Flexing Our Core Values: A Season of Giving with Rebels Baseball Club

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves start to begin their vibrant hues, we find ourselves transitioning into a season of giving. It’s a time when hearts are warmed not only by the cozy embrace of sweaters and the aroma of gingerbread & cinnamon-spiced treats but also by the spirit of generosity that sweeps through communities. In this season, we, the 14U Rebels Baseball Club, are inspired to reflect on our core values and how they are, in many ways, like muscles. If we neglect to work them out, to flex them, to exercise them, they remain stagnant, undeveloped, and unfulfilled.

Yesterday was a testament to the power of our core values, as the 14U Rebels Baseball Club, alongside a few dedicated 15U Rebels, came together with a mission in mind. We set aside our gloves and bats for a moment and took up ladles and serving spoons. Together, we prepared two hearty pots of chili, purchased water, and embarked on a journey to the heart of east Dallas, where we sought to make a difference.

Our core values are not just words on a banner; they are the guiding principles that define us as a team and as individuals. They are the pillars upon which we build our character, our relationships, and our community. Let’s revisit these values for a moment:

1. Believe: In ourselves and in the power of collective action.
2. Always be learning: Growth is a continuous journey, and we’re committed to improving ourselves.
3. Loyalty: To our team, our community, and the causes we support.
4. Create fun relationships & build positive energy: Laughter and camaraderie are essential to our shared experience.
5. Stay Humble: Even in success, we remember where we came from.
6. Take Responsibility: We own our actions and their consequences.
7. Lead by Example: We strive to be role models in everything we do.
8. Take Initiative: We’re proactive in making a positive impact.
9. Be Enthusiastic: Our passion is infectious, and it fuels our efforts.
10. Go the Extra Mile: In both effort and compassion.
11. Be Selfless: We give without expecting anything in return.
12. Be Disciplined: We adhere to our commitments, on and off the field.

Our plan for the months of October and November revolves around two significant community outreach programs. First and foremost, baseball is close to our hearts, but our vision extends beyond our own abilities and skills. We’ve found inspiration in the concept of all-inclusive play, where skill levels and abilities don’t matter. This vision brought us to the Miracle League of Ellis County.

The Miracle League provides an opportunity for children and adults who have faced challenging diagnoses such as Autism, Down syndrome, Blindness, MS, and other conditions that may have typically excluded them from participating in sports. Now, they too can learn the game, experience the joy of being part of a team, run the bases, hit a ball, and play catch, just as we do. Baseball, a sport we all cherish, has become a reality for these incredible individuals, thanks to the Miracle League.

We, the Rebels, have taken on a role in advocating for and supporting this unique experience. We may not be wearing our uniforms on their field, but our hearts are in the game with them.

In recent times, we faced the unfortunate circumstance of having our Miracle League games canceled due to heavy rainfall. However, this setback did not deter us. In the spirit of unwavering determination, we channeled our energy and efforts toward a different but equally meaningful mission. Much like Noah preparing his ark, we pressed on. The Rebels Baseball Club prepared two large pots of chili, packed them up, and headed to the rain-soaked streets of east Dallas.

For nearly three hours, our young athletes, drenched by the rain and warmed by their empathy, served up frito chili pies to the homeless. But it wasn’t just about the food. It was about connecting with those in need, offering a kind word, and, most importantly, sharing our prayers. The experience was transformative, both for those we served and for our young men.

I cannot find words sufficient to express how profoundly impressed I am with these remarkable individuals. Witnessing young men who, in any arena, learn to pivot from mistakes, to walk a path less traveled, and to become leaders is a truly special experience. They understand that their only limitation is the one they place on themselves, and they have set their sights on limitless horizons.

In conclusion, as we journey through this giving season, let us all take a moment to reflect on our own core values and the incredible potential they hold. Just as we’ve seen with the 14U Rebels Baseball Club, when we exercise and embody these values, we become forces of positive change in our communities and in the world. It’s a reminder that our actions, no matter how small they may seem, have the power to inspire and uplift others.

I’ll leave you with a thought,  The path to greatness is not one of ease but of unwavering commitment and an unyielding spirit. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, flex our core values, and make this giving season one to remember. Together, we can be the change we wish to see in the world.