About two to three weeks ago, Jerry Brow, a former national footballer and a good friend of mine, called me to get Dr Alvin Henderson’s phone number, Alvin himself being a former top footballer.
Jerry’s reason for calling was that he was at the San Fernando General Hospital visiting another former footballer, Aldric “Son” Baptiste, and was trying to get some assistance through Alvin for “Son”. I was shocked to learn about “Son’s” illness as I had seen him on Carnival Sunday looking his usual fit self.
I heard nothing further about “Son’s” condition until I arrived home two Fridays ago to be greeted with the news that “Son” had passed on. To say I was shocked was putting it mildly. Needless to say, my phone rang incessantly after that as the news spread.
“Son” Baptiste was probably one of the most under-rated footballers of the 60s, but those of us who were unfortunate to have played against this crafty player – and at times fortunate to have played with him on the National Team, knew what an artist he was.
He played for Spitfire and Palo Seco in the South as well as for the League team in the Inter-League competition, for South against North in the Hinds Memorial and Red Cross games, and for the National Team on many occasions.
Another good friend of ours and former top footballer, Carlton Franco, always mentioned “Son” as one of the better players of our time, but he was denied the opportunity to represent the West Indies on its tour of England in 1959.
His and Carlton Franco’s omission shocked most T&T soccer fans who had followed the games preceding the tour. “Son” also played for Police in the NAFL and I remember only too well our duels in front of the Grand Stand and on the Northern League grounds in the FA Trophy games.
He was strong, although not heavy set, skillful and artistic and was always willing to protect and defend players on his team when things got rough and tough in a game. He was certainly one of the past stalwarts of this great game and those of us who had the good fortune to have played with him will surely miss this gentle giant.