Sportsmanship exemplified in grace of Little League batter

WACO, Texas — Fans attending a Little League regional playoff in Waco, Texas on Tuesday night were treated to an act of sportsmanship by a batter that has a lot of people talking today.

It happened right after something that can and does happen in the game of baseball — whether it’s young people or adults playing one of America’s beloved pastimes.

Kaiden Shelton, the young man on the mound from Pearland, Texas, pitched the ball toward Little League batter Isaiah Jarvis. Jarvis was on the competing team from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

But the ball hit him right smack on the helmet, knocking it off and Jarvis to the ground. 

After getting hit in the head with a pitch, this little leaguer showed a true act of sportsmanship by comforting the pitcher 🥲 pic.twitter.com/AbzXaLL5uz

— ESPN (@espn) August 9, 2022

After taking a moment to get his bearings, Jarvis walked to first base. Then, he approached the pitcher who was visibly upset. 

Jarvis briefly hugged Shelton, and according to the Associated Press told him that he was “doing great” and to “keep playing.” That got the crowd on their feet for a standing ovation.

And the game continued. The pitcher’s team from Pearland won and has advanced to the  Little League World Series in Pennsylvania next week.

Little League hitter Isaiah Jarvis speaks to CNN about the experience in the clip below:

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