For best sportsmanship...just add water

"Make sure you have fun!" This was the rallying cry from Sts. Joachim & Ann's coach for his 4th grade softball team. The girls took the field Friday night against Immaculate Conception-Dardenne. A mostly dry day on Friday gave way to increasing cloud cover which became a steady stream of rain over the Joachim & Ann field.

Weather was an issue. Sportsmanship was not. The Sportsmanship Brigade opened its umbrellas and took in a great spring game. But even better than the pitching, fielding and hitting was the attitude and overall team spirit of Joachim & Ann.

They had a cheer for almost every situation. Joachim & Ann had the bases loaded in the second inning and a cheer erupted that ended with "...a nerd on third!" The kid on third did some kind of wild dance responding to the signal from her teammates.

The Brigade was very impressed with the Joachim & Ann team as well as its coaching staff. Joachim & Ann will use its pizza party to close the season later this summer. Parents and coaches of the Joachim & Ann community should be proud of the kids and proud of themselves for the tremendous job they're doing.

Good luck to the Flames this season and make sure you keep the fire of sportsmanship burning!

Flame on!

The Sportsmanship Brigade is a group of Sports Commission volunteers who attend youth sporting events looking for acts of good sportsmanship. Athletes, coaches, parents, fans and officials who exhibit good sportsmanship are rewarded with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to a local business. For more on the Brigade, including scheduling and volunteering information, please visit sportsmanship.org or call 314-345-5130.