When we unite, we can achieve amazing feats

Dear Editor,

On the behalf of 7/8 AA State Champions – Hartselle American, the assistants and each family represented, we want to say “Thank You” to the residents and businesses of Hartselle for coming out and supporting us in our journey this year.

Thanks to Ashley Balch, President and the board members of Hartselle Dixie Youth, Park and Rec, and all the volunteers who helped make hosting the state tournament a successful event. I believe the families traveling here were impressed with the facilities and most importantly, they were impacted positively by the smiles and the genuine personalities of those they came in contact with. Everywhere we have played we have received compliments about how well prepared the city was for this event. Coaches and fans from teams that were eliminated, as far as Heflin, came back to watch the championship games.

I remember looking out of the dugout and seeing the hillside filled with fans during our win over Enterprise. Last at bat, two outs and down by several runs with bases loaded – the noise level was so intense. Add that to the smell of the park, the focus of the players and competition between the teams and it just makes a great baseball experience for players and fans alike.

Baseball is such a great game and it teaches those involved so much more than just how to play. It teaches work ethic and discipline, forgiveness and faith and teamwork and unity – what people can achieve when they join together for a common cause. These boys witnessed a community, even those who used to live here and had moved away, unite together and accomplish something truly amazing!

That’s what you taught us Hartselle – how to be the best version of ourselves by helping others to be successful. Thank you!

In Him,

Tim McCarley
Hartselle