"Book Reviews" by Sylvia Dresser |
by Carol Kinnart and Judy Tochterman I have a heart warming story to share about an incredible group of softball players, their coaches, and their parents. It begins in August of 2001, just shortly before the horrible events of 9/11. Most of the girls on this softball team have been playing together for the Gladstone Little League since they were 9 and 10 years old, including the last two years as members of the Senior Girls Little League All-Stars for 15-16 year olds. Gladstone is a small town of about 5,000 people in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and these girls have made quite an impression on this town. They are the winners of five state championships and were runners up in the state twice. They were also runners-up in the Regional Competition three times (twice losing in the championship game that would have earned them a berth in the World Series tournament, a goal that they have been striving for.) In August 2001, they did it! They won the State championship, won the Regional championship, and were on their way to the World Series in Jeffersontown, Kentucky. During the entire tournament road to the World Series they outscored their opponents 49-0. To our little town of Gladstone, these Senior League girls were overnight celebrities. They were not only representing Gladstone, but the state of Michigan and also the Regional States surrounding us. They were now the Central United States Team, and they were going to be playing against teams from all over the world. One of the teams they played and defeated was the Philippines. The Philippines were a small team height-wise, but were very quick and skilled. During the game, we noticed they had very poor equipment and were changing shoes with each other between innings. We found out later that they only had six pairs of softball spikes and fourteen girls on the team, so they had to share shoes. They had one old wooden bat, balls with little chunks out of them, and their helmets were not legally safe. After some discussion and complete agreement between the girls on our team, a collection was taken among the parents and coaches. Even though some parents had to borrow money just to be at these tournaments with their daughters, they dug deep to help others, and we purchased some equipment for these fine Philippines ball players. The next day, our girls presented the Philippines team with seven pairs of spikes, bats and balls, and a very expensive bat that was donated by the sport shop that the equipment was purchased from. The Philippines team was very grateful and surprised with this act of kindness and generosity. Our hearts were so warmed with their reaction that there were lots of tears and hugs being exchanged, not only by the girls, but the parents and coaches as well. Other teams and parents noticed what was going on in the distance and came closer to see this special 'ceremony'. Incidentally, the Gladstone team lost its first game of the World Series tournament and worked its way through the losers bracket to the championship game against unbeaten California. The team beat California, forcing a second game to decide the championship. Unfortunately, Gladstone couldn't come up with the win and California were the World Series Champs. Gladstone, however, was very pleased with being the second best team in the World, and they will never forget the experience of just being there. Then came August 2002. Gladstone was again on their way to Jeffersontown, Kentucky, to play in the World Series. To do this two years in a row was the most incredible accomplishment of these girls' young lives. The Gladstone girls found themselves once again playing against the same Philippines team as the year before. During the game, which Gladstone won, they realized that the Philippines only had three batting helmets causing their first base coach to wear a catcher's helmet, and when the Philippines had bases loaded they requested to borrow a couple of our helmets. The very next day, in a quiet little ceremony, the Gladstone Senior League Girls presented the Philippines team with six new batting helmets. The Philippines team was overwhelmed, very thankful, and will never forget their friends from Michigan. As a token of their appreciation, the Philippines team presented Gladstone with bracelets. The Gladstone girls played their best softball during the tournament. There was much pressure for them to bring home the championship this time. Once again they found themselves in the championship game. There were a lot of nerves, but at the same time the excitement was unbelievable. The girls played their hearts out, but couldn't pull off the win and were once again the runners-up. Even with all of the congratulations, welcome home parades, and notoriety, the most important memory for these girls is the memory of giving to those in need. With so much competition and stress being put on kids to win, the girls have realized that the most important things are the people you meet along they way, the fun you have, and the experiences shared. This is truly a positive reflection of how these girls are excellent role models for the teenagers of America. Judy Tochterman was Manager of the 2001 & 2002 World Series Runner-up Teams If
you would like to contact Carol Kinnart, you can e-mail her at <dkinnart@chartermi.net>
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