birthday Papa! In loving memory of you

“The memory of the righteous is a blessing” Proverbs 10:7

Mr. Everything

By: CJ

My humble hero, Randy Guerra, is a role model for all young men because of his character on the field, with his family, and in his faith. He earned the title “Mr. Everything” from how he could quietly fill in gaps wherever it was needed, whether on the field, with his family, and in his faith. Although most of you may have never heard of him, he is my mentor, papa, pastor and friend.

Randall Desi Guerra, the youngest of four brothers, was born on April 10, 1957 in Linden, New Jersey to Desi and Margaret Guerra. After Desi played professional futbol for Spain, he immigrated to the United States. Margaret was an Irish immigrant. Mr. and Mrs. Guerra raised their rambunctious boys in a modest duplex on First Avenue. During Randy’s elementary school years, his brothers had either entered the military or married. But good ol’ Randy had an athletic future ahead of him. If you needed to find him, you knew to look at the community park where he played basketball and baseball. One year, after winning the division championship, a local woman rewarded the team with tickets to Yankee Stadium. Imagine seeing Mickey Mantle bat!

Through out high school, Randy excelled in both basketball and baseball, earning a Varsity position all four years, along with positions on the all-state tournament teams. This attracted the eyes of college scouts, from numerous universities around the United States. Randy humbly accepted University of Miami’s full scholarship to play for Coach Ron Frazier, nicknamed the Wizard of Baseball. Due to his ability and versatility on the field to play as a pitcher, first baseman, and designated hitter, Coach Frazier nicknamed him Mr. Everything. During his 40 years of coaching, Coach Frazier said “I have never coached a player so versatile or that always delivered in a clutch season. He could hit, pitch and field. It was like having three or four players in one.” Howie Shapiro, Miami second baseman shared, “It was our first taste of the College World Series and the first in a long run that we always like to think that as a team that we established a long reign. And obviously Randy had a lot to do with it. Day in and day out, when a big hit was needed or a big out had to be made, Randy was the guy we needed in that situation. Jay RoKeach, Miami announcer stated “I have been around for 24 years with the Hurricanes baseball program, and I can say that in those 24 seasons, we have probably never had a player that could deliver with the Hurricanes, and I can say we have never had a player who delivered in a clutch situation like randy did.” ”During 1978, his junior year, was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers but chose to stay and complete his degree. His number was retired in 1979, being the third jersey retired in Miami history. By the start of his senior year, Randy held the all time Miami rbi record, all time um home run leader in single season and all time um career home run leader. He led the Hurricanes to two College World Series, making the all tournament team. In 1979, he was drafted by the New York Yankees minor leagues. To this day, his name is well known and respected on the Miami campus.

In the last paragraph we talked about his statistics and now I would like to share a little about his family. Randy Guerra didn’t boast about his baseball career. He didn’t even mention much to his girls, until he was inducted to the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame, alongside Jim Kelley and Greg Luganis. Randy chose not to put baseball on a pedestal, but Jesus on the throne. He wanted to be remembered someday as a man who loved Jesus and his family. After all, the Lord used baseball to bring him the two greatest loves of his life, the Lord and Michelle, his wife. After Joshua, Eva and CJ were born, his life as a grandfather began. You see, when you are a grandparent, that’s when your eyes truly open to the world. His family had grown and the real fun begins. Every year, he would take his family to North Carolina for a beach vacation. In 2012, he took us all to Disney World for the first time. He was a living example of how to enjoy the day. Every moment of our life was made a part of his. Every moment that he was able to witness, was made into a celebration. He enjoyed making us a big New Jersey style breakfast while leading the grandkids in bible study. He taught me how to whistle. We enjoyed playing whiffle ball after family dinners. Sunday nights included belly laughs, Americas Funniest Home Videos, and tubs of ice cream. He loved to call my sister and I by our nickname buddy boy and sweetie pie. The fall wouldn’t be the same without University of Miami football games and Jersey Mike’s Stickball Subs. Most of all, he taught me how to be a man, a Godly family man. He showed me how to take care of my family, God’s way.

My grandfather loved his family, and church was his way to encourage others in the faith. He especially loved waking up early so he would be able to greet everyone, showing kindness and love. He was the first person I called when I accepted Jesus. He baptized me. He taught my Bible lesson at Vacation Bible School. He took a role in the Christmas play so we could act together. Every morning at work, he would brew Peet’s Coffee, play worship music and have his Bible open so he could share Jesus with his co-workers coming in for the good coffee. Each morning, he texted our family a Bible verse with a short explanation. You would be surprised how one verse can change your day. Everyone that met him, felt a part of his family. He used little words so he could live by his example and actions. The greatest lesson he ever taught me, was not only how to live for Jesus, but how to die. The Lord took him home after 10 months of cancer. I wonder how it must have felt to hear the words, well done good and faithful servant. Having only eight years with him, and yet this is the shortest summary I could give on a man who changed many lives. So, now you know how Randy Guerra is my hero of history on the field, with his family, and in the faith.