In culture, stereotypes portray sports players as selfish, rude, and ignorant people who make fun of those outside their clique. The Etowah baseball team, however, proves those stereotypes wrong.

“We do a lot of things that I think are important for our young men to see the importance of giving back to the community,” Coach Greg Robinson said.

The baseball team participates in the Miracle League, a program for those who love baseball, but are unable to play without assistance. For example, the person may be in a wheelchair. Etowah’s team members help them play the sport and participate in a game with them.

“Every time we go out as a team to one of these places, we always leave knowing we had a good time and hoped we made someone else’s day better,” Ethan Underwood, senior, said.

They also work with Hillside United Methodist Church in a project called Great Day of Service, where players help in many ways around the area.

“We go out around town, to schools and camps and parks, and we do things like spread mulch, pine straw, and wood chips,” Weston Cambell, senior, said.

At the Goshen Valley Boy’s Ranch, a foster home in Waleska, the team works around the facility volunteering in many ways. The team participates in Shop With an Eagle serving breakfast for the mentors and children.

“The community sponsors, and everyone out there supporting are the reason we’re able to play. Community service is just a way for us to give back and say thanks for all the community’s support,” Underwood said.

Through their year-round activity in giving back, the baseball team has left a positive mark on the community. To read about this year’s team, click here.