Keep Battling, Adam

We have a parent and coach in our league who has taken a turn for the worse. He has been fighting cancer valiantly for two years. He is a great guy and has a nice family, like we all do. But he has been battling for two years, although holding his head high with a smile on his face. I tell my players, "Keep your head up." Adam Schmitz has done that.

I've spent time with Adam and his son at the batting cages. Adam watches closely as his son hits ball after ball, making an adjustment here and there. Adam's eyes are bright and wide. He soaks it all in, loving every minute of it - just as he does any time he's at the park, either watching Zeke play or just talking to friends. He has the perspective on life that allows him to take in and appreciate his experiences. He wants more knowledge, more friends, more swings, more time.

Adam loves to talk and he is a good listener too. We discuss hitting and pitching, Majors and Minors, McGwire and Sosa, the Mets and Yankees, dogs and cats, whatever. We want to talk for longer, but I can't match his enthusiasm. And it's getting dark and the lights aren't coming on.

It's hard to know that someone like Adam with so much goodness in his heart and so much enthusiasm for life is struggling. It doesn't seem fair. But he is battling. That's another thing I tell my players: "Keep battling. Battle to the very end. No matter the outcome, you'll be proud that you did." Adam Schmitz has done that. He will continue to do it. And we are all proud.

Adam's family needs our help. Myers Park Trinity is a larger family of sorts. We support our own when they need us. If you would like to help the Schmitz family, please go to the following link and show your support. Show them how much we all appreciate Adam. Please visit:

The Adam Schmitz Cancer Fund