By Emma Stone
Ruston’s Allstars 9U Team recently represented Louisiana July 20 at the Dixie Baseball Regional World Series in Center, Texas, placing third overall.
Jessie Ford, a fourth grader at Choudrant Elementary, competed with the team and was recognized amongst ninety other players by receiving the Umpire’s Choice for Most Recognized Player.
Jessie’s mother, Ecko Ford, explained the positive mindset Jessie has when on the field.
“We always tell him to leave it all on the field and to always keep a positive attitude while you’re doing it,” said Ford. “No matter whether you’re winning or losing, keep a positive attitude.”
The umpire’s pick the player by gauging their batting, fielding and good sportsmanship.
Jessie plays as shortstop and pitcher. His coach, Chris Shelton, spoke about mentoring and coaching Jessie.
“When it comes down to Jessie, that was my shortstop from the beginning,” said Shelton. “He was really one of those kids on the team that I never moved to an alternate position because again, he was so confident in the position and knew exactly what his duties were as a shortstop.”
Shelton said that a phrase Jessie said to an umpire finalized their decision.
“There was a situation where Jessie had a ball hit to him. He bobbled it, and it took him awhile to pick it up before he could throw it. The guy was safe. The umpire said to Jessie ‘hey man, you know, good try’,” said Shelton. “Jessie told him ‘that’s okay, I’ll get it next time’. It was those words that stood out to the umpire over everyone else.”
The mentality of sportsmanship and helping each other is heavily encouraged on their team. When the coaches try to uplift them, they will say, “No ‘I’ in team, it takes all to achieve. I got your back. I got your back.”
“We are thankful for the coaches to volunteer their time, because they put a lot of time with those boys, and they don’t get paid for that,” said Ford. “I’m thankful for them for just being a good role model in Jessie’s life.”
This fall, Jessie will be playing for the travel ball team, Monroe Bulldogs, where he will continue to hone his baseball skills.
“It’s not just about baseball all the time,” said Ford. “We have a saying, you keep God first, family second, then baseball.”
