Between innings of Little League at Rutenberg Park, there’s one man whose name echoes louder than the cheers.”The Godfather, everybody calls him that,” said one parent. “There’s no baseball being played here without Howard Gold,” said another parent.For 30 years, Howard Gold has been part of every pitch — 24 of those as league president, all of them as a volunteer.He’s taught generations how to throw a ball and how to bounce back when life throws a curve at you.Seven state championships later, Howard’s still teaching lessons that go far beyond the field.”Life’s going to throw some tough, tough things at you,” said Howard. “You lose today, you play another game in a few days. That’s kind of what life is.”And this year, life threw him something tough, too.”It’s not like cancer or something,” said Howard. “The best way to describe it is all the sudden you feel old.”Howard’s Parkinson’s diagnosis hasn’t stopped him from showing up for these kids, because as much as he believes in them, they believe in him too.”I hope it’s the best three or four hours of their week,” said Howard.Parkinson’s may have slowed Howard Gold’s step, but it hasn’t taken his spirit, and it has certainly not stolen his heart of gold. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

Between innings of Little League at Rutenberg Park, there’s one man whose name echoes louder than the cheers.

“The Godfather, everybody calls him that,” said one parent. “There’s no baseball being played here without Howard Gold,” said another parent.

For 30 years, Howard Gold has been part of every pitch — 24 of those as league president, all of them as a volunteer.

He’s taught generations how to throw a ball and how to bounce back when life throws a curve at you.

Seven state championships later, Howard’s still teaching lessons that go far beyond the field.

“Life’s going to throw some tough, tough things at you,” said Howard. “You lose today, you play another game in a few days. That’s kind of what life is.”

And this year, life threw him something tough, too.

“It’s not like cancer or something,” said Howard. “The best way to describe it is all the sudden you feel old.”

Howard’s Parkinson’s diagnosis hasn’t stopped him from showing up for these kids, because as much as he believes in them, they believe in him too.

“I hope it’s the best three or four hours of their week,” said Howard.

Parkinson’s may have slowed Howard Gold’s step, but it hasn’t taken his spirit, and it has certainly not stolen his heart of gold.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.