How To Share the Ball

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“It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.” – Nelson Mandela

There was a moment on Monday night when I thought, “I hate baseball” as both of my kids were sitting on the couch crying.

The Mariners had just lost Game 7 of the ALCS to the Toronto Blue Jays (congrats to my Blue Jay friends). Six-year-old Mr. D cried, “I don’t think I can go to school tomorrow.” And 10-year-old Miss O plaintively added, “Maybe if I buttoned up my jersey they would have won.” I was thinking, “I can’t believe I let them watch the 9th inning right before bed!” And then we thought of how the Mariners must be feeling and it started a whole new round of tears.

As with many things that can reduce us to tears, baseball also has great power to lift us up. I have a fantastic example of this in the How to Share podcast this week with hydrogeologist and Mariner’s fan, Glenn Mutti-Driscoll.

Glenn caught a ball at a Mariner’s game in September. But it wasn’t just any ball, it was Cal Raleigh’s 60th homerun ball. A significant marker when Cal joined the ranks of Babe Ruth, Roger Maris and Aaron Judge to hit that milestone.

Glenn and I talked about what happened next – because Glenn gave that historic ball away to a 12-year-old boy near him in the stands.

I’m so grateful that Glenn agreed to podcast with me because he didn’t do this for the recognition. We talk about what inspired him to share the ball and the ripple effects of kindness. What’s so incredible about this example is that we can see the rewards of giving in this case to both the giver, receiver, and everyone around.

Glenn tells us about the serendipity of the moment and how the action was more automatic than deliberated. We also discuss that the long effect that this lesson will have to this next generation – especially Marcus, the boy that Glenn handed the ball to as well as Glenn’s own sons.

This is a fantastically inspiring example of how (and why) to share. I know you’ll love it.

Takeaways

  • Glenn’s act of kindness was spontaneous and automatic.
  • The decision to give the ball away was influenced by his role as a parent.
  • Kindness can have a ripple effect on the community.
  • The media response highlighted the importance of positive stories.
  • Glenn’s children learned valuable lessons about generosity.
  • The experience brought unexpected joy and recognition to Glenn’s family.
  • Acts of kindness can uplift people’s spirits in challenging times.
  • Sharing experiences can inspire others to act kindly.
  • The moment of catching the ball was filled with serendipity.
  • Glenn’s story serves as a reminder of the power of giving.

Here’s a clip of Glenn telling the story of the catch and release:

Here are some ways you can watch this heartwarming and inspiring episode:

How to Share Snapshots of the American Dream – How To Share

In this episode of How to Share, hosts Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson engage with author Gloria Golec about her memoir, South Side Memories. The conversation explores themes of family, immigrant experiences, and the power of storytelling. Gloria shares insights on how her Polish heritage and family dynamics shaped her identity and writing journey. The discussion emphasizes the importance of preserving personal narratives, the emotional connections that come from sharing stories, and provides the inspiration for writing our own stories.TakeawaysThe book is a reflection of the American dream and immigrant experiences.Storytelling helps maintain connections to roots and loved ones.Writing can be a therapeutic process for personal growth.Family dynamics, especially gender roles, play a significant role in shaping identity.Cherished memories can provide clarity and understanding of past relationships.Cultural heritage is often intertwined with food traditions and family gatherings.Teaching experiences can influence one's writing and storytelling approach.Writing a memoir can be an emotional journey that brings past relationships closer.Encouragement to start writing by focusing on one story at a time.Sharing stories can inspire others and create a sense of community.Links for this episode:How To Share Snapshots of the American Dream transcriptGloria Golec's profile on Eckhartz PressSouth Side Memories on Eckhartz PressFrom the hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/My book about my beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith
  1. How to Share Snapshots of the American Dream
  2. How To Share: From International Lawyer to Thriller Writer
  3. How to Share Our Luck with Gil Gillenwater
  4. How to Share 1970's Chicago with Doug. E. Jones
  5. How to Share Feedback with Dr. Vicki Atkinson

How to Share the Ball transcript

Links for this episode:

Cal meets fan who gave HR No. 60 to kid — and comes bearing gifts

Mariners reward fan who gave valuable Cal Raleigh 60th home run ball to nearby child – The Athletic

From the host:

My book about my beloved father: ⁠Finding My Father’s Faith⁠;

(featured photo from Pexels)

62 thoughts on “How To Share the Ball”

  2. I can’t wait to listen to this. what a hero and what a lesson glan taught in so many ways. miss o and mr d will never forget watching the game with you, and there are many lessons to be learned there as well. we can all learn from this and it’s good to be alive and have passionate feelings about things, even when we don’t win.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Wow! It is pretty difficult to get a ball at a ball game. Even more unlikely to catch such an important home run ball. What a spectacular act of kindness and generosity. Period period. I am looking forward to listening to the podcast on the way to work this morning or should I say school because when it becomes work, it won’t be fun.

    As for Mr. D and Miss O, sport can be very cruel but it can also be amazingly joyous, like the ups and downs of the run up to game seven. Overall, the Mariners season was pretty good and the team played 12 more games than 18 other teams who didn’t make it. I realize that doesn’t soothe the hurt only time can do that.

    In the end, the two of them will look back in a few years from now and remember the time you let them stay up super late, way past their bedtime, to watch a baseball game. That’s pretty awesome too.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Oh, I love this comment coming from you, Clay. You know baseball and I love your point about the Mariners being lucky enough to play 12 more games. And about how hard it is to catch a ball! Thanks for listening and for this wonderful dose of how to make it count!

