life defined by humility, mentorship and service<\/a>.<\/p>\nAl Holland Jr. said the outpouring of support from the Roanoke community has been overwhelming.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou almost feel guilty when you\u2019re the child sometimes because of the appreciation of what your father meant to them and the community,\u201d Holland Jr. said. \u201cFor them to come out and extend their condolences, their support, their prayers to the family, it\u2019s just overwhelming at times.\u201d<\/p>\n
Holland starred collegiately at North Carolina A&T before embarking on a 10-year major league career. He made his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1977 and later became an All-Star with the Philadelphia Phillies. In 1983, he helped the Phillies capture the National League pennant and reach the World Series while leading the league with 25 saves.<\/p>\n
While his professional accomplishments earned him national recognition, those who knew Holland said his work after baseball left an equally lasting impression.<\/p>\n
After his playing career, Holland returned to Roanoke, where he coached and mentored generations of student-athletes at William Fleming High School.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo me and my sisters, he\u2019s dad. We don\u2019t know no better of what he was or where he came from,\u201d Holland Jr. said. \u201cI think I started to realize when I came back here and how everybody was so excited that he was going to be coaching, working in the school system.\u201d<\/p>\n
Former players and colleagues remembered Holland as a coach who emphasized character as much as competition.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s about do they care?\u201d Eugene Smith Sr. said. \u201cAnd he let us know from the beginning that he cared. It doesn\u2019t matter if it was good times, bad times or whatever it is. But he taught us how to persevere through tough times and celebrate the good times.\u201d<\/p>\n
Smith said Holland never sought attention for his accomplishments despite a decorated baseball career.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf anybody could have bragged about things, it could have been him,\u201d Smith said. \u201cWorld Series, Hall of Fames \u2014 it\u2019s countless acts that he\u2019s done professionally. But who he is as a person sticks out more than anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Holland\u2019s family, his greatest legacy extends far beyond baseball.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis impact, you know, it\u2019s baseball. They say it\u2019s the game of life,\u201d Holland Jr. said. \u201cHe taught me and my sisters inning by inning the journey through this life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Those in attendance said Holland\u2019s influence will continue to be felt throughout the Roanoke community through the lives he touched as a coach, mentor, father and friend.<\/p>\n
The family was also presented with an official proclamation from Roanoke City Mayor Joe Cobb. <\/p>\n
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