If you’re a parent, you’ve had lots of moments that hit you right in the feels. For me, one of those moments came this past fall when my son, Drew, and his teammates got to play together on a team they created themselves—the West Akron Punishers.
Drew is an 11-year-old baseball enthusiast. He’s been part of the West Akron Youth League for a few years, and through that, he’s played with a solid crew of teammates that over time, became close friends. When summer league ended and fall rolled around, the boys wanted to keep playing. Unfortunately, Akron doesn’t offer a fall ball league. Drew and his pals weren’t having that, so they hatched a plan: why not create their own team and keep the fun going?
Enter Coach Andrew (my husband, Drew’s dad) who dove into the research to find a league that would let them play. Luckily, the City of Stow had a fall ball league that was a perfect fit. But, of course, putting together a NEW team wasn’t as simple as just signing up. We had uniforms to order, fees to pay, and a whole bunch of logistics to figure out.
That’s when I called in the big guns: my boss, Jesse Hurst, the CEO of Impel Wealth Management. I shamelessly asked if he’d consider sponsoring the team (because, hey, it never hurts to ask, right?). To my delight, Jesse said yes, and just like that, the West Akron Punishers were born.
The season itself? An absolute blast. Each week, I watched these boys’ skills, confidence, and respect for the game evolve. My favorite though, was watching them interact off the field—whether they were cracking jokes in the dugout, cheering each other on, or just being total goofballs. Their camaraderie was next-level.
What else got me was how they supported each other. These weren’t just teammates—they were friends. They had each other's backs whether they were winning or losing. The way they supported each other even through errors and losses was so pure and inspiring. The wins were even better.
As for Drew? Well, I’m not just proud of his athleticism (I know I’m biased, but he’s pretty good). I’m proud of the sportsmanship, kindness, and respect he shows to everyone around him—on and off the field. Plus, a big shoutout to his big sister, Ava, who was there for every practice and game, being the best cheerleader a kid could ask for.
A huge thank you to Jesse Hurst for making all of this possible. Your generosity didn’t just help the Punishers hit the field; it helped create memories and friendships that will last far beyond this season.
All in all, it’s been unforgettable watching Drew and his friends stick together as a new team in a new league. It was a really good time. I’m excited to see where these future MVPs will go—both on the field and in life. Here are a few pics😊
💜Ava and Drew - Guardians Gear for Spirit Day💙
Pictures sourced from iPhone
Featured Blog Image: iStock.com/Jacob Wackerhausen