June 16, 2025 
Author unknown
Retold by M. Regina Cram
A man gave a speech at a school for children with special needs. It was a speech the audience would never forget.
“My son Shay has Down Syndrome,” he began. “I believe that when such a child comes into the world, it’s an opportunity to realize true human nature.
“One day, Shay and I walked past a park where some boys he knew were playing baseball. Shay asked me, ‘Do you think they’ll let me play?’ I knew the boys would likely say no, but I also knew that playing would give him a rare sense of belonging.
“I approached one of the boys and asked if Shay could play. The boy said, ‘It’s the eighth inning and we’re losing. I guess he can play. We’ll try to put him in the lineup in the ninth.’
“Shay was ecstatic. He struggled to the team’s bench and, with a broad smile, donned a team shirt.
“At the bottom of the ninth, there were two outs, and bases were loaded. The winning run was on third.
“Shay was the next batter. Allowing him to bat meant they’d lose the game. Surprisingly, his teammates gave him a bat.
“As Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher realized the other team was putting aside winning so Shay could play. He moved in a few steps and gently lobbed the ball.
“Shay swung clumsily and missed.
“One of Shay’s teammates joined Shay in the batter’s box. He held the bat with Shay, and together they faced the pitcher.
The pitcher again stepped forward and tossed the ball softly. Shay and his teammate swung and hit a slow ground ball to the pitcher.
“The pitcher picked up the ball to throw to first base. Shay would be out and the opposing team would win. Instead, the pitcher threw a high arc over the first baseman’s head. Spectators hollered, ‘Shay, run to first!’
Never in his life had Shay run so far. He scampered down the baseline wide-eyed.
Then his teammates yelled, “Run to second!”
“By the time Shay rounded second base, the right fielder had the ball. He was the smallest guy on their team, and this was his chance to be the hero by throwing Shay out.
“He didn’t take it. Instead, he intentionally threw the ball over the third baseman’s head.
“The opposing shortstop ran to Shay, turned him in the direction of third base, and shouted, “Run to third!” As Shay rounded third, boys from both teams ran behind him, screaming, “Shay, run home!”
“When Shay rounded home plate, he was cheered as the hero who hit a grand slam and won the game for his team.
“That day,” said the father in tears, “the boys from both teams brought true love and humanity into this world.
“Shay didn’t make it another year. He died that winter, having never forgotten his day as a hero. Those boys will remember that day, as well. Love changes us.”
M. Regina Cram is a published author and parishioner of SS. Isidore and Maria Parish.
