Carol Anne Costa: The Boys and Girl of Summer

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Carol Anne Costa, GoLocalProv MINDSETTER™

 

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I don’t know about you but Cumberland’s boys of summer sure gave little Rhody a shot in the arm, a reason to cheer and a smile that reached from Westerly to Woonsocket. And, for girls all over the country the #girlpower has been trending as we watch Mo’Ne Davis mow down batter after batter forever derailing the often used expression, “ You throw like a girl.”  Seems that little powerhouse from South Philly is showing the nation #girlpower really exists, and gender really has no impact on pitching prowess. Thank you Little League World Series for a chance to turn our weary eyes away from the deep and dark troubles at home and all over the world. The youthful competition underway in Pennsylvania has provided a respite, a chance to cheer and an opportunity to celebrate sportsmanship and relish talent.   

Dave Belisle ‘s post game speech was nothing short of masterful and moving, and was more powerful than the pre game speech scripted for Gene Hackman in Hoosiers.  You see, Dave’s was spontaneous and from the heart. He looked into the teary eyes of those boys and boiled down an incredible journey so everyone listening understood the commitment, the passion, the tears, the teamwork, and the ability to win with style and lose with class.They rallied, fought until the last out, gave it their all, and left it all on the field. There is a lesson in that for all of us to hear, listen carefully.

The unfolding stories from Williamsport, Pennsylvania, as Little Leaguers from across the country are battling it out for a chance to represent the United States of America in the Little League World Series are inspring, and showcase American exceptionalism through and through.The tourney has its Goliaths and its Davids, and it even has a Cinderella only her name is Mo’Ne Davis  - remember that name, she is one of only 18 young women ever to play in the WWLS, and the first Little Leaguer (boy or girl) to ever grace the cover of Sports Illustrated. I only hope I can get tickets to her first Major League outing.

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There are big, bold take aways coming from the quiet Pennsylvania enclave of Williamsport. And, for us in Rhode Island the efforts of the Cumberland team and the motivational words of Dave Belisle represent Rhode Island in a fantastic and very positive way, Heaven knows we need it! Mo’Ne pitching shutouts and whipping screaming fastballs past her male counterparts helps  girls everywhere stand a little taller. She is shattering hitters and barriers.

In dropping the game to a tremendous Chicago team, those Cumberland boys, their parents, and coaches taught a lesson for the ages; it takes, heart, effort, class, and sportsmanship to be winners, regardless of the score. Perhaps it is the the reason for Dave Belisle’s speech going globally viral; it resonates on many levels; it was pure, unpretentious, and something we wish someone told us along the way. I will keep it on my desktop and for every barricade, failure, and challenge that gets me down, Dave Belisle is a click away.

Everyday we all face challenges, we all make choices. Perhaps at work, or school, maybe in the course of a political campaign, or a push for advocacy on a pressing issue. How the wins and losses are managed speaks volumes, and Dave’s speech should live in our heads, and dare I say on our devices, as when the going gets tough take a shot of Dave!

The pioneering spirit of Mo’Ne  should inspire people to take on challenges, face adversity, and be a winner for trying. Her skill is a model for all;  gender aside, Mo’Ne teaches that perceptions and false notions need to be brushed back with a 70 mile an hour fastball. Thankfully, practice, perseverance, and class are alive and well at the Little League World Series.

As I see it,  sometimes you homer, sometimes you strike out; it’s a metaphor for life. My hope is perhaps by following the example of these kids, we all can take a page from the Belisle and Mo’Ne playbook; give it your best , speak the truth, throw your own pitches, take your own swings and if you’re out… you’re out. Get back to the dugout regroup and come back swinging or throwing strikes. And if it’s tight in the bottom of the ninth play hard, but for the love of Babe Ruth, keep it clean!

Carol Costa is a public relations and community outreach specialist; she has experience in both the public and private sectors. She is the Chairwoman of the Scituate Democratic Town Committee and has extensive community affairs and public relations experience. She previously served in the Rhode Island Judiciary for nearly 17 years. Carol also enjoyed a successful development stint at the Diocese of Providence as Associate Director for Catholic Education and is currently a public housing manager. Her work has been published in several local outlets including GoLocal, Valley Breeze, The Rhode Island Catholic, and Currents Magazine.

 

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