Why Gordo baseball had a flyover before its third-round playoff series vs. Lauderdale County

Gordo baseball had a special addition pregame prior to its playoff series against Lauderdale County on Wednesday.

Following the conclusion of the national anthem, Jody Richardson — with stepson Michael and grandchildren Millie and Reese — performed a flyover at Jonathan Pate Stadium in Richardson's 1947 Navion aircraft.

It was not the first time Richardson had flown over Jonathan Pate Stadium prior to a Green Wave game. He did it two weeks ago in Gordo's first round playoff series against Vinemont. Richardson's oldest grandson, Rainer Russell, is a freshman infielder and outfielder for the Green Wave. It was Rainer's father, John, who first went to Richardson with the idea.

"If it had been anybody asking me to do a flyover, I would have said 'I don't know, let me think about it," Richardson said. "Because of the way they do their national anthem here at this field, I said, 'Yes, I would love to be part of that."

Richardson bought his plane three years ago, persuaded by a friend who has the same plane to purchase it. It is a decision Richardson does not regret.

"I'm glad I got it," he said. "I'm enjoying it."

Following the fly over, Richardson landed his plane at the North Pickens County Airport in Reform, where Michael had his truck parked. The crew put the airplane back in its hanger and made the 10-minute drive to the stadium, getting to the game by the end of the second inning.

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Richardson is a retired United States Navy Captain, serving 30 years in the Navy before retiring in 2009. He is a Homer, Louisiana native, but once he retired, him and his wife, Ginger, known as 'Gigi,' moved back to Gordo. Ginger is originally from Aliceville, and Richardson knew he wanted to be close to the Naval Air Station in Meridian, Mississippi, where he works as a flight simulator instructor, so the pair decided on Gordo, where they have been ever since.

The Green Wave saw their 2024 season come to an end on Wednesday, dropping both games to Lauderdale County 1-0 in the third round of the Class 3A state playoffs.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: AHSAA baseball: Why Gordo had a flyover prior to its series vs. Lauderdale