balls, bats, and the value of giving

After one of its best seasons ever, the baseball team is drawing cheers from a new set of fans. Since September, the team has been volunteering once a week at the Boys & Girls Club of Alton. Recognizing the value of giving to others, Coach Pete Paciorek fully expects this activity to benefit his players both individually and as a team. As he points out, “Mary Baker Eddy states, ‘Giving does not impoverish us in the service of our Maker, neither does withholding enrich us’ (Science and Health, p. 79). When engaging in acts of charity, initially we think we are doing something for others. In reality, we get more from it than those we are helping. Giving and caring for others is what it is all about, and I think our baseball players are getting a good sense of that each week.”

Comments from players confirm that Paciorek hit a home run with this activity. Ron Meyer, a catcher, notes, “Getting involved in the community—especially working with kids—has added a whole new level of satisfaction to my Principia athletic career. Seeing these kids’ faces light up every time the team walks in the door gives me hope that we are making a difference in their lives, because I know they’ve already made a difference in mine.”

Pitcher Stuart Waller agrees: “Volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club provides a unique opportunity for our team to help our community. It is refreshing to step out of our role as student-athletes to interact and mentor the children at the club. The pressures of school and our lives disappear, and we are free to have fun being with the kids.”

Principia College baseball fans of all ages will be ready to cheer on the team when they play their first game of the season (at home) on February 26.