09/03/2026
Some posts are little easier to write than this one….
Most of you know me. I’m typically focused on the business side of things—fields, tournaments, locations, marketing and keeping everything moving behind the scenes all while running around like a chicken with my head missing.
And then there’s my business partner and friend, Nick Northern.
If you’ve been around I-20 Sports for any amount of time, you know Nick. He’s the calm to my crazy storm. He’s the guy who takes the calls, answers the questions, listens when there’s a concern, and somehow always finds time for one more family or one more kid.
Nick founded Legacy Baseball. He works a full-time job. He helps lead I-20 Sports alongside me. He coaches. And for years, he has poured countless hours into our kids, our teams, and the game that all of us love. And he’s done all of that without ever asking for recognition.
For all of those reasons, that’s what makes a post like this so difficult. Because a couple of weeks ago, Nick and his family received the news that nobody ever wants to hear. His mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Nick is an only child, and he is now carrying the responsibility of helping his mom navigate everything that comes with this fight—doctors, treatments, paperwork, expenses, and simply being there for his mother—while continuing to work, coach, and fulfill all the other responsibilities he already carries.
Nick is a private person, so before doing anything publicly, I went to him and his family for permission.
With his blessing, it is my honor to say that this year’s 3rd annual Think Pink Tournament will be dedicated to Nick Northern and his mother.
Think Pink has always meant something special to us. We’ve used this tournament to raise awareness and support the fight against breast cancer. But this year, that fight has hit home.
A heavy portion of the proceeds from the Tournament on October 10th in Longview/Kilgore will be used to help Nick and his mother with the expenses they are facing. We will also have an opportunity at the gate for anyone who feels led to contribute personally.
But this is about more than money. You all know Nick.
You know the kind of person he is. You know how much time he has given to our children. You know how many weekends he has spent at a ballpark, how many kids he has coached, how many families he has helped, and how much of himself he has poured into baseball and softball in East Texas. Nick has spent years showing up for everybody else.
Now it’s our turn to show up for Nick.
I don’t know what the exact burden of the months ahead will look like for Nick and his mother. But I do know that no family should have to walk through something like this alone.
Whether you play in the tournament on October 10th, make a donation, stop by to show your support, or simply say a prayer for Nick and his mom—it matters.
The baseball community has shown me many times what it can do when we come together for something bigger than baseball and softball.
On October 10th, I’m asking you to help us do it again.
This one is for Nick, his mom and their family!
🎀
— Adam
I-20 Sports
Sign up here, and thank you so much for your support.
BASEBALL:
https://playncs.com/baseball/Events/Details/13640/3rd-annual-think-pink-for-breast-cancer-awareness-no-pap-free-umps
SOFTBALL:
https://play.mvpsportsoftexas.com/events/think-pink-i-20-complex-10-10-2026/teams
