About 23 years ago Aaron Thatcher and I locked into a great pitcher's duel in the state semi-final baseball game at Ken Price field in Salt Lake. I played for Spanish Fork and Aaron for Mountain Crest. We had heard about this giant flame thrower from Cache Valley and how dominant he was all season. He lived up to the billing- he threw gas and had a nasty bender, and he looked like he was 7'5" out on the mound. Intimidating to say the least. The breaks went our way that night and we won 1-0 - although we didn't get our hits or run until Aaron was out of the game.
After that game I assumed that our paths probably wouldn't cross again. I signed to play at Utah Valley and Aaron was headed for bigger and better things when he was drafted by the Twins in the early rounds of the MLB draft. The next year I was called to be a missionary in the Brazil São Paulo Interlagos mission of the LDS Church. Shortly thereafter I learned that Aaron had some arm issues and decided to serve a mission and had been called to my very same mission. I looked forward to meeting him, but assumed that he would be a cocky punk like most high school stars. Well, I couldn't have been more wrong. Aaron Thatcher is one of the kindest, most humble people I have ever known - which is amazing because he was a tremendous athlete and the finest missionary I had the pleasure of serving with over my two years in Brazil. He and I spent a few days together as companions on a division and I learned more from him in those two days than I did at any other point in my mission. While I was trudging along in my mission waiting for the day that I could return and play baseball, Aaron was invigorated by the possibilities that each new day held to share the gospel. His example made me a better missionary and a better person. Aaron was a true disciple of Jesus Christ - in the way that he treated every single person that he came into contact with. Although I have thought of him often since that time I haven't kept in contact with Aaron. However, he made a lasting impression on me, as the kind of person we should all strive to be like. Aaron is great, but more importantly he is good. If there was ever someone deserving of God's blessings it is Aaron.
I love you brother and I am grateful for your influence on me. When we played against each other on that Spring night in 1992, I felt like I was David playing against Goliath. I am grateful that I later learned that Goliath was a great person and my friend. Fight on my friend. You and your sweet family are in my thoughts and prayers.
After that game I assumed that our paths probably wouldn't cross again. I signed to play at Utah Valley and Aaron was headed for bigger and better things when he was drafted by the Twins in the early rounds of the MLB draft. The next year I was called to be a missionary in the Brazil São Paulo Interlagos mission of the LDS Church. Shortly thereafter I learned that Aaron had some arm issues and decided to serve a mission and had been called to my very same mission. I looked forward to meeting him, but assumed that he would be a cocky punk like most high school stars. Well, I couldn't have been more wrong. Aaron Thatcher is one of the kindest, most humble people I have ever known - which is amazing because he was a tremendous athlete and the finest missionary I had the pleasure of serving with over my two years in Brazil. He and I spent a few days together as companions on a division and I learned more from him in those two days than I did at any other point in my mission. While I was trudging along in my mission waiting for the day that I could return and play baseball, Aaron was invigorated by the possibilities that each new day held to share the gospel. His example made me a better missionary and a better person. Aaron was a true disciple of Jesus Christ - in the way that he treated every single person that he came into contact with. Although I have thought of him often since that time I haven't kept in contact with Aaron. However, he made a lasting impression on me, as the kind of person we should all strive to be like. Aaron is great, but more importantly he is good. If there was ever someone deserving of God's blessings it is Aaron.
I love you brother and I am grateful for your influence on me. When we played against each other on that Spring night in 1992, I felt like I was David playing against Goliath. I am grateful that I later learned that Goliath was a great person and my friend. Fight on my friend. You and your sweet family are in my thoughts and prayers.
This is wonderful to read. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAaron's mom
Greg,
ReplyDeleteI was also on that team. Hearing this perspective from the other side was incredible! Thanks for sharing this story!