By TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Members of the Tennessee Tech baseball team traded in their gloves, bats and cleats for a clipboard and hand signals for a week, serving in roles as honorary coaches for several Little League teams throughout the community.
Donned in practice jerseys and TTU baseball hats, several of the Golden Eagles took time giving pregame speeches, working with the kids in batting practice and fielding drills, and serving as first base and third base coaches during games at both the Parkview and Jere Whitson baseball fields.
"We realize just how big of an impact meeting our guys can have on the youth and members of the local Little Leagues," head coach Matt Bragga said. "Our student-athletes are dedicated to giving back to the community, but something like this is a little more special because it resonates with them and reminds them of what it was like to be playing on those fields.
"And it does make an impact. Ethan Roberts came out the other night to watch and talk with some of the kids from one of the teams from Sparta – which is his hometown – and he wasn't even scheduled to make an appearance. He just remembered how cool something like that was when he played on those teams. The look in the eyes of those kids was special, because Ethan, as well as so many of our players, are proof that kids in our local communities can play baseball at a high level.
"It's just fun to see the kids look up to our players, because it wasn't too long ago that our guys were in the same shoes. We are just thankful for all the teams that were involved and for the coaches who let us come out and be a part of something so special."
Photos by Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