      Liked by 1 person

  4. I look forward to listening to your conversation with Glenn this weekend, Wynne. But what a great person to share the ball – a historic moment – with a young boy who would truly remember and appreciate this life moment.

    I thought of you three after Monday’s game. I know how big fans you all are and sending you all hugs. It’s hard to see your team lose, especially at Game 7, when it was so close. I am positive you will help them turn it into a positive life lesson. And I’m also positive the Mariners will get their win in the future!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for the hugs, Ab! Love your positivity about the Mariners prospects. Here’s to the Blue Jays winning the World Series!

      I think you’ll love this podcast when you have a chance to tune in! Happy Wednesday, my friend!

      Liked by 1 person

      2. Oh my goodness! So heartwarming on so many levels! I loved what Glenn shared about Marcus intending to just give him a high-five for catching the ball, not knowing he was going to receive it from Glenn. Such a perfect conversation for the “How to Share” platform, Wynne. Love it! 💝🥰💝

        Liked by 1 person

  9. I saw that on TV. What a wonderful act of kindness and I love how you mentioned the ripples of goodness in the community. What a contrast to the man who stole a boy’s hat given to him by a tennis star at a tennis match.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. I saw Cal Raleigh referred to not getting to the World Series as a failure. It just shows the competitive nature of the Mariners throughout the year as they fought their way to even get as far as they did. The fact they weren’t just satisfied with making the post-season is a great sign for next season. People invest six months in watching their team, and when they come up short it can be very emotional not just because they didn’t make their goal, but there’s now a long wait until the next season. Glenn’s story is just another example of the magic of baseball that both young and old enjoy so much. Thanks for sharing, Wynne.

    Liked by 2 people

  11. What a feel good episode, Wynne! And I think it’s cool you have a current national media figure on your podcast. 😊 Glenn is so humble! I totally get that doing something like that would come from being a dad, but as a dad, I’ll admit that I would have thought he would bring it home to his children! But he didn’t. He just lived in the moment and chose something different, and kindness brought kindness and so on. I love that. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. As always, Melanie – you know how to get right to the heart of it! Kindness brought kindness and so on! And Glenn is so humble – it was a pleasure to talk with him! Thank you so much for tuning in! ❤

      Liked by 1 person

  14. The quote at the beginning is fantastic, and Glenn is a great example of that in this episode. For Miss O and Mr. D, sports can definitely bring us through a big range of emotions as we empathize with all the players. 💞💞

    Liked by 1 person

  16. You can learn almost anything about life from baseball. The price is a few tears and some big disappointments, but the game will love you back for the love you show it. The kids are hooked already. Good for them, Wynne. And good for you for letting them watch it past bedtime.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. I commend Glenn for making that decision. It’s becoming more commonplace for adults to do this at games. In an era where video is so public, I’ve seen the opposite, where some adults get so caught up in the moment that they stop thinking and are practically willing to knock over women, children, or older people to get a baseball. In this particular instance, those who collect memorabilia would probably be willing to pay a tidy sum for that ball. Instead, Glenn made a kid’s dreams come true.

    As a lifelong sports fan, I know how heartbreaking it can be when your team comes so close to winning it all. By the next day, we usually can put it in perspective and realize it’s not life and death. It is symbolic of life—things don’t always go the way we hope they will. Learning to shrug those off is a skill that hopefully comes with maturity.

    I didn’t have a rooting interest, but I did watch part of the game. I saw my namesake, George Springer, hit the crushing three-run homer that put Toronto ahead. Okay, it’s all my fault. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That’s funny, Pete because I kept thinking of you when Springer would come up to the plate. Now we know who to blame. 🙂

      You’re right – the next days do bring perspective. A little distance from the intensity of those moments helps. I think we’ve recovered.

      Thanks for tuning in, Pete. Appreciate you!

      Liked by 1 person

  18. OMG…landing an interview with Glenn is a real coup. Great job! I love it!

    I really, really wanted a Brewers-Mariners World Series. I suspect most people outside of L.A. and Toronto did, too. Ahh, baseball…it breaks out heart each fall, but come March, hope “spring”s eternal again. At least for us optimists. In fact, I’ll just say it: see you next October!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I was delighted that Glenn agreed to talk with me!! Thank you for noticing. 🙂

      Yes – Brewers v Mariners. Looking forward to it next year. Sorry it didn’t happen for you guys this year either!

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Awww I can just see the 3 of you with your tears with your love of baseball. I love that they are so passionate like my family is with baseball among the other sports… I was with you when you said “I hate baseball” lol.. It’s the only game you can sleep in and not miss anything. haha. Don’t tell the kids, they’ll never want to see me again. 🤣 LOVE this story of the catch! Great podcast! ❤️
    Big hugs!!! 🤗

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Well, I have to fess up that we really only watched in the post season. That and when someone gifts us tickets so I guess we’re fair-weather fans.

      Nothing would keep my kids (or me) from wanting to see you again, Cindy! 🙂 Sending big hugs back to you!

      Liked by 1 person

  22. We need more positive stories like this that emphasize the effects of showing kindness. What a hero Glenn was not only for his kindness, but for his generosity to that boy. There are many lessons to draw from that one act of kindness. Thanks so much, Wynne and Glenn! 💖

    Liked by 1 person

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