Solly's Sensational Summer Surprise

“Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of their championship character”
-- T. Alan Armstrong

And it came to pass that Solly was asked to be on a baseball team. He disliked baseball very much (too boring, too slow), but he liked the friend who asked him to be on his church team. So he said yes.

It was a motley crew. I say with love, it did not appear to be a talented team. At least not at the beginning. But stay tuned, because we all love the underdog, right?

With Clay's encouragement, Solly practiced batting in the backyard. They did not use baseballs, they used GOLF balls. It was often VERY hot when they practiced, and Sol was reluctant, but they persisted.

Something magical happened. Sol began hitting the ball. He hit the ball SO FAR over the fence, that coaches called it "the hit of a lifetime" !! They had never seen anyone hit it that far.

With the help of Sol's RBI's, the team began winning. It seemed miraculous. The team WON the league with the best record.

Then the MOST amazing thing happened. It was tournament time, lots of pressure, and Sol was not hitting. In fact, he was striking out. But the beauty is, boys who had not hit the ball all season, began hitting. THE BOYS HIT BIG. The fans cheered. WE WON the league AND the tournament, which they say, does not happen often.

Congratulations to the Harvesttime Champions!! We are all so proud of your hard work and most of all, your sweet hearts. What a great group of boys. What great coaches and parents. I thank God for such a fun season, and for teaching Sol the importance of hard work and teamwork!