Former Midwest City standout Jimmy Long says best memories aren't made on the field

He and Kari spent nearly two years in Tyler, Texas, where he worked as a food and beverage director at a country club. That's where Karolyne was born.

“I was working about 110 hours a week,” he said. “We decided to come back up here, because we thought there had to be something we could do to make a living and not kill ourselves.”

That choice gave him the opportunity to stick with his daughters through their softball careers.

Savannah and Karolyne both played at Oklahoma, and Madisyn recently signed with OSU. Jimmy and Kari haven't missed a game along the way.

“The thing I always appreciated about sports is that you do it on your own,” he said. “I've watched them strike out with the bases loaded to end the game, and I've watched them hit walk-off home runs.

“I know how it feels, because I've had those feelings. All the money in the world can't buy those feelings. They're earned. Blood, sweat and tears buy those feelings, and they're feelings you'll use all throughout your life. It's difficult, but it's very rewarding, and I'm glad I was able to be there for my kids.”