“You don’t just accidentally show up in the World Series.” Derek Jeter
Okay. I have been tardy (and erratic) posting blogs and podcasts recently. Forgive me. But I have a legitimate excuse: Playoff baseball has led our family to The World Series.
Yes, my son, Austin Hedges, is headed for the World Series playing with the Texas Rangers.
Born to Play
Since Austin was five years old he has held onto two life goals: to be a professional baseball player and to win a World Series ring. I am not exaggerating. Austin’s only life goal since very young has been to play baseball as a career.
At around eight years old his mom asked him what he wanted to do when he grew up. His response was, “I am going to play professional baseball.” Knowing the odds were micro-minimal, Pam asked him what his alternative might be. His response was adamant, “Mom, you don’t understand… I will play professional baseball.”
She wisely decided not to undermine his goals and told him that he would have our support on his journey. And we just decided to watch what came to pass.
And then he was drafted by the San Diego Padres directly out of high school. Yikes. A kid with a dream come true.
Austin’s Next Chapter Dream
And now, after many ups and downs in the sport, here he is: Going to the World Series with the Rangers. I’m sure you can imagine our joy. He isn’t getting a lot of “play time,” but his role with the team is a bit unusual. He has become one of the strongest leaders in the clubhouse.
His goal when he was traded to the Rangers in early August: To be the best teammate possible to help the team win. And that is what he does.
Now… we await the Next Chapter for the Rangers and Austin.
Crazy fun!
Winning: Nothing is Better
Losing: Nothing is Worse
Happy news Charlie!!
We’ll be cheering for you.
Thank you Nancy. We are beside ourselves with excitement. 4 wins to go–1 game at a time,
Charlie, so excited for all the Hedges! I’ve seen Austin interviewed a few times. He is fun to watch and reminds me of someone else!
Thank you for the kind words John. It is so nice to hear from you. We are in TX awaiting the first game tomorrow. Everyone is keeping a very calm spirit. It will be a battle. Arizona is playing so well and so are we. Should be a tight match.
I know I must have been a pain with all my enthusiasm for Austin in youth ball. But now we are in the World Series. Yikes! So fun.
Congratulations to Austin and his inspiring parents! Go Rangers!
Thank you John. Surreal. This is so fun!!!
Charlie and Pam, I am so happy for both of you and for Austin, of course. I have to ask, were you thinking of either the Astros or the Rangers when you picked his name and his birth? And I’m happy for myself because this gives me rooting interest in the World Series. My team the angels won’t be back there in my lifetime, but I still remember the thrills of 2002. think of you as “the architect of big Leaguers” as I doubt that there are many coaches at the Little League level that have produced so many players that have achieved the ultimate success of playing professional baseball. Certainly you are the only one that I know of! Good luck to Austin – and I am just one of his many fans that will be cheering for him. He is a profoundly decent young man, and a credit to both you and Pam.
Thank you Pete. You are always so kind and gracious. I appreciate you greatly!
This is so exciting! We’re cheering Austin on and know you will have so much to share about the whole experience. Woo Hoo! Go Rangers!
Thank you Rhonda for your kind thoughts!! So, how are you feeling?
We have been a fan of Austin’s since we first went to a Dodger game together. We are suddenly Ranger fans but forever Austin fans!! Congratulations Pam & Charlie enjoy it.
Oh my goodness. How great to hear from you. thanks for your kind words and thoughts. We must somehow get together this Fall.
Congratulations to Austin, you and Pam. So exciting Charlie. We’ll be rooting for the Texas Rangers.
Thank you Rand!