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James Capes (Jocko Literati) Former News Sports Columnist��

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Former Pasco News sports columnist JAMES CAPES who wrote a sports column for the Pasco News under the by-line JOCKO LITERATI passed away recently. Jocko wrote in a unique style much different than other local sports writers. The humorous free spirited writer was read and enjoyed by many in the Dade City/Zephyrhills.
James was not a high school baseball star as a matter of fact he never wore a Pasco Pirate uniform, but he was a good athlete and honed his skills on the softball fields inside old Massey Field. He was described by many as a ‘colorful’ softball player and team manager back in the 1970’s. One thing that made James stand out was his wearing red high top converse tennis shoes instead of cleats.
As a player James pulled off one of the most unbelievable defensive plays in the long history of the Dade City recreation softball league. With runners at first and second he speared a line drive, stepped on second to double off the runner and then chase down the runner trying to return to first to complete the unassisted triple play. James brother ED CAPES states, “My brother enjoyed playing softball and although his team seldom won they had fun.”
Ed also known as E.H. went on to say, “James as the player-coach of his softball team believed that everyone who showed up played. He continued, “Win or lose his team had a good time. His motto was why let a loss ruin a good party.’” I never worked with James, at the Pasco News, but did have the opportunity to watch him play and write about some of his games. From this writer, and the Pasco Shopper which is a sister paper to the old Pasco News, our sympathy goes out to the entire Capes family.��