One of the best summer traditions is baseball. It is an amazing game. Baseball requires a tremendous set of skills, hard work, practice, and a competitive spirit, if you want to excel in the sport. It is the joy of seeing this hard work and skills come together that makes baseball such a joy to play and watch.
Baseball, at any level, is fun, but one of the most notable and popular baseball events is the Little League World Series. The kids who play on these highly dedicated little league teams are between the ages of 10 and 12. They compete in tournaments all over the United States and around the world for the opportunity to travel to South Williamsport, Pennsylvania and compete in the series. It takes a tremendous amount of time, effort, and desire to earn a spot in the Little League World Series.
Recently, a player from Tulsa made international news for something he did in a tournament leading up to the Little League World Series. Isaiah Jarvis was at bat when the opposing team pitcher, Kaiden Shelton from Texas, threw a wild pitch that struck Isaiah in the head. The loud sound of the ball slamming against Isaiah’s helmet could be heard on TV and throughout the stadium. He immediately hit the ground while coaches and teammates rushed to check on him. Thankfully, Isaiah was OK. He was able to stand and run to first base.
The game did not continue right away. Kaiden Shelton was on the mound, but not ready to throw another pitch. Kaiden was visibly shaken. He knew his pitch had hurt Isaiah and could have done much worse. Isaiah noticed Kaiden’s tears and emotion. Isaiah took off his helmet and walked from first base to the mound. In many games, when a batter gets hit, their anger leads them to charge the mound and start a fight. This time, Isaiah offered a hug and kind words of forgiveness and encouragement. Everyone in the stadium and all who were watching on TV witnessed sportsmanship at its finest.
To walk from first base to the pitcher’s mound and offer a kind word and a hug was humanity at its finest. It was a beautiful gesture of empathy. Isaiah had been hurt, but he recognized that Kaiden was also in pain. He set aside his hurt to offer compassion to a person who needed to hear from the person he had injured. Like Isaiah, we must consider others beyond ourselves.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
