PC's CHRIS TURCO AND KURT HITZEMAN HELP WITH SUMMER READING PROGRAM

NEW MARKET, VA - Senior outfielder Chris Turco (Marietta, GA) and junior right-handed pitcher Kurt Hitzeman (Americus, GA) volunteered for a summer reading program for the New Market Library.

Three members of the New Market Rebels baseball team took time from their playing schedule to spend time with local children at the New Market Library.

Reading to the 20 children in attendance were Rebels manager Ray Hendrick and players Kurt Hitzeman and Chris Turco.  The Rebels, dressed in the uniform, read children's' books that involved the sport of baseball and somehow conveyed a message of responsibility and sports-manship.

"I just selected books from the shelves that involved baseball," said Betty Kipps of the New Market Library. "We've been having the summer reading program here for a number of years and Dick Golden contacted me about having a few ball players read to the children.  I was thrilled and thought it was a great idea."

Attending the reading session were several students form the Migrant Education Program head by Cathy Gilbert of Mount Jackson.

"The kids were excited about meeting the ball players," said Gilbert of her children that come from El Salvador, Bolivia and Mexico.  "I could have gathered more children for this, but transportation was the problem.  Now while they don't know who the Rebels are, they like baseball, although their favorite sport is soccer."

Regardless of the sports, the message of giving back to the community and setting the example is what Rebels General Manger Bruce Alger hopes to send the children in attendance.

"It's interesting to note that these players are essentially college students," said Alger of the Rebels' playing roster.  "Dick Golden came up with the idea, and we thought it was great.  I hope these kids that were here today will take with them the importance of education, because these players couldn't be Rebels without it."

Regardless of the underlying message to the children were enthusiastic about the ball players reading books like, 'Curious George Plays Baseball,' 'Max' and 'Play Ball, Amelia Bedelia.'

"I think the children here had a great time," said Kipps of the morning reading program.  "The ball players were very personable with the children just like they are when they're on the field."

written by John Price of The Shenandoah Valley-Herald 

Back to Baseball