A Fall into Redemption: A Father’s Account of His Son’s Remarkable Rise to Baseball Success, a Life Cut Short by Addiction, and His Ultimate Deliverance to Freedom.

By Tom Hibbs

… I looked around his room at all of his things and I realized there was only one thing that was obviously and painfully missing… Tyler. I continued to sob as I sat up on his bed and hugged his little blue pillow. I felt so deeply the massive void that Tyler’s absence had left in my heart.
… “Trust me, I got this.” God? Is that you? A rush of relief came over me. Ever since, I’ve heard those words “Trust me” whispered to me often from the Lord. Those words that I will always hold onto, as it brings me great peace. Freedom… I don’t have to worry!

Tom Hibbs recounts his fond and heartbreaking memories that he had with his beloved late son, Tyler. It is a compilation of stories that outline his son’s rise to baseball success, the harrowing impact of drug addiction, and the saving grace of Jesus through tragedy. Tom’s hope is that anyone who reads this book will not only experience the compelling stories of Tyler’s life, but most importantly, will be open to the invitation of everlasting life through Jesus Christ. Throughout his memoir, he encourages us that God’s plans are impossible to imagine. Tragedy is unforeseen, hardship is difficult to explain, and peace is sometimes hard to be found. But, if we allow Him, God will gracefully rebuild us and invite Himself in. Ultimately, He will turn us into a masterpiece that we could’ve never foreseen or imagined.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Mar 10, 2023
• ISBN: 9781664291843

Tom Hibbs

Tom Hibbs was crushed by the weight of his son’s death, but he recognized the ultimate hope is through Christ, which inspired him to write. He is the father of four adult children, and a husband to his wife, Susan. Tom currently lives in Gainesville, Virginia, and enjoys woodworking, exercising, beaches, mountains and anything else in the great outdoors.

Book preview

Copyright © 2023 Tom Hibbs.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by

any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying,

recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system

without the written permission of the author except in the case of

brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

844-714-3454

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or

links contained in this book may have changed since publication and

may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those

of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher,

and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are

models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International

Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973 1978 1984 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

TM. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

ISBN: 978-1-6642-9185-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-9186-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-9184-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023902249

WestBow Press rev. date: 03/06/2023

A great read! A father’s memoir of his beautiful young son with an aspiring life and baseball career ahead of him. His life taken, not only from him, but from his family as well. His memoir shows, in spite of tragedy, and because of God’s love and grace, how he and his family could endure through their unthinkable loss. And an endurance that was only possible through their faith in the Lord’s promise of his son’s redemption. It will take you through his son’s baseball successes, heartbreaking downfall, and tragic passing to his eventual eternal deliverance. The memoir will put you on an emotional roller coaster, which makes it difficult to put down! Ultimately, though, it will not only give us all the promise and possibility of redemption, but a real hope for heaven!

—Gaines Duvall

Families thrive on the dreams, joys, and achievements of their children, but no one wants to be that family—when a dream turns into a nightmare. For those who love baseball, Tyler Hibbs was a phenom—racking up records, recruited by the best colleges, and scouted by the pros. In a compelling narrative, Tom Hibbs tells Tyler’s story through the eyes of an admiring, heartbroken father. Psychologists call it post-traumatic growth—how some people, after being knocked down, find the resilience to bounce back, or even bounce forward. How does a dad become stronger, wiser, more in tune with God, when his talented son falls from the pinnacle of athletic success and dies of a drug overdose? This is the story of two men: Tom and Tyler Hibbs, father and son, walking together for 27 years—with a message for everyone. That message? By faith, the words of King David could resonate for Tyler: ‘Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever’ [Psalm 23:6]. Equally assuring, when David buried his own son, the warrior’s words would resonate for Tom: ‘Can I bring him back again? I will go to him’ [2 Samuel 12:23 NIV].

—Jeff Watson, D. Min., PhD

SNAPSHOT

Tom’s son, Tyler, was unable to fight off his cruel drug dependency and make a comeback that so many had hoped for. Whether it was on the baseball field or sadly, above all, the battle for his very life. His powerful and relentless drug addiction appearing to win. But the Redeemer! Through His grace, the Lord had a far greater comeback in store for his son. In an emotional bottom-of-the-ninth encounter with the giver of life, assured him of rest and peace for his eternal soul. An amazing rebirth that his son could have never dreamed or imagined…The glorious comeback gives, Tom, hope through heartbreaking pain, the strength to carry on. Steadfastly, holding on to the Lord’s beautiful promise; that he will surely see his redeemed son again…

