Publisher’s Note

Finding true grit

Seeing true grit and professionalism from today's youth comes when you expect it least. The other day while surfing YouTube, I saw highlights from the Southwest Region Championship during the Little League World Series. The action was from the qualification game between Texas East and Oklahoma.

It was the bottom of the first with Texas East up 3-2. An Oklahoma player was batting with the bases loaded and two outs when the pitcher threw a fastball that veered into the batter’s helmet/head area. He was lucky it didn’t hit him in the face. The batter was able to move his head quickly enough to avoid serious injury, with the ball knocking his helmet off. Immediately after being struck, the Oklahoma batter went down. The coaches and medical staff rushed over to check on him. After remaining on the ground a bit, he finally was able to get up on his feet and head to first base. The young pitcher from Texas East did not mean to hit him and was really shaken up. When the batter noticed, he removed his helmet and walked over to the mound. At that moment, he gave the pitcher a hug and tried to console him. The rest of the team soon joined them, as the crowd rose into a standing ovation. I am not sure what he said to him, but you can bet it was something like, "Hey, don't worry about it, I know you didn't mean it and am okay. Let's play ball." The batter walked back to first base while the Texas East coaches tried to settle their young pitcher down. Not only was this a first-class act at such a young age, but it showed total maturity, professionalism and what good sportsmanship is all about. This is what winners are made of. I would take an entire team of this type of individual. Think about it: If you were a coach or business owner, you cannot teach this. It is something you are born with—deep inside of your soul. Sure, you want you to beat the other team. You want to make it to the championship round. But when the moment arises to show compassion, this young man should receive a huge “way-to go" from all of us. If you want to see the video, type: “Little Leaguer Comforts Pitcher After Getting Hit in the Head. *Emotional* and enjoy the several minute video. Believe me, you will want to watch it again. As an athlete, coach and entrepreneur, it was terrific to see that young man pick himself up, brush off the tears and dirt, and remain in the game to “get-r-done.” And to be able to help a competitor is just inspiring. So, as we end Q3 and enter Q4, think about this young baseball player as you work to get your job done and close out the year on a positive note. To all, safe travels. And stay safe on the project sites. Good health and always, Keep the Faith. CCR