There are times when a team needs a city and there are times when a city needs a team. When something goes really wrong there comes a time when a city and the people in it need something to focus on that takes their minds off the problems at hand. A diversion can be a great thing but so can an opportunity to remind the world that a city still needs help.
This year, Houston is the city and the Astros are the team.
The images of flooding and destruction that hit Houston during the hurricane season this year are something that will remain with us for a long time to come. Many people lost their lives and many, many more lost everything in the flood.
How do people rebound from these kinds of setbacks? When you are faced with the prospect of rebuilding your life in the face of what seems like insurmountable odds. Where do you begin? Many people can count on their faith to provide the lift they need to start rebuilding their lives.
No matter what a person’s beliefs may be, there is one universal truth, rebuilding costs money!
J.J Watt wanted to help and started a fundraising effort in the hopes of raising a few hundred thousand dollars and ended up raising tens of millions! Many people from all walks of life contributed and the money will go a long way to solving some of the problems the people of Houston face.
The Astros are World Series champions and the people of Houston can see that life can not only get back to normal but people’s spirits have been lifted in a way that is hard to match. Just like the Yankees helped the people of New York rebound after 9/11, the Astros are helping the people of Houston.
The World Series also gives the rest of us a chance to remember that Houston is still hurting and needs more help. Out of sight usually means out of mind. The Astros can help remind the world that Houston should still be on our minds. If you haven’t contributed yet, please do so.
About the Author: Tory Acheson brings a wealth of knowledge to the Fastpitch Prep staff. He has coached at all levels of the game, including the last 25 years at the college level at the University of Wisconsin – Parkside, Tennessee Tech and Kennesaw State. He began his coaching career at the high school level spending 9 years Whitnall High School in Greenfield, Wis. and is now working as a professional softball instructor.
