My most inspirational baseball moment was my first at-bat in Little League. I was 12 years old and my dad had died 3 months earlier of a heart attack. I played baseball every day with my buddies, however, my mother would never let me join Little League. My first game and at-bat I stood at the plate with my black Kangaroo sneakers. We couldn't afford cleats so I thought I had the next best thing... black sneakers with a zipper on the side! I batted and threw righty and was really nervous. Ray Valenti (lefty) had me early, however I worked the count to 3-2. The next pitch from the 13 year old I drove it deep to right field over the right-fielder's head. I ran around those bases with my Kangaroos leading the way. I stepped on home and my manager hugs me. He said, "Why were you scared to touch the bases?" I said, "Coach, I'm wearin Kangaroos!" Not bad from the kid chosen last in the draft and batting 9th. I was the MVP of the team for 2 years and batted 4th ever since! What I remember most was that I was playing for my Dad. I still miss him. I am 32 with a son on the way and look forward to tee ball. Thank you for allowing me to remember a great part of my life. Happy holidays to you and your families.
- Jason Harris
For being the January winner of the 1999 World Series contest, Jason will receive this Paul O'Neill 5-time World Series Champion autographed baseball with card holder. Congratulations, Jason!
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