A Grand Slam-Strikeout Cancer

For the last five years the Prior Lake High School baseball program has held an event to raise money for cancer. This year the money raised went to the Angel Foundation, an organization that helps to provide financial support for people and families that are fighting cancer.

This last Saturday was one of those perfect days that Minnesotan’s look forward to when the temperatures dip below zero, and the height of the snowbanks makes driving treacherous. The weather allowed this annual event to run without the worry of rain or storms, but this was a day that would have been great even if the weather hadn’t cooperated.

Some of the activities of the day included: “chuck a ball”, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle. Pink decorations dominated a place that rarely sees pastels. Players wore pink shoelaces, wrist bands and pink eye black. Parents wore pink t-shirts that said, “Strike Out Cancer”, the theme of the day, and offered the “I Honor...” sheets that were raised during the moment of silence before the games began.

So many good things come out of events like these, but the best of these is unity. This is a partnership between parents, coaches, and kids that is unlike any other during a season. Complaints about things like playing time or coaching decisions don’t taint an effort such as this; it’s just too important. One of the most valuable things about a day like this is for kids to understand and act for something that is outside of themselves. It sets an important example of what it is to be an empathetic and contributing member of humanity.

The financial results of the day? Almost $10,000 donated because of the efforts of 78 families and community partners; both local and professional.

High school sports can be complicated, but this wasn’t. This was about the love and care by a community of parents, kids and coaches working to help fight a disease that continues to affect everyone in that ballpark.

Kudos to a beautiful day!