08/04/2026
Teamwork and community at its finest💜
To our Rondout Valley Babe Ruth family:
Standing on that field and throwing out the first pitch on Opening Day is a moment I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
When I first became involved with Rondout Valley Babe Ruth as a player so many years ago, I knew there would be a time I’d be able to give back and help, and hopefully my son would be able to play. I’m so thankful to the people who stepped up and helped us make it happen for him and all of our community. Even though he has long since aged out, I never really left. As President of the League during my time, I had the privilege of working alongside so many incredible people who all shared one goal, to give our kids a place to grow, compete, and create memories that would last a lifetime. I never imagined that one day those same people, along with this amazing community, would come together for my family.
After my diagnosis, you didn’t just offer kind words, you showed up and have walked step by step by my side. You have surrounded us with an outpouring of love and support that has left us continually speechless.
That support means more than I can ever express, but what has touched us even more is knowing how many people cared enough to stand beside us as we go through one of the hardest chapters of our lives. Every prayer, every hug, and every encouraging word has reminded me that we are not fighting this battle alone.
To the Board, thank you for your leadership and for making that incredible day possible.
To the players, thank you for reminding all of us what heart, teamwork, and resilience look like. To the families, volunteers, sponsors, and every member of this community who contributed in any way, thank you for wrapping your arms around my family when we needed it most.
Baseball has meant the world to us and has always been about more than what happens between the foul lines. It’s about family. It’s about showing up for one another. It’s about being part of something bigger than ourselves. You reminded me of that in the most amazing way. This has been a difficult time for us because we have always been the ones who have tried to lead and to step up and assist in any way possible. It is difficult for us to be on the other side of that generosity and kindness. It’s not easy to swallow, but I am so thankful that there are so many that are pulling for us as we go on this journey.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for that unforgettable honor on opening day, for your overwhelming generosity, and for giving my family hope during a time when we need it most. I will never be able to repay your kindness, but I will carry it with me every single day.
With all of our gratitude and thanks,
Chris, Heather & David DePew
