The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

Fans and members of the New Providence Old-Timers Softball Association (NPOSA) suffered a big shock when versatile player Kent Forbes collapsed during Saturday's game. He was rushed to the Princess Margaret Hospital where he was later pronounced died.

Fifty one-year-old Forbes, who was affectionately known as 'Drinks,' was playing in left field for Dozer Heavy Equipment when he knocked into an inning-ending double play in the fourth after he was called out at first base against the Bamboo Shack Bulls.

As the teams started to switch positions on and off the field, Forbes was seen trying to recuperate. Team-mates and fans rushed to his aid in a bid to assist him.

"To my knowledge, I don't think he ever recovered," said association president Lawrence 'Buddy' Smith, who was the plate umpire for the game. "It was then until I heard him make a last gasp before they lifted him up and carried him off the field. I think he died right there, although they took him to the hospital."

As a result of the incident, Smith said Dozer Heavy Equipment forfeited the game and the remaining game that was to follow because of their respect for Forbes.

Smith said Sunday's first game between Dozer Heavy Equipment and A1 Signs was also postponed. However, they ended up playing the second game.

Greg Smith, a close friend of Forbes, said he is having a tough time because he and Kent were like brothers and he was actually in the game when Forbes collapsed.

"I was cracking a joke with him when he was up to bat," Smith said. "He hit a foul ball and I asked him to teach me how to hit it like that. That was the last thing that I said to him."

Smith said they were so close that no matter what he needed, Forbes would provide it for him. "He never let me down. He was closer to me than a brother," Smith said.

Dozer Heavy Equipment team manager Jeff Willie said he was not present at the game but became distraught when he got the news.

"That was a blow," Willie said. "I got to know him a few years ago when he was playing for Batelco. When our Police Aces team was making our annual trip to Florida, we invited him to join us and we were inseparable ever since.

"He got us to play with him on Dozer Heavy Equipment, we played on BEC together. We were much more than just team-mates. We had a bonding group. He was the glue that kept us together, myself, Greg Smith, Rudy Miller, Anthony 'Cracker' Richardson and Brian Gibson."

Willie said Kent's death is painful for him because they were just together Friday night and Forbes was his jovial self. He noted that Kent was much more than a tremendous ball player. He was a person with a heart of gold, said Willie.

"Not only was he a good friend and team-mate, but he was also a tremendous father to his kids," Willie said. "He always made sure they had what they needed to be successful.

"Just to look at his kids, you could see that they were respectful and hard working. He will surely be missed, not just at the ball park, but around his home where he used to entertain us."

Stephanie Forbes, who just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on Forbes' 51st birthday on February 21, said it's a hard time but she's coping with the support of her family and friends.

Forbes is the proud father of Kenique Forbes, Dino, Kent Jr, Kenron and Kentico Forbes. He is also survived by his parents Marie and Paul Forbes, father-in-law Basil Huyler, six sisters, three brothers, seven brothers-in-law, eight sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews. Forbes was employed at Bahamas Hot Mix.

NOTE: The Baptist Sports Council also expressed condolences to Forbes' family. Forbes was a member of the Macedonia Baptist Warriors softball team.

May his soul rest in peace.