Cubs Minor League Affiliate Provides Stirring Tribute to Team Bus Driver Who Died of COVID-19
By Scott Rogust
The coronavirus pandemic has hit the United States hard. Nearly two million citizens are confirmed to have contracted COVID-19, while over 100,000 have sadly lost their lives. Across the sports world, the virus has hit home in particularly painful ways, including within the community of a minor league affiliate for the Chicago Cubs.
In early May, the Class-A Advanced Myrtle Beach Pelicans lost team bus driver Terrance Timmons to the coronavirus. Timmons was 46 years old and left behind a wife, three children, and a stepdaughter. On Friday, the Pelicans put together a touching tribute to their loyal driver of four years.
Timmons build a bond with every player and manager who donned a Pelicans uniform. Current manager Steve Lerud would sit at the front of the bus so he could speak with Timmons and check in on him when making late-night trips to their next destination. Former skipper Ty Wright would spend hours talking with hi, about college football, and made sure that their wives were introduced to one another, as both are teachers.
Additionally, Timmons would make road trips entertaining. He serenaded the bus with his deep singing voice, while also taking playful taunts in stride when it comes to experiencing tricky turns and parking spots.
Timmons was part of the Pelicans family, and after his death, the team set up a GoFundMe page to cover funeral costs and grocery shopping for his family. After one night, the team reached its $5,000 goal.
While Timmons may be gone, his memory will live on forever in the minds of anyone who passed through the Pelicans organization.