Baseball has been a part of Dan Adair’s life for over 70 years, so it’s only right that his grandsons are now playing at a high level behind his influence.

Adair, a 77-year-old assistant coach for Lewis-Palmer nicknamed “Pops,” is the grandfather of senior Danny Cook — a Pepperdine signee — and Billy Cook — who plays in the Baltimore Orioles’ organization. He has coached at Lewis-Palmer for over a decade, now having coached both Danny and Billy.

“It’s fun seeing him every day,” Danny Cook said. “I get nice snickers from him every day, which is always awesome.”

Adair planned to hang up the cleats, jersey and hat long ago. His initial plan was to coach Billy until he graduated in 2017.

But at that time, Danny was a sixth grader who often found himself at the diamond. One day, middle-school-aged Danny was talking to his grandfather and gave Pops an offer he couldn’t refuse.

“Grandpa, you’re going to coach me in high school like you did with Billy, right?” the young Danny said.

Though unplanned, Pops’ answer was swift.

“Of course I am,” he responded.

Pops was a staple of Lewis-Palmer baseball before Danny asked that question, and he has continued to be since — and Adair’s influence is a valuable one.

He played college baseball at the University of Wyoming before the school disbanded its program. Adair was later drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies and played in their organization for a handful of years.

“It’s nice to be coached by someone who has been around the game for so long, just with his insights on everything,” Danny said.

Adair’s specialty is hitting. He often gives advice to players and participates in drills in a way not used by many coaches in today’s game.

“He’s definitely old school,” Danny said. “Simple, which is nice. Bat on the ball, head down. He’s a firm believer in a two-stroke approach, which works.”

Evidently, Pops’ leadership and knowledge has been pivotal.

The Rangers have posted a winning record every season since 2013. They posted a program-best 22 wins in 2015 and reached the state title game. This year, the Rangers are 7-3.

More than simply coaching his grandsons, Adair treasures the relationships he builds with Lewis-Palmer’s players.

“It’s not just them, it’s all these kids,” Adair said. “What’s special is that they’re healthy, they love to play, and I’m grateful for that.”

Baseball isn’t Adair’s only place at L-P. He often volunteers at other, non-sports-related events at the school.

Most recently, Adair served as the blackjack dealer at Lewis-Palmer’s prom — a gig that kept him up until 3 a.m. on Sunday.

“I should’ve been in bed and asleep at that hour,” Adair said.

Ultimately, it’s his desire to be a good influence that keeps him so involved at his age.

“I just want them to believe in themselves and whatever they do, do it at 100%,” Adair said. “If they do that, then they’ll be successful people. It’s pretty simple.”

Even with Adair approaching 80 and his grandson graduating in May, Pops said he’s going nowhere.

“I’m still going to stay afterwards,” Adair said. “You get close to these boys, and that’s why I’m here.”

Danny added, “He just loves the game. He’s doing everything he can to stay around it. Even if he can’t throw or hit fungo anymore, he still loves being around the players.”