"Believe in yourself" is a good piece of advice and a phrase many of us need to hear and embrace. To many Warren countians, however, the saying brings to mind one particular individual. 

Charles "Slim" Ingalls is a bit of a local celebrity, especially to anyone who attends local sporting events. For decades, Slim could regularly be observed walking down the sidewalk, often making his way to one ballgame or another. He has always been ardent in his support for local athletes and especially the Warren County Pioneers and Morrison Eagles.

I first became aware of Slim in 1992 during my senior year at Warren County Senior High School. Some of my readers may remember that was the magical year the Pioneer baseball team defied the odds and won the state championship. It was a remarkable run that is still a little hard to believe actually happened. There was one person, however, who never stopped believing, and that was Slim. He was there at every game constantly yelling "Believe in yourself!"

Through many bumps in the road, with the help of Slim's encouragement, the team did continue to believe in itself and pulled off an improbable and incredible victory which I was fortunate to witness in person. Slim was there every step of the way reminding everyone to keep believing until the state championship was won. Slim was such a big part of the victory, the team eventually even presented him with his own state championship ring.

Over the years, I have been privileged to get to know Slim better. He is a big fan of the Southern Standard and often calls me or sends notes of encouragement. All of my co-workers know of the genuine delight I show anytime I hear from Slim. Not all the calls that come to the editor's desk are pleasant ones but hearing from Slim is always a good thing. I'm not alone in being the recipient of Slim's thoughtfulness. I have heard from many people who have received notes and letters of support from him over the years.

Now Slim could use some support from the rest of us. He is, at the time of this writing, in the ICU at St. Thomas Midtown in Nashville with pneumonia. I spoke to his cousin, Carolyn Brewer, on Tuesday. She told me he is doing a little better and misses his friends in Warren County. He asks for everyone's prayers and is eager to get home. He'd also like to hear from everyone so, let's send him encouragement as he has done for so many of us. If you'd like to send him a card or letter to us at the Southern Standard, or drop one off at our office, we will make sure he gets it. 

Send letters to:

Slim Ingalls

C/O Southern Standard

P.O. Box 150

McMinnville, TN 37111

Get better and get home soon, Slim. We believe in you.

Standard Managing Editor Seth Wright can be reached at (931) 473-2191