With the continuing chaos coming out of Washington on an almost daily basis, we need re-acquaint ourselves with our better angels. This week, I offer three baseball stories.
This commentary is only 217 words, but it speaks volumes about civility and the simple human kindness that took place in the stands of a Detroit baseball park.
As reported by Vladimir Duthiers of CBS News (Aug. 15), “A routine foul ball at the Detroit Tigers game became anything but when 10-year-old Travis Blackwell decided to give the ball to an even younger fan, 7-year-old Michael Ogden.
“Can I give this ball to that kid down there because it’s his birthday today,” Travis asked his father.
He said that a couple years ago, he went to a game and got a ball, and the experience made his day. That’s why he wanted to share the love.
“ ‘I was kind of bummed, and then I got him catch a ball, and he just came down and gave it to me… I think was awesome,’ Michael said.
“But the boys weren’t done spreading happiness.
“ ‘A ball came over the net and the guy gave it to me,’ Michael said. ‘Then this little girl was sitting behind us, and I gave the ball to her, and it was her first baseball she has ever had.’
“Travis called it a ‘line of awesomeness.’ A line of awesomeness that became a home run in a lesson on civility” and kindness.