In a Little League Southwest Region Championship, a pitcher threw a wild pitch that hit the batter in the head, knocking his helmet off. In an emotional video, the batter goes to comfort the pitcher and reassure him he'll be okay, hugging him on the mound.
Isiah Jarvis, the batter for Oklahoma who was hit, fell to the ground clutching his head in pain. Luckily the helmet did it’s job and he was okay.
Later, after recovering to stand on 1st base, he noticed the pitcher for Texas, Kaiden Shelton, was visibly shaken up by having caused Jarvis’ injury.
In a touching act of sportsmanship, Jarvis called for time and went to the mound to hug and console Shelton.
"Hey, you're doing just great"
Oklahoma little leaguer gets hit in the head and then comforts the pitcher who is shaken up afterward pic.twitter.com/hYYLiy511K
— Jomboy (@Jomboy_) August 9, 2022
The video of the moment went viral.
People had sweet commentary to add.
Love the sportsmanship. At the end of the day it’s just a game. Really great act by the hitter, hope the pitcher is feeling better
— GMagz (@b0nerjams03) August 9, 2022
Some people’s reactions were more emotional.
Why would you want to make me cry?
— 🍓 Strawbarry Bonds △⃒⃘ (@EvaLaMorte) August 9, 2022
Where did all of these onions come from??
— John Jurgovan (@jurgostuff) August 9, 2022
Damn allergies https://t.co/g9faHZbQx6
— john jackson (@pvtjokerus) August 9, 2022
Many people commented on how this is a great example of positive masculinity.
This is what "boys will be boys" is supposed to mean
— Mattie 🌵 (@MattieWrecksEm) August 9, 2022
It takes a LOT of courage for a boy to HUG and CARE FOR another boy on such a big stage. These kids are going far in life.
— kristy (@kristysf) August 9, 2022
Others commended the parents of both players for raising such empathetic boys.
Parents raised that boy right. I’d be so proud if I were them.
— HollywoodinSJ (@HollywoodinSJ) August 9, 2022
Both sets of parents should be proud. Raising a son who empathizes and doesn't want to hurt people is pretty awesome, too. 💜💜💜
— Kellyann 🐺 (@Green_Mt_Girl) August 9, 2022
Going further, several people mentioned the major league should follow the example of these Little Leaguers.
Major leaguers can learn from these kids
— The Giant Insider Newspaper & Podcast (@GiantInsider) August 9, 2022
Crazy how a little leaguer is more mature than most of the league and 99% of baseball twitter
— Jimmy Butler Stan (@AcunaPlusButler) August 9, 2022
Crazy how a little leaguer is more mature than most of the league and 99% of baseball twitter
— Jimmy Butler Stan (@AcunaPlusButler) August 9, 2022
In times where teams are pitted against each other in ways that don’t allow for compassion, several users commented this moment reminded them why they like baseball or sports in general.
Great job, young men.