From barbecue to baseball,Texas style

One of Linden’s newest businesses has already had a major impact upon the community.

Stryk’s Pit Barbecue located just off U. S. Highway 59 recently opened its new dining facility to give its public a place to sit down as well as drive-by to pick up their barbecue cooked in the original Texas Style, owners Travis and Sunny Stryk like to say.

Linden Noon Lions, for example, now have adopted the barbecue and its dining hall as their new meeting place Thursday noon.

Another Linden community service sector has benefitted from the community spirit of the owners. Let Travis and Sunny Stryk tell the story of their involvement with spring youth baseball that benefits community neighbors and family.

“We been here three seasons now,” Travis begins, “and we had been noticing the town’s youth baseball program was struggling for success. The league was in survival mode. Not getting ahead and with kids going elsewhere to play.”

As a start, owner Sunny Stryk began coaching private lessons for the baseball, t-ball and softball players. Kids began to come back to Linden’s field because an individual was taking an interest and inviting them. The move to revitalize the ball league was afoot.

“Our goal was to get others on board. Together we would get it back where it was,” Sunny said.

Travis said for him the first move was to get a baseball board of directors back together to make plans and generate enthusiasm. Those who know can confirm Travis does have enthusiasm.

“We are going to make a difference right here in Linden,” he said. “Play here, not somewhere else. Give the kids something to do, and the adults an activity in the park to go to. Everybody benefits.”

Members of the board who volunteered and were appointed were: — Desmond Love, league commissioner — Lisa Hale, secretary — Travis Stryk, baseball commissioner — Dallas Stone, softball commissioner — April Kenward, t-ball commissioner One of the first things noticed was that the park’s recreation equipment for children was in poor shape. The site was re-located and fixed up with new equipment. Mission accomplished.

And then one big idea and a big suggestion were proposed. The big idea? Build another ball diamond so play could be more easily scheduled. The light of acceptance glimmered in the eyes of the board members and others. Why not?

The suggestion? It would come from the Stryks. Provide the park a kick-off money raiser. For that, Travis and Sunny volunteered their barbecue. Stryk’s Pit Barbecue would cook for the concession stand at the ball games, practice and other times.

“All profits — 100 percent — would go to the youth baseball league. We sold out with everything we could bring,” Travis said.

And so, excitement was created. Volunteers and kids signed up. In February, the first sign up for league play was held and opening play began. This season continued through June even to post season all-star participation.

“It’s all about community morale, that’s what we think,” the Stryks said. “It’s for the kids not to be bored. We all do something together.”