That’s great sportsmanship right there. To be hit by a pitch is scary. To be hit on the head by a pitch is a nightmare. For the batter to console the pitcher in that situation is a lesson for all athletes to follow. Sometimes it’s not all just about you. That kid gets it.
You know John, there is a huge shortage of umpires and all officials in youth and high school sports nationwide. A lot of that is attributed to the horrible sportsmanship, or lack there of, from coaches and especially parents.
Seeing this today has given me faith that reports of sportsmanship’s death are premature?
Seriously, if those who can’t help but be touched by what we saw today (and if you weren’t, you should self evaluate-stat!), maybe you can also carry that feeling a little further and turn it down a few notches when it comes to constant umpire criticism?
If that’s not you, maybe you can remind those who haven’t got the message, that the game is for the kids to enjoy, learn, and have fun. Not for the parent who can yell the loudest.
This is the reason I watch the Little League World Series whatever a State or Country these young people also the coaches show that Respect, Concern is above a trophy. There is no yelling at the kids when a mistake is made. 🏆s all.
That is true sportsmanship. Something that is missing at the higher levels in some sports. Kudos to both players and to their coaches for teaching them that. Thanks for sharing
Thank you, John!! We all would love for you to share these stories every chance you get! Pro and college athletes could learn a lot from those kids. Right now, I can barely see my screen. My eyes are misty.
Could it be that kids.....our children......are the ones we need to learn from rather than the other way around?
My son is 11 and my daughter is 9 and I swear they have more understanding and compassion than I ever have or did......and I am definitely one of the more compassionate people I know.
Perhaps there is hope for this country? For this world? The path forward lies with empowering our kids to find the solutions to our myriad of current issues.
Right on. You've nailed it--the higher values and priorities have been missing from sports. At least sports headlines and stories. Thank you for doing your part to put humanity back in it.
What an awesome act of kindness! I love watching kids play baseball! My son played baseball from the time he was six until he was 20. (2 years after high school at SW Oregon Community College) We actually had withdrawals and a few times we'd be driving down the street and see a game and stop and watch. Didn't know a soul but had a great time.
It’s easy to lose track of, but this is the real reason why we all so value amateur status: it’s the one time in an athlete’s life that he or she gets to internalize - in the clearest of terms - what’s truly important in life before money enters into the picture.
My eyes watered, too. Maybe there is hope for the world after all. Would be nice to see a major leaguer do the same instead of charging the mound and starting a brawl (even though MLB brawls can be good theatre).
Now that’s what sports SHOULD be all about. Sportsmanship…the “game”has forgotten this lately. Thanks for sharing that it’s alive and well among the kids anyway. Maybe professional and college coaches should show this at their next team meeting. Thanks John for sharing.
The really good stuff. Thank you for sharing. Hope keeps us believing. Wow.
That’s great sportsmanship right there. To be hit by a pitch is scary. To be hit on the head by a pitch is a nightmare. For the batter to console the pitcher in that situation is a lesson for all athletes to follow. Sometimes it’s not all just about you. That kid gets it.
You know John, there is a huge shortage of umpires and all officials in youth and high school sports nationwide. A lot of that is attributed to the horrible sportsmanship, or lack there of, from coaches and especially parents.
Seeing this today has given me faith that reports of sportsmanship’s death are premature?
Seriously, if those who can’t help but be touched by what we saw today (and if you weren’t, you should self evaluate-stat!), maybe you can also carry that feeling a little further and turn it down a few notches when it comes to constant umpire criticism?
If that’s not you, maybe you can remind those who haven’t got the message, that the game is for the kids to enjoy, learn, and have fun. Not for the parent who can yell the loudest.
This is the reason I watch the Little League World Series whatever a State or Country these young people also the coaches show that Respect, Concern is above a trophy. There is no yelling at the kids when a mistake is made. 🏆s all.
That is true sportsmanship. Something that is missing at the higher levels in some sports. Kudos to both players and to their coaches for teaching them that. Thanks for sharing
Thank you, John!! We all would love for you to share these stories every chance you get! Pro and college athletes could learn a lot from those kids. Right now, I can barely see my screen. My eyes are misty.
Could it be that kids.....our children......are the ones we need to learn from rather than the other way around?
My son is 11 and my daughter is 9 and I swear they have more understanding and compassion than I ever have or did......and I am definitely one of the more compassionate people I know.
Perhaps there is hope for this country? For this world? The path forward lies with empowering our kids to find the solutions to our myriad of current issues.
How many times have we seen a batter rush the mound after being hit...
I guess the difference is that on a pro level the pitcher meant to hit them.
Does anyone know if the pitcher stayed in the game?
Right on. You've nailed it--the higher values and priorities have been missing from sports. At least sports headlines and stories. Thank you for doing your part to put humanity back in it.
What an awesome act of kindness! I love watching kids play baseball! My son played baseball from the time he was six until he was 20. (2 years after high school at SW Oregon Community College) We actually had withdrawals and a few times we'd be driving down the street and see a game and stop and watch. Didn't know a soul but had a great time.
So did mine. Sportsmanship witnessed. So rare in our ever growing narcissistic culture. That boy was parented well.
It’s easy to lose track of, but this is the real reason why we all so value amateur status: it’s the one time in an athlete’s life that he or she gets to internalize - in the clearest of terms - what’s truly important in life before money enters into the picture.
My eyes watered, too. Maybe there is hope for the world after all. Would be nice to see a major leaguer do the same instead of charging the mound and starting a brawl (even though MLB brawls can be good theatre).
Now that’s what sports SHOULD be all about. Sportsmanship…the “game”has forgotten this lately. Thanks for sharing that it’s alive and well among the kids anyway. Maybe professional and college coaches should show this at their next team meeting. Thanks John for sharing.
Yes, John, you're right. Read this too. Even Red Sox have hearts. https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-red-sox/2022/08/07/jim-rice-saves-life-jonathan-keane-fenway-park-forty-years-anniversary/
My eyes watered, too. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt scene.