Some soccer players are often said to play with a great deal of `heart' However, for 13-year-old Reginald Baker it was his heart that threatened to take the game away.

Baker underwent an experience several older persons have had to endure but few his age ever will -- that of having his chest literally sliced open in order for doctors to operate on the body's most crucial organ.

The decision to embark on the open heart procedure came, ironically, as a result of the young striker's desire to play ball, having been selected to tour overseas with Dandy Town earlier this summer.

A physical was required of all players, and it was during this procedure that a heart murmur was detected, resulting in more tests and the eventual discovery of, not one, but two holes in Baker's heart.

Surgery was inevitable, with Baker being flown to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, the nation's top rated medical facility.

Displaying the courageousness of youth, Baker said he was not afraid of the operation, at least not at first.

"I wasn't really scared,'' said Baker, a speedy forward with 13 goals to his credit in just six matches for Boulevard's under-13 side. "But when I got there on the day of the operation I was, because I thought I might not wake up.'' However, scared did not come close to how father Reginald (Lucky) Pitcher felt, himself a multi-sports star in his day.

"I was terrified, absolutely terrified,'' said Pitcher, himself currently on the mend, albeit from a lot less serious ailment, that of torn ankle ligaments.

"I was more scared than he was. I was at the hospital (Johns Hopkins) and left there because I couldn't take it, and when I came back and saw all the tubes and stuff going through him it was a terrible feeling, one I wouldn't wish on any parent.'' Indeed, Pitcher has a message for all parents out there, particularly those with offspring who take part in sports . .. get them checked often.

And he drew reference to an article in Wednesday's USA Today , which highlighted more than a dozen deaths on the playing field that were attributed to irregularities of the heart.

"I'm glad it happened the way it did, because if it hadn't been found, then the repercussions would have been more serious ... it was a bomb waiting to explode,'' said Pitcher.

"I strongly recommend to parents that if they do have children getting involved in sports, that they get them checked and make sure everything is okay before they are allowed to play.

"Who knows? There may be more out there like Reggie that are playing. It was just fortunate that Dandy Town were going away on a soccer tour, because we would have never known.

"At the time I didn't feel anything about him getting one, because he was one of the more conditioned guys in the team.'' Diagnosed in July, Baker had surgery in August, and was told he would not be able to resume his fledgling career until after Christmas. However, the youngster had other ideas.

Baker embarked on a rigorous rehabilitation programme of special exercise to stimulate the healing process.

Soon he was back doing some light work with the ball under the supervision of a somewhat hesitant father, but even this did not satisfy the son, who took it upon himself to plead his case with his doctor.

"I didn't want him to play, but like a lot of kids he's very stubborn,'' said Pitcher. "I wanted him to do some light stuff, get in shape, and after going through those paces I let him go and knock a ball around.

"What I didn't know was that he was playing behind my back anyway, which is what led to him going to the specialist.

"I really didn't want him to play. After what I had been through, I didn't want to have to go through it again.

"I just tell him to take it easy, but he's so energetic, and everybody says that, which is what blinded me to his condition.'' One thing the surgery hasn't done is diminish his enthusiasm and desire for the game.

His return has been a boost for Boulevard, who head the division along with North Village, as well as Dellwood, where he is in his final year before heading off to high school.

Dellwood have already claimed the league title and have a date in the Knock-Out final in January.

"The doctors told me that I would have to stop for a while, but I just like to play ball,'' said Baker, who, even during this interview, had his mind on getting to training at Victor Scott School. "I feel pretty good being back, not much different.'' As for the lengthy scar that serves as a constant reminder of the surgery? "It's no big deal, I just look at it now and then,'' said Baker. "My team-mates ask me if I'm OK if they hit me in my chest, but that's about all.

"My chest hurts a little at the top, so I just chest the ball a little to the side ... no problem.'' However, Baker is certainly hoping to prove a big problem for Village's goalkeeper come tomorrow when the two sides clash for the outright league leadership.

"Their 'keeper, I'm going to tuck him,'' was his message, spoken as a true striker.

All heart! Thirteen year-old Reginald Tucker is already back out playing soccer after undergoing major heart surgery during the summer.

HEALTH HTH