Tributes pour in for former national youth cricketer
Published:Thursday | February 10, 2022 | 12:06 AMGareth Davis Sr/Gleaner Writer
Boundbrook, Portland:
TRIBUTES ARE pouring in for former Jamaica youth cricketer and express fast bowler, Lee ‘Babba lee’ Lawrence, who passed away at his residence in the United States (US) recently.
Lawrence, who was affectionately called Babba Lee, reportedly waltzed into the Jamaica youth cricket team in 1975/76 at 17 years old where he played alongside the likes of former West Indies player, Everton Mattis.
A former student of Titchfield High School, Lawrence also played Headley Cup cricket and daCosta Cup football for his alma mater from 1974 to 1977 as a tear-away fast bowler and also as a centre forward. He also played club cricket (Jones Cup) for Halifax Cricket Club.
His remarkable skills were quickly recognised and as a 16-year-old, he played his first club football game for the Thunder Kickers in the Portland Division One league and later the parish team in football and cricket.
Retired parish manager of the Jamaica Information Service in Portland, Aston Bailey, who also represented Titchfield High in Headley Cup cricket, said Lawrence was arguably one of the quickest bowlers he had ever seen, saying he was also able to perform at a high level as a footballer.
FAST BOWLER
Additionally, former Jamaica youth cricket coach, Carl Brissett, who played league cricket in England, said Lawrence was as quick as any of the fast bowlers around during that era.
According to his boyhood friend, James ‘Gubbay’ Headley, seeing Lee gliding in from the palm tree end at Boundbrook on his traditional long run was reminiscent of that of legendary West Indies fast bowler, Michael Holding.
“He was genuinely quick and he could bat also,” said Headley.
“When he made the Jamaica youth team, it came to us as no surprise, as he had all the batsmen ducking in the parish league. He is a proud son of Boundbrook in Portland, and he will be missed for many years to come. Anyone, who watched cricket during that period, especially in Portland, will always remember him, not only for express deliveries, but also for his mannerism and kindness,” said Headley of the man known as a gentleman and for being quite jovial.
A special celebratory event to honour the life of Lee ‘Babba’ Lawrence, who passed away in late January, will take place on Tuesday February 15 at Boundbrook.
At the time of his passing, Lawrence was 63 years old.