Every normal S.W. kid's ambition was to be another "Strawberry" Butler. A natural leader and athlete out of Willow Tree Alley playground (located inside a block bounded by 4th Street, B Street, 3rd Street, and C Street S.W." he excelled at boxing, wrestling, baseball, basketball, and track. With his cousin, Sylvester "Eggie Cut" Butler, he co-coached the Willow Tree football team. On the team he passed, kicked, blocked, and called signals. On offense he also ran. On defense he played safety--and was a magnificent broken-field runner on offense or defense.