Mark "Buckey" Buckles  #9

March 21, 1991 - October 10, 2000

 

Mark was born March 21, 1991, in Roseville, California.  He moved with his parents Jody and Gary Buckles, and his brother and best friend Mathew, to Parker in 1998.  He attended Mountain View Elementary School in the Pinery.  Mark was a true all-around athlete.  He loved to ride his motorcycle and snowmobile as well as rollerblade, ski, and play soccer; but most of all he loved to play baseball.

Mark touched many hearts in his short life.  He was very caring and always concerned about others.  Mark always had a smile on his face and he will always be remembered for his enthusiasm and sense of humor.

"Mark was on my very first team back in 2000.  I remember staying late after practice to watch Mark and Matt play ball with their dad.  The three of them loved playing baseball together and it was obvious as you could see the excitement on their faces while they took extra grounders or extra swings.  Even while getting extra work, they were laughing and having a good time.  This love of the game came from their father, Gary, who also taught me what it really meant to be a youth baseball coach.  The perspective that Gary gave me back in 2000 has continued to shape the philosophies of our program today.

Who we are today is often a reflection of where we come from and who we have met along the way.  Mark Buckles had an amazing impression on me and my life.  He is without question one of the main reasons I continue to coach youth baseball today.  Mark loved baseball, and he was good at it, but he truly was a good person.  There are so many of life's lessons that can be taught through the game of baseball, and I think of Mark often and thank him for helping me realize who I am and why it is that I coach youth baseball.  Mark is certainly missed by so many, but he will never be forgotten"

As a tribute to Mark, The Parker Warhawks retired his number 9 in the Spring of 2001.  No player or coach in The Parker Warhawks Baseball program shall wear #9 on the baseball field, as this number will forever belong Mark Buckles.

-Coach Brooks