This ‘Kid’ Truly Knows the Value of a Buck

For those of you who know me well, you know I wear my heart on my sleeve.  I’m a passionate guy who cares and appreciates the hard work and struggles individuals overcome every day to achieve success, so getting choked up on occasion is not out of the question.  I’m not sure why I’m wired this way, maybe it was my childhood, maybe it has to do with working away from home for so many years umpiring, or maybe it’s a combination of both.

Being a father of two amazing kids, I want them to have access to resources I never had to fuel their hunger for knowledge, athletics and overall well-being.  As a father, you also want your kids to be safe.  You hope and pray you’ve raised them right, taught them life skills that provide safety and an ability to make good choices.  However, sometimes kids are kids and accidents happen.  Today I was fortunate to watch a story created by MLB Network and learn about the life of John O’Leary, a St. Louis ‘Kid’ who made a life impacting mistake, but wouldn’t change it if he could.

I encourage you to watch this story by MLB Network and learn about the life of John O’Leary and how he was inspired by Major League Baseball Hall of Fame announcer, Jack Buck, as well as several other Cardinals who helped mold him into the author, keynote speaker and inspirational figure he has become today.  Having been exposed to pro ballplayers from my previous life, there are several who take it upon themselves to get out into the community and do good deeds.  To some, it was part of the gig and they did it because it was expected.  To others, they did it because they wanted to truly make an impact and help others.

I believe Jack Buck did what he did because he wanted to help a ‘Kid’.  We need more people like Jack Buck & John O’Leary in the world.

And yes, I did get choked up a bit, I can’t help myself.  Enjoy. (click here to watch the story)