Tom’s memoir chronicles his son’s short life. A life that reveals many highlights and unfortunately numerous lowlights. He invites you to take a journey with him, through his eyes, in a movie like reel full of memories of his son. The journey will take you from his early years, when he was an innocent little boy, to his decade of tormenting drug addiction. It will give you glimpses of his son’s talent as a fearless and remarkable baseball player. It will take you down the rocky road and show the shattering and devastating effects of his addiction. Finally, the journey brings you to the sad and fateful day, when his son’s earthly life comes to a tragic end. HIs life over? His movie reel over? His journey over? Yes, but only for a blink of an eye! Because of Christ’s forgiveness, Tom is more than confident that not only is his life not over, but his movie reel continues to play on, and Tyler’s eternal journey is now taking place on a tranquil road in paradise…

Psalms 49:15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave; He will receive me. (KJV)

CONTENTS

Dedications

Acknowledgments

Foreword

Introduction

1     That Was Perfect

2     My Little Source

3     The Terminator

4     Empire State Building

5     Dad, It’s Only a Baseball Game

6     Prodigy

7     Fierce Competitor

8     That was my Tyler

9     It’s Like Christmas!

10   I Just See the Ball and Hit It

11   I’m Not That Important

12   Million-Dollar Arm but a Five-Cent Head

13   Just Remarkable

14   I Didn’t Think He Was Human

15   This Game Is Just Getting Started

16   The Addiction Was Speaking

17   Any Sliver of Hope

18   I’m a Drug Addict

19   Lord, Help Tyler Finish the Game

20   I Want to End It All

21   God Was Pulling at My Sleeve

22   The Intervention

23   I’m Not Sure if He’s Even Alive

24   I Have Enjoyed Every Catch

25   Hijacked

26   Dad, I Need Jesus

27   The Voice of Truth

28   Goodbye, Ty!

29   You Have Been a Great Son

30   Your Scars Are Gone

31   Trust Me, I Got This

32   I Will See You Later

33   Our Hope Is in You and You Alone

34   Meaningless Dust Collectors?

35   Home Free and Our Reunion

Thank You

Final Thoughts

Messages to Tyler

Afterword

DEDICATIONS

To my departed mom and dad,

Thank you for modeling how to be merciful to the broken and marginalized. Since I was a child, I admired the tenderness you always showed toward the outcast and the lost in our society. You took to heart what Jesus said, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me (Matthew 25:40 NIV). Even though you had passed on, I could always hear your compassionate and caring voices telling me, Never give up on your lost son and Don’t ever stop loving him. I am so thankful that you showed me how to unconditionally love not only Tyler but all the least of these. I will be forever grateful for the loving legacy that you left me to follow.

I miss you, Mom and Dad, and I love you both so much.

To my incomparable late brother-in-law,

Dave, thank you for being an inspirational and Christlike role model to me for nearly fifty years! I was incredibly blessed to have observed your kindness, humility and consistent faithfulness to the Lord. You were truly a loyal soldier for Christ. Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Colossians 3:17 NIV). It is scripture verse that you clearly took to heart, and a verse that perfectly exemplifies how you lived your life. Without ever having to say a word, you powerfully preached sermon after sermon, just by the way you lived each day. Even when you were diagnosed with a cruel and fatal disease you never complained. You simply said, I’m going to use my terminal illness to glorify God. Amazingly, you did just that, until you took your final breath. Not only did you show so many of us how to live, but courageously, you showed all of us how to gracefully die. Oh, how I would have loved to have seen your beautiful smile when Jesus, with His outstretched arms, welcomed home his loyal soldier and proudly said, Well done, my good and faithful servant! (Matthew 25:21 NIV).

David Rogan Newell, until I take my final breath, you will always be my hero. I love you my dear brother…

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Jesus, thank you for walking by my side through the journey and allowing me to feel your presence along the way. I am convinced that much of the inspiration for my writing came directly from you. Most importantly, I hope and pray that you were honored."

Shelby, my daughter, thank you for helping me in so many ways to make this book a reality. In particular, thank you for writing the afterword and editing. Thank you for not being discouraged when it seemed like I was born in the 1800s since I am a complete computer illiterate. Thanks for not laughing too hard when I told you that the last time I had cut and pasted something was in kindergarten. Since you have contributed so much, I may give you a ride in my horse and buggy someday. I love you, Shel

Gary, thank you for being willing to write the foreword and help with editing, especially in light of all of the things you had going on. I’ve always said that I wished I had half of your intelligence, but I guess the good Lord thought otherwise. I love you, my brother.

Jess, my daughter-in-law, thank you so much for helping with the editing. I am so appreciative and grateful that you were willing to pitch in. You are a very special person. I am truly blessed to have you as a third daughter to me. To show my appreciation, like Shelby, you’ll get a ride in my horse and buggy someday. I love you, Jess.

