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8/14/2006 It would seem, that for 10-year old Romney Oaks, stepping up to the plate in the Bountiful, Utah PONY league championship with the game on the line in the 7th inning last week, that this event would be pressure enough to make anybody nervous. Especially for this young man… Romney Oaks is a cancer survivor that has to take heavy medication and he wears a shunt in his brain to simply stay alive. But that is only half of the story. The stands were packed, Romney’s Red Sox trailed 3-2 with two outs and a man on third, and Jordan, the Red Sox’ best hitter was at the plate. So, opposing coach Shaun Farr intentionally walked Jordan so he could face Romney, who was considered a much weaker hitter. Coach Farr, acknowledging that cancer patient Romney Oaks was in fact lucky to be alive much less playing baseball, nonetheless defended his position by stating, “it was simply good baseball strategy.” Meanwhile parents booed, his sister cried and even umpire Mike Wright thought to himself, what a cowardly move. Are you kidding me Coach Farr? What a punk! Have you ever worn a jockstrap in your lifetime? Romney struck out. The opposing coaches almost brawled. The Yankees won, or did they? This story angers me to no end, except for one thing. Ultimately, 9-year old Romney Oaks has emerged as the true winner. Thanks to the Make-A-Wish foundation, he’s already met with President Bush and his fighting spirit had already established him as a local favorite in the community. The constant radiation treatments leave him weak and he requires frequent cortisone shots to thwart the smallest minor injuries. He is even required to wear a helmet in the outfield as any hard contact could be life threatening. But, he is determined to compete, no one can deny that. Coach Farr may have earned his medal, but he’ll never have a chest to pin it on. What a punk! I really wonder how he felt when he woke up the next morning? Like a champion? Ha ha. As for Romney Oaks, he woke up the next day and told his dad, “I’m going to work on my hitting, then maybe someday, I’ll be the one they intentionally walk.” Net net? Coach Farr can take a hike. As for Romney Oaks, please can take a bow… You’ve already homered in the game of life. (c) 2006 Novi
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