Mo’ne Davis: “Strike.”
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| Mo'ne Davis at #ESPNThePicnic (Kaitee Daley) |
A role model to girls who love sports, Mo'Ne has a 70-mph fastball, and she's the only girl on her team, the Taney Dragons.
Not that I keep up with Sports Illustrated covers, but I can't remember when a 13-year-old black girl from Philly dominated the cover of any magazine, not to mention SI, but there she is, in all her skilled, disciplined, gorgeous glory.
That's not all. Jackie Robinson West, the Little League team from the south side of Chicago, won the U.S. title! I will never, ever, forget that last play FOR AS LONG AS I LIVE!!
To watch these young people play ball was a thing of beauty. Congratulations to their parents, and double props to their coaches. Even the commentators had to give it up: these kids have skills. And I loved their sportsmanship. Beautiful.
Mo'Ne and the boys have restored my faith in youth, and I know I'm not alone in feeling this way. When coming home the evening after JRW's big win against Nevada, a young football team was waiting for us at the stoplight off I-57. They were trying to raise money for their upcoming season. Helmets in hand, they walked in a dignified manner in between the lanes as their coaches kept a watchful eye.
I gave money, as did nearly everyone who stopped at the light. When children work hard, we must support them. Whether they win the game or not is not always the point. Mastering a skill develops self-esteem, discipline, time management, and a strong sense of team in kids.
In my family, we put our children in music (see SugarStrings), but sports is equally powerful in developing physical, social, and cognitive skills. Like I said, a beautiful thing.
I bet Jackie Robinson is up in heaven giving the angels high fives!
Love!
Donna
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