- November 26, 2024
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A parent recently told me an inspiring story of sportsmanship, from a Flagler Police Athletic League playoff game.
It was the bottom of the fourth inning, in the 10-and-under minors division semifinals Wednesday night, at the Flagler County Fairgrounds.
The game between the Tigers (coached by Rick Torres) and the Royals (coached by Jay Pigninelli) was tied, 2-2.
With two outs and a runner on first, the Royals batter hit a ground ball to the Tigers second baseman, Cole Ansorge, who attempted to tag the runner advancing to second. As he reached for the runner, he separated his hands, held the ball in his bare hand and tagged the runner with his empty glove.
The umpire, who was stationed behind home plate, moved out onto the diamond to make the call: Out!
Then Pigninelli came out of the dugout to explain what was clear to anyone who had a different angle from the ump.
After discussion, the umpire — unsure what had occurred — called Cole from the Tigers’ dugout. The ump put his arm on the shoulder of 8-year-old Cole and asked him to tell the truth.
As tears rolled down his cheeks, Cole looked up at the umpire and told him that he had the ball in his bare hand and tagged the runner with his empty glove.
Based on Cole’s honesty, the ump overturned his call, and the inning continued.
The Royals went on to score three runs and ultimately won the game by one.
When the game was over, Pigninelli had his players tell Cole that he should be proud of himself for telling the truth. Pigninelli, last in line during handshakes, presented Cole with the game ball for his sportsmanship.
Pete Celestino, commissioner of Flagler PAL baseball, said Cole’s play defined the true meaning of sportsmanship and fair play. It epitomized what youth sports should be all about.
“Throughout my years, I have had many sports heroes,” Celestino said. “Today, my new hero is Cole Ansorge. He showed courage and integrity under some very difficult circumstances.”
Nowadays, America’s pastime is often tarnished by steroids allegations or the $250 million deal. Integrity and fun often get overlooked. But this time, an 8-year-old second baseman shined the brightest.
Stand up and take a bow, Cole Ansorge.
You’ve made your parents, your team and your community proud.
That’s what baseball — and being a great person — is all about.
Synchro Belles send nine to nationals
The Flagler County Synchro Belles will perform nine routines at nationals June 22 to June 30, in Oxford, Ohio.
The Synchro Belles, a synchronized swimming team based out of Palm Coast, have qualified for nationals every year since 2005 and have won high points at states for the past six years.
Last year, the team’s trio event in the 16 to 17 age division won the national title.
This year’s national qualifers include Rebecca Cronk, Victoria Woroniecki, Mackenzie Martin, Cassandra Gubala, Lexi McMillan, Amanda Provenzano, Amanda Wise, Alexis Solomon, Ilana Klingner-Garcia, Carrie Hartnett, Carolyne Vasconcellos and Emily Petkovsek.
Before nationals, the team will compete in the State Games June 9 and June 10, where the girls qualified every routine for all levels.
