For the love of the game, and New Friends
Wisconsin Lutheran College’s baseball team had been rained out before, but this time an overcast sky led to something better. The players had a spring game scheduled with New Friends, a program that connects teens and young adults in high school and college with special needs children and their families.
Dave Reinemann, who was serving as head baseball coach for Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC), had been approached by Elli Bonack, the program’s coordinator, about his team hosting the game.
“We are always looking for service opportunities at WLC, and this seemed like a fun way for our students to serve. And I knew it would be more beneficial for the guys on our baseball team than for the New Friends,” Dave said.
As often happens in life, God had a different game plan. Forecasted thunderstorms moved the group inside on game day. “Our friends, along with the entire baseball team, started off playing the Wii, where there was lots of cheering and dancing going on,” Elli said. “Others played board games and card games. There was an intense game of Uno. There was no doubt everyone was having fun.”
While some of the baseball players were hesitant about the event initially, they warmed up quickly. “It probably was a blessing in disguise that we had the rain because they were able to interact on a more personal scale,” Dave said.
Eventually, the clouds parted and the group was able to play a game of Wiffle ball outside. It wasn’t at the field, but the green space on campus worked just as well. “We set up home plate and used gloves as bases. We improvised, and we had the best time,” Elli said. “For a couple of our friends, this was their first time up to bat. They were so proud, and we were so proud of them.”
Each of the friends received a t-shirt with the WLC Warriors and New Friends logos as a keepsake. The players took home something else.
“I think they learned they can be outgoing and put themselves in different situations where they may be out of their comfort zone, but not to let that stop them,” Dave said. “They know it already, but I think it had a special impact to see in practice that we’re all God’s children, each with different gifts and abilities.”
A day of uncertainty became a wonderful, memorable day for everyone.
“I’m very thankful for this day God gave us,” Elli said. “We’re so thankful to Coach Reinemann
for working with us to make this day happen, and thankful to the entire WLC baseball team for sharing their time with us. They are not just a team of great players; they’re a team of great guys.”
“I thought it was wonderful. I thank the New Friends group for approaching us and allowing our school and our team to take part in the activity,” Dave said.
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