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I want to pass along to you this story of a high school freshmen baseball team who did the right thing. They chose not to whine, but to make a positive effort to turn a potentially rained-out game into a reason to celebrate. Instead of whining and complaining about poor field conditions, they pitched in to help prepare a muddy field so that they could play their game. I count my blessings every day to be living in a community that is raising such fine young men. Below is a copy of a letter sent to the high school head baseball coach and athletic director. To understand the story better, it helps to know that the home team, which was responsible for preparing the field, has a history of unsuccessful sports seasons and having lesser field conditions, while the kids who chose to be helpful rather than whine live in a community with a high rate of sports success and are stereotyped as spoiled, rich kids. I think some communities might do well to stop their whining and jealousy and take a lesson from these boys who know how to treat others. It’s also a good opportunity to reflect on my own actions and determine to which group I belong.

Meanwhile, enjoy this letter from one high school coach to the head coach of the opposing team:

I just wanted to take a minute to let you know what a great
group of kids and coaches you have at the freshmen level. Yesterday, as
we were trying to get our field ready to play, your kids and coaches
(without us asking by the way) helped us get the tarp off the field,
spread turface and rake out wet spots. I don’t think there’s any way we
would have gotten the game in without their help and they were
incredibly gracious about it. In similar situations in the past [not
with (your school), but other schools] we have experienced impatience, frustration
and ambivalence . Your group showed nothing but class and a desire to
get the game in. Please send my thanks to your freshmen players and
coaches. It is my hope that every team we play this year handles
themselves with as much class.Have a great spring break!(signed by the Baseball Coach)
M. High School