'It matters a whole lot'

Both San Mateo, Calif., Post 82 and Rockport, Ind., Post 254 had American Legion World Series games to play Monday. But rather than resting up that morning and early afternoon, players and coaches from both teams instead decided to try to make an impact on local youngsters.

Both teams visited the students at Graham Elementary, a year-round Title I Cleveland County School located in Shelby. Title I schools receive supplemental funding from the U.S. Department of Education to assist and meet the needs of at-risk or low-income students.

Graham Elementary Principal Nelsa Feaster said one of her teachers, Travis Strong, challenged Graham’s data manager and a member of Shelby Post 82, to have the teams visit the school. Cox and another teacher worked with Legion reps to make it happen.

“It’s been an awesome surprise for our students and staff,” Feaster said. “Any time (older) students come into the school, they are treated like rock stars by our kids. Their faces light up. They’re excited. Our kids just love that attention and extra time. It matters. It matters a whole lot.

“To some people it may seem like it was a really small thing. To our students, it means the world because somebody took time out and made them feel special. It’s probably something they’re going to remember for a really long time.”

The players visited classrooms, answering questions and passing out American Legion baseballs. Students fawned over the players, letting lose with “oohs" and "ahhs” as they heard how far San Mateo had traveled to get to their city.

“Remember that the most important thing in life is education,” San Mateo Manager David Fuata told one group of students. “Get that (diploma). And don’t forget where you’ve come from.”

Fuata also stressed team first, the need for everyone to be on the same page and how valuable a reputation is. “It takes 25 years to build a reputation,” he said. “It takes about five seconds to lose it.”

San Mateo pitcher Spencer Stewart told the students, “You have to control what you have to control. You can’t focus on things you can’t control. Focus on what you can control and keep at it.”

Post 254 also presented Feaster with a $100 gift card for the school.

“I thought it was a great experience for our players,” Rockport assistant coach Bob Sargent said. “It’s just one of things that will maybe be a lifetime and maybe inspire them to do something great in life.”

While the visit made an impact on the students, it also meant something to Feaster.

“Both teams showered us with so much love,” she said. “To be the recipient of that – we’re grateful and we’re thankful.”