Susan, what can I say? Thank you for being a patient wife, helping with editing, and always being willing to listen to my latest writing over and over. Thank you for giving me your honest feedback when I repeatedly read to you and asked, What do you think? Most of all, thank you for your support when I cried and struggled to read some of those emotional Tyler stories. I love you, Susan.

For all of you who have helped gather information and contributed in any way—you know who you are—I sincerely thank you.

FOREWORD

Author Tom Hibbs knows the incredible highs and lows of this life, which are powerfully illustrated in this book you hold now. It’s a rich story about life, death, and life again. Life is so full of paradoxes. We fall into greatness. We can find beauty in ashes, glory in shame, victory in failure, and life in death. There is always hope in God when we choose Him.

This is the story of a father who loves his son, no matter what. I know this father, as he is also my brother. I had a front-row seat to this love that wouldn’t let go, even against the advice of professionals and family members. This never give up dad could never walk away, even in the agonizing fight with the demon of addiction.

The scripture says, These three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV). This story inspires us of all three, no matter what comes our way. We all have an unfolding story. We all have addictions and attachments apart from God that get their grip on us. Yet we were created to have one attachment from which real life flows: God. False temporal attachments in this life can be work, drugs, food, sex, alcohol, shopping—name yours. Sadly, they blind, even kill. Tyler’s was heroin, which got its talons in him and didn’t let go. But God!

Tom, an earthly father, wouldn’t let go of his son. Our Heavenly Father won’t ever let go either when we finally attach to Him, no matter what.

Whatever valley you may find yourself in right now, God can and will redeem us from our valley to the mountaintop when we face Him and take His hand. Some of our greatest defeats can be swallowed up in victory. It’s hard to believe, but it’s true. Read on!

Gary Hibbs

INTRODUCTION

Faith, family, and sports were always important to me. I would like to think that faith was the most important, but I must admit, that sports would generally take center stage. It was the way I bonded with my family. Playing basketball, baseball, football, tennis—you name it, we all shared a passion for sports. At the time, I believed it was God’s way of bringing us together. However, once I suffered a devastating knee injury, I began to see that He had so much more in mind.

It was 1976, and I was eighteen years old. I was excited because my brother, Brad, and I would play in a football league as receivers. Unfortunately, the excitement was short-lived.

During the first half of the first game, while I was going out for a pass, my knee buckled and gave out. At halftime, I tested my knee on the sidelines, but it felt very shaky and weak, and it began to swell. At that point, for fear of hurting it any further, it was clear that I shouldn’t attempt to go back into the game.

A few days later, I went to my local family doctor, who advised me, Give your knee a couple of weeks’ rest. If the swelling goes down and the pain subsides, go ahead with athletics again. After a couple of weeks, my knee felt better, so I went to a local gym to play basketball. As I attempted to stop for a jump shot, my knee completely collapsed, and it felt like my femur and tibia had come apart at the knee. Needless to say, I was laying on the floor, withering in pain and feeling devastated.

Knowing how much I loved participating in different sports, my dad insisted that we find the best doctor that we could. My mom, dad, and I went to Dr. Stan Levine, the orthopedic surgeon for the Washington Redskins. After Dr. Levine manipulated my knee, it didn’t take him long to give us the devastating news. You have torn the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and some cartilage in your knee. Unfortunately, at that present time, there are no surgeries that could realistically repair an ACL. This will leave you with an unstable knee. He then added a crushing blow, You have injured your knee so badly that you will no longer be capable of participating in sports activities, with the possible exception of swimming and cycling.

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I looked over at my mom, and she was crying uncontrollably. As a mother, she knew how devastating it was for her son to hear what Dr. Levine had just said. Dr. Levine then gave me a small glimpse of hope when he said, There is an experimental surgery that I can attempt, but I must emphasize the chances are very minimal that it will actually work.

I didn’t really have any other options. After conferring with my mom and dad, we agreed to try it. It was my only hope. In simple terms, the surgery involved taking a muscle from my calf, drilling holes in my knee, and wrapping the muscle around the knee to give it support, acting like an ACL.

Three months after he had performed the surgery, my brother Steve took me to Dr. Levine’s office to have the cast removed. I’ll never forget his reaction after the cast was taken off. When he saw how much my leg had atrophied and how ugly the oozing twelve-inch scar looked, he joked, Frankenstein would’ve been proud of that leg. He was right. It wasn’t a pretty sight, that’s for sure. Worse, when Dr. Levine manipulated my knee, he gave me more bad news. Unfortunately, your knee is still loose. Adding, There’s an outside shot that rehabilitation could minimally help in some way.

As soon as I was given permission, I fanatically began rehabilitating to strengthen the muscles around my knee to give it some stability. I became extremely determined by doing thousands of leg extensions, leg curls, and light squats in an