Earl Henry Soots

Field of Dreams

Earl Henry Soots known to many as "Poppy", "Sooto", "Papa-Pickle-Smurf", "Pop" and more importantly Husband and Father, passed away on the morning of July 3, 2002. Unfortunately for the many people who knew and loved him, Earl died just one day prior to his favorite night of the year, the Indianapolis Indians Fireworks Game.

Having grown up just minutes from Victory Field, later known as Bush Stadium, Earl had always been a part of the Indianapolis Indians institution. As a young boy he would walk along the train trestle spanning White River to stand across 16th street and wait on home run and foul balls as they flew over the left field fence. Earl had his fair share of outfield catches that Willie Mays would be proud of, and, as many outfielders know, sometimes you get the ball, sometimes the ball gets you. One day Earl thought he had one in his mitt only to have it "Knock Him On The Noggin." but, as he always said, no need to worry because "A hundred years from now you'll never know the difference." His prized possession from his boxes of Spaulding's, Wilson's and Rawling's that made it out of the park, was his Mickey Mantle Homer that he got when Mickey played for the Kansas City Minor League team in the 50's. Years later he passed on his love for the game to his four sons and 5 grandchildren who would also stand vigilant across 16th street and wait on the next prize from the sky.

In the mid seventies Earl was given the opportunity to usher at the park, a position he held for nearly 27 years both at Bush Stadium and the new Victory Field. He loved the job as much as he loved the game and always shared this love with the many fans that came to the park year after year. Many of these faithful would regularly flock to the third base side and sit in Earl's section where he would treat them with stories, a great singing voice and most importantly, a big dose of kindness. And lets not forget the calls of "Walk Please" and "Foul Ball - Foul" that would echo from his perch along the 3rd base line. One particularly funny story is the time Poppy was in the Pike Plaza Meijer and as he saw two kids running he instinctively shouted "Walk Please." From around a corner a woman approached and asked Earl if he was the man from the ballpark. He stated he was, and the woman proceeded to tell him that her two sons play the "Walk Please" game at home, where each child takes their turn either running or playing the role of Papa-Pickle-Smurf, guardian of safe walking paths everywhere. He was highly regarded as a man of genuine good will and it was evident that his love for the fans was always returned in equal measure.

At the final game of the 2001 season, Earl was presented the Estel Freeman Award for Distinguished Service. This award was very special to him because of his fondness for Mr. Freeman. Poppy regarded Mr. Freeman as a great man and one of the best that ever worked for the organization. He was very proud of the fact that his name would be linked to Estel's. The highlight of that evening was Earl singing Take me out to the Ballgame from the field in front of his section. During the 2002 season, Earl was offered the opportunity to sing at each Friday game from atop the third base dugout. The young boy shagging homers from such stars as Mickey Mantle was now a star in his own measure. Nothing brought him greater joy than to share his love for the game with the great fans of a great organization. He was scheduled to sing during the Seventh Inning Stretch on July 4th, 2002, his favorite night of the year. Not much more than two weeks prior, Earl was standing on the ball field used in the hit movie Field of Dreams. And, on the night before he passed away he commented to his eldest son Jeff of how much he enjoyed that visit and of his wish to return.

It is our firm belief that Poppy was granted his wish and will sing before a much greater crowd in a much greater place and that he is now at peace in his Field of Dreams.

Many thanks to the Indianapolis Indians Organization and the many fans who made life special for Earl.

Pop was buried on Monday July 8, 2002 at Floral Park Cemetery close to his Mother Frieda, Father Omer and brother James.

If you would like to share your thoughts or stories about Earl with the family you can send email to:

Contributions can be made in Earl's name to - Disabled American Veterans or Vietnam Veterans of America.

The family is considering a memorial scholarship fund. If you would like to contribute or would like information regarding contributions please email sootsgroupinc@aol.com or call 317-852-6138.

Thank you to all who attended the calling and/or funeral services and to all of you who have sent flowers, cards and letters, donations, and other help and sentiments. Our family truly appreciates all of the warmth and love given to us in honor of Earl. Please accept these thanks until a proper thank you can be sent via mail.

The Indianapolis Indians
Conkle Funeral Home
Reverend L. L. Logan
Chaplain Michael Wilson
Bob and Linda Richardson
Linda and Jeff Wheeler
Sally Acker
Michael Henry
Brian Raines
Tom Shrader
Floral Park Cemetery
Jan Smith
The American Legion Honor Guard - Greenwood

Sincerely,

Look for Dick Denny's Article on Earl in this Sunday's (July 14) Indianapolis Star Sports Section.