Virgen’s View: We witnessed an extraordinary moment at Corona del Mar High baseball game
From the moment Alex Acevedo hit the baseball into center field, it was clear we were all witnessing something special at Corona del Mar High’s diamond Thursday afternoon.
I had not met Alex at that point, but I quickly realized the amount of love for him when everyone started cheering loudly. I cheered. And cried too.
I know the story was not about me. I wrote a column about Alex’s special home run.
This is more of a personal take. I am extremely grateful to have been a witness and involved in such an amazing event.
The video of Alex, a special education senior at CdM, will likely go viral. It shows him hitting an “inside-the-park” home run in his first varsity at-bat on Senior Day against Irvine High.
CdM Coach John Emme reached out to me with the story idea about Alex and coming to see his first at-bat because Emme knows I have a daughter who has a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism. He knows I have a strong, unwavering love for my daughter and I could relate to the Acevedo family.
Emme said I was the perfect person to write the story, the best guy for the job. I felt honored and, for those who believe, blessed.
I don’t think it was by chance that I was able to witness such a special event, one that reminds me that kids like Alex and my daughter, Trinity, can inspire so many with their efforts, personalities and smiles.
Alex motivates his teammates, and he has made many cry when they learn of his story, that he came a long way from being the baby who was near death because of complications to the CdM senior set to graduate and advance to Irvine Valley College.
The highlight wasn’t just the hit for Alex. The whole scene made the event an everlasting memory.
His teammates, who love him, went crazy for the hit. The Irvine Vaqueros playfully scrambled for the ball. Alex sprinted to each base. The crowd roared. That crowd included former Angel Jim Abbott. The one-handed pitcher, who has been an inspiration to many, just wanted to be among the many to watch Alex’s first at-bat.
“Incredible hit by Alex, he loves the game so much ... Hats off to both squads! Great day at CDM,” Abbott tweeted.
After the game, I met and interviewed Alex. Within seconds of our interview I fully realized why the Sea Kings love “Big Al.”
Alex did his best to answer my questions and also wanted to make me comfortable by smiling and trying to make me laugh.
“So what happens now?” I asked Alex. “Where do you go from here after your big home run?”
He said, “I guess I’m going into coaching now.”
Emme, who absolutely loves the kid, offered Alex an assistant coaching job.
Emme said Alex told him he’s considering it.
I asked Alex one last question: Did he want to say anything else?
“I really like the guys on this team,” he said, expressing how happy he was to be included. “They are such great people.”
Alex is a great person too. And we all witnessed a great event. It’s definitely my favorite story of my career.
Bob Flint, an assistant coach on Irvine’s staff, also thought Alex’s hit was extraordinary.
“That was a special experience. I’ve been coaching high school baseball 48 years and that moment is one of the best! Congrats Alex!” Flint posted on a Facebook reply to the perfect photo of Alex slugging by Don Leach that Emme posted.
Yes, congrats, Alex!
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STEVE VIRGEN is the sports editor for the Daily Pilot. Follow him on Twitter @SteveVirgen.
