On the field with a Hall of Fame human
Courtesy photo Bob Shillingstad’s 9-year-old grandson, Colton, was offered a wish by Make-A-Wish in 2004. Colton was born with Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy, which meant a lifespan of late teens or early 20s. Colton was asked if he wanted to go to Disneyland or some other exotic location. His answer was instant: He wanted to go to a Mariners game and meet Edgar Martinez.
I have to admit that I am not a huge sports fan and I don’t follow all of the statistics and stories about individuals and teams of any kind. But when The Press had a headline on the sports section that said in bold type, “Finally, Edgar gets the call!”, I was excited.
Edgar Martinez was admitted to the Baseball Hall of Fame. It took me back to 2004 when Make-A-Wish offered our 9-year-old grandson, Colton, a wish to be granted. Colton had been born with Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy, which meant a lifespan of late teens or early 20s. Colton was asked if he wanted to go to Disneyland or some other exotic location. His answer was instant: He wanted to go to a Mariners game and meet Edgar Martinez.
The arrangements were made for a game that June. Colton, his parents and three brothers, and of course my wife, Jane, and I also tagged along. The Mariners let all of us into the stadium an hour before the public to watch batting practice. Colton and his parents were taken down to the field to meet Edgar, who acted as if meeting Colton was the reason he showed up that day. He had all the time in the world for Colton, signing autographs and visiting.
As he started to walk away he turned back to Colton, took off his batting glove with his name emblazoned on the wrist and said, “Keep this for me, would you buddy?”
Colton passed away in 2015 but this, by far, was one of the highlights of his life.
As I read the story about Edgar getting the call, I thought that he responded many times in his life and did it well. He achieved success in more ways than one. Martinez has been honored for countless hours, funds, resources and contributions that he and his wife, Holli, have made available to Seattle Children’s Hospital, Overlake Hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Wishing Star, Boys and Girls Club and many others.
In 2007, Edgar was inducted into the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame in Boise. He held a special place in our family hall of fame also. For young people looking for a sports hero to model their life after, Edgar Martinez is a solid choice.
This brings me to another roster of Hall of Fame heroes in our own community. As my wife, Jane, and I conducted a series of interviews for articles on faith-based ministries, we have been blessed and overwhelmed with the work being done in some challenging areas. Working with homeless, addicted, incarcerated, children in need of homes and more is a challenge that these ministries take on every day. It has been our honor to hear some amazing stories of success being done very quietly and without fanfare.
Several ministries have events coming up worthy of your support:
March 7: Young Life Banquet at 7 p.m.at Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn. Register at: northidaho.younglife.org
March 9: Sweetheart Ball to benefit a camp for children and their families touched by cancer at Ross Point Camp. Go to: sweetheartsball.com or crosspoint.org
March 16: Open Arms Pregnancy Care Center ladies luncheon and silent auction. Noon to 3 p.m. Tickets online at realchoicesclinic.com or call 208-667-5433.
These are just a few of the many fundraisers that are worthy of your support!
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Bob Shillingstad is a regular contributor to The Press. Email Bob: bjshill@mac.com