06/16/2026
This evening we dedicated our first playoff game to a father, husband, coach, board member and friend:
Good evening everyone,
Before we begin tonight's playoff game, I'd like to ask for a moment of your attention.
Playoff baseball is special. We spend months preparing for nights like this. We talk about hard work, perseverance, teamwork, and overcoming adversity. But sometimes life reminds us that there are battles far bigger than anything that happens on a baseball field.
Tonight, we dedicate this game to Josh.
Josh is a father, a husband, a friend, and a valued member of our baseball family. Right now, he is facing the toughest opponent of his life as he battles cancer.
While we gather here to play a game we love, Josh wakes up every day and chooses to fight with a strength and courage that inspires all of us.
As coaches, parents, and players, we often tell our kids what it means to be tough. We tell them to never give up, to keep pushing forward when things get hard, and to lean on their teammates when they need support. Josh is showing us exactly what those words truly mean.
The beautiful thing about baseball is that it creates family. It doesn't matter what team you're on, what jersey you're wearing, or what the scoreboard says. When one of us hurts, we all hurt. When one of us faces a challenge, we stand together.
Tonight, there are no opposing sides. There is one community, one baseball family, united behind Josh and his family.
Josh, we want you to know that you are not fighting this battle alone. Every player on this field, every parent in these stands, every coach in these dugouts is standing beside you. We are praying for your healing, cheering for your victories, and believing in your strength even on the days when the road feels long.
To the players, when you take the field tonight, remember that this game is a gift. Play with gratitude. Play with heart. Play for each other. And play in honor of a man who has shown all of us what true courage looks like.
Josh, your fight is bigger than baseball, but your strength has touched every corner of this baseball community. Tonight, we play for you.
Please join me in a moment of appreciation and support for Josh and his family.
Josh, this game is dedicated to you.
