When New York Yanker slugger, Aaron Judge, launched his 60th home run into the left field seats, a large cluster of fans eschewed safety for the dog pile of a prized souvenir. Emerging from the humanity, a young man who attends a college in New York, also a baseball player, immediately sought out security to get the baseball in Judge’s hands.
The decision made headlines and for lots of water-fountain talks (yeah, I know nobody does that anymore with social m…). While opinions vary, two seemed prominent. On one news show, the young man shared that he thought it was more important for Judge to have the baseball. He was gifted with souvenirs by the Yankees and Judge, as well as seats for the remainder of the baseball season.
On the same broadcast, an “expert” on souvenir brokering shared that the kid gave up a huge payday. In the midst of the circus created by this event, he, in so many words, seemed to be channeling P.T. Barnum saying that the kid was “taken” for a fool.
Well, this young college boy who gave up a prized possession in good faith is, just like Aaron Judge, someone’s son. And he obviously has a sense of what matters (he had tickets for the next Yankee game–gifted by the team for his gesture– but said he couldn’t go because he had class). He didn’t earn the souvenir (well okay, he got to the bottom of the dog pile) which took flight and happened to land near him. Seems comparable to winning a lottery—and we know what happens to the vast majority of those individuals.
Something about “value” not earned. It doesn’t seem to get into your bones. But what that young man did earn with his actions is something that can’t be measured. But it can be seen and felt for the moment and years to come.
True empathy is a powerful force developed in these moments—sometimes really hard moments. Perspective, too. Especially when you take yourself from the center of the universe and consider others. Why he chose to give up a coveted souvenir will mature like fine wine as the years go by. As he grows and deepens his relationships, so will the story. As he moves on out into the world, he will find that these kinds of actions create value that is priceless, seen in the faces of those you care about or care for.
Sorry, Mr. Barnum. In the midst of this circus, I don’t believe this kid got taken. And there are other “types” born each moment. Ones you can’t take advantage of.
photo credit: Caitlin Connor- unsplash.com
