Around the Horn

by: Garrett Keeler

         Many people make decisions every day, not many have a life changing effect on someone.  For Senior Ryan Prokoff, his decision has had that very effect on a 14 year old boy named Dane Porter.  Dane was born with down syndrome and currently attends the Waxahachie Junior High.  Their relationship started last year at the Special Olympics where Dane was Ryan’s buddy for the day.  After that Ryan joined a student volunteer program at the Junior High where he got to see Dane almost every day.  Ryan plays Varsity Baseball for the Indians and is currently playing in a fall baseball league at Richards Park.  Dane started coming to games a couple of weeks ago and had a blast watching baseballs soar through the air. 

The Waxahachie fall teams decided to honor Dane for his great team spirit and love for the game.  Before the game, the two teams honored Dane by giving him a Waxahachie baseball cap, t-shirt, and a helmet signed by the entire team. He also had the opportunity to throw out the first pitch.  The fans and players gathered around the catcher as Dane released the ball.  Just like the major leagues, the crowd went wild, the cameras flashed, and a smile appeared on Dane’s face.  Dane also hit the first ball of the game off a tee and circled the bases for a homerun as the team gathered around the plate for his arrival.  Ryan met Dane at third base and the two friends ran towards the plate together. 

Dane was the coach for the night and the players had a blast spending time with him.  Throughout the game Dane gave signals to the base runners, telling them to steal or stay.  The entire team couldn’t have been more supportive, giving Dane high fives in the dugout and sharing laughs.  By the end of the game, Dane was very tired.  But not so tired that he couldn’t take one more lap around the bases while the player’s created a tunnel for Dane to run through at home plate.

                Both Waxahachie teams have been very successful this fall playing against teams from Ennis, Corsicana, Red Oak and Cleburne.  The two Waxahachie teams played a nine inning game on Tuesday.  The Green team, coached by Steve Wallace, overcame a seven run deficit to defeat the White team, coached by Russell Phillips.  After the game both teams enjoyed a hot dog dinner prepared by the parents.  Both players and fans are looking forward to the upcoming season and are excited about the prospects for a trip to Austin.