The FCA Baseball & Softball Ministry (FCA Baseball) is pleased to announce the establishment of the FCA Baseball "Heart & Soul" award. This award is exclusively for athletes playing in the Lanier Baseball League and will be issued to one athlete from each age group (8U-14U) that best exemplifies the FCA Baseball core values of Integrity, Serving, Teamwork and Excellence. The purpose of this award is to bring recognition to the fact that "winning" is about more than just the numbers on the scoreboard and to encourage our athletes to live out the FCA Baseball core values both on and off the field of play.
April Recipient - 14U division
Casey Compton - Dawson Silver Hawks
Casey's Head Coach Jeff Compton says "Casey goes out on the field every game without complaint or argument about where he is playing. He is a team player who wants what is best for every player on the team. He wants what is fair and puts the needs and desires of his team mates above his own. Casey is a fantastic athlete, who is well respected by his team. He is however very humble. When he pitches an outstanding game or hits the ball over the fence, his teammates want to brag on him – but Casey does not want this. He modestly takes their praise and walks discreetly off the field. He has even said “I wish they (the team) wouldn’t make such a big deal of it.”
Casey has played baseball for the last 9 years. Never once in these 9 years has he sacrificed his integrity for the sake of a game. He does not yell, complain or speak ill about the other team or coach. He has never thrown a helmet, a bat or glove in anger. Yes, he sometimes gets frustrated with what he feels is an unfair call, but he never voices this to his teammates. He constantly strives to maintain a positive attitude among the team. I remember at one game the parents and coaches of the other team became very upset and very vocal. These adults were yelling at our team and at the umpires, even following us out on the field. Casey’s reaction is to simply leave the field – for us to take ourselves out of the situation. He does not want to be a part of a negative situation. He loves his teammates and just wants everyone to have fun and be happy. Casey Compton is an excellent athlete. He serves his team well as a role model for patience and humility and he fully understands and appreciates that he is part of a team – win or lose.
April Recipient - 13U division
Jack Ward - Sawnee Mountain Thunder
 Here is what Jack's Head Coach Bill Moats says about Jack. "From an on field perspective, Jack is the consumate teammate. He accepts his role without question, whatever that may be at the time. His regular position is catcher or outfield and he shares time at catcher. Never have I heard Jack complain about playing time or where he plays. He supports his teammates and encourages them never saying a negative word. Jack wants to learn and grow as a baseball player understanding that the lessons learned on the field will help him off the field. He works hard, wants to please and when he can't he keeps his chin up and moves on trying to improve to be better the next time. He is one of the finest young men that I have had the priviledge to coach". Now, from Jacks Parents:
In Jack’s life God has continued to seize his heart and mind. Galatians 6:9 is one scripture reference God has enabled Jack to live by – “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Whether on the baseball field, in the classroom, at a friend’s house, in public places, at church or just hanging out at home Jack has been given a gift from God to be patient and steadfast in his calling and service. Some of the activities Jack finds himself involved in are:
-Jack is an active member of his Church Youth Group and congregation at White Oak ARP Church
-He is learning to play the guitar and enjoys using his talent to praise God and entertain folks
-Jack participates each summer in a music and drama camp which is geared toward growing the kids in God’s service, love and praise
-Jack has a love for his Grandparents and enjoys spending time with them, helping them with chores/projects around the home
-Jack spent many hours recently on a woodworking project with his Grandpa Ward…..GP really enjoyed his company
-Consistently we have observed Jack expressing concern for friends and praying for God to bless them
-God has given Jack a heart of generosity; he enjoys sharing his talents and resources
-Jack likes to be the “big guy” playing with and serving younger children; last summer he volunteered to be an assistant teacher at his church vacation Bible school
-God has given Jack a heart to encourage others; he often expresses to others the desire to see them do well and make accomplishments
-Jack devotes his mind each day to Bible study just as earnestly as he devotes his body to physical training
Bottom line is that it is NOT all about Jack and Jack knows this. Jack continues to grow in the ability to “die to self” and serve the Lord and others. Relying on the grace of God, Jack knows that God should and will receive all the glory in his life…..and he desires deeply for others to enjoy the same peace and hope offered through Jesus Christ………
April Recipient - 12U division
Sebastian Dunn - North Georgia Diamonbacks
 Head Coach Taylor Hopkins has this to say about Sebasian Dunn. "Sebastian is an 11 year old boy that is playing up on our competitive 12 year old team. he is the smallest player on our team and probably in the league. This young mans commitment level is 100% at all times. He is a definite "Team Player" who has gained the respect of every player, coach and parent on our team. I have heard from many fans in the stands this year about the effort that Sebastion puts in on the field and how that effort leads to results. I would take a team FULL of Sebastian Dunn's. If any young man is deserving of this award, it is Sebastian. He is ALL heart on the field. The team calls him "Mighty Mouse" because of his size and his strength both on and off the field."
April Recipient - 11U division
Chandler Strall
 This is what Chandlers Head Coach, Harold Earls said about Chandler. "Chandler is the ball player that ALL coaches want. He NEVER complains and ALWAYS goes above and beyond in practice and in games. He is also a quiet leader. So many times as coaches we look for our leaders to be loud and to "fire up" the team, but Chandler very quietly leads by example, picks up his team mates when they are down, plays any position any time he is asked to, offers to carry things to and from the field, picks up trash in the dugout BEFORE he is asked to, always tells me "Thank You" after practices and games and ALWAYS smiles and has a good time. Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking, and according to his own team mates, that describes Chandler. By the testimony of others and me as his coach, Chandler truly loves people and puts others before himself. Chandlers hits #1 or #2 in the line up, but if it were up to him, I am certain that he would choose to hit last. It is coaching players like chandler that keep me coming back year after year".
Coach Earls also provided numerous testimonies from fellow team mates, parents and from Chandlers teacher, all stating that he CLEARLY exemplifies the FCA Baseball core values of Integrity, Serving, Teamwork & Excellence in ALL areas of his life.
April Recipient - 9U division
Cameron Adamczyk - SFCB Bats
 Cameron's Head Coach Nick Mele and Assistant Coach Davey Bales nominated Cameron for this award because of his "selfless" leadership to his fellow team mates both on and off the field of play. Cameron consistantly put the desires of others on his team in front of his own and truly loves his team mates. Coach Mele says "I have never named a captain to any team that I have coached before, however if I were to name a team captain, Cameron would be the one, based upon his exemplifying the principles of Integrity,Teamwork, Serving and Excellence. | 
