Kenneth Lyles was born on December 24, 1956 in Houston, Texas. He is the middle child of three who grew up in the Trinity Garden area. Being raised by two loving parents, RD and the late Georgia Steptoe, he was taught how important it is to use the gifts and talents God gave you and use them to help others. Kenneth attended the neighborhood schools, Chatham Elementary, I.M. Terrell Jr. High School and Kashmere Senior High. He began to love the game of Baseball at an early age. Being taught by his first Coach, Mr. Majelon Manning, he learned that playing Baseball is fun and it’s more than just a game.

While attending Terrell Jr. High School, Kenneth played Basketball with some great friends and awesome players like Carl Byrd, Henry Small, Madison Lane and Charlie Ross. He didn’t get much out of basketball like those guys but what he did get from them was a nickname that some people even call him today “Fishsticks” or “Fish”.

Kenneth’s High School days started quickly. His brother, Rowland introduced him to Coach Johnny B. Felder and was asked if he wanted to be a trainer for the football team. He accepted his offer and enjoyed doing it for his three years at Kashmere. Being active around school and having great teachers that pushed you to be your best made the year go by quickly. When Baseball season began, Kenneth was blessed to start on the varsity team at Shortstop his first year at Kashmere. That was his best year because once again he was able to play with the guy who literally paved the way for him in everything, his brother Rowland.

Kenneth played varsity for all three years and was the Team Captain his last year. During his last year, Coach Abrams allowed him to pitch his first game against the District first place team, Sam Houston. What a game! Kenneth struck out 11 and hit a three run homer to defeat them for the first time. That was the start of his pitching career. He finished his senior year with a 3-3 pitching record and a batting average of 3.18 with four home runs.

Kenneth graduated in the top 10% of the 1975 senior class and received a 4 year scholarship to attend Prairie View A&M University to follow his brother to play baseball for the Panthers. Kenneth was one of the Team Captains his last year at Prairie View and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Technology. After graduating from Prairie View, Kenneth   accepted a teaching position at Paul Revere Middle School where he taught for 31 years. He retired in 2010.

Kenneth is blessed to have two beautiful daughters, Miranda and Amaiya, an amazing son Jamel and eight grandkids who he loves so dearly. A special thanks to God for making this all possible. To my sister, Lisa, who keeps us all together, my Church family under the leadership of my Pastor, Timothy Daniels, Larry Manning for teaching me the curve ball, Coach Felder, Coach Abram and the late Coach John Tankersley (PV) for not only giving me a chance but also for teaching me the game of Baseball and how to become a respectable young man. I am gratefully honored and thankful to Kashmere Former Athletes Association for this nomination.