STORIES
GLOVE WITH LOVE STORY
Shea found himself immersed in the vibrant energy of the Big League Experience event in bustling Las Vegas, taking on the role of mentor and instructor to young baseball enthusiasts. Amidst the hustle and bustle, a concerned mother approached him early in the week-long affair, her worry etched on her face. She sought Shea out, pleading for his guidance for her 11-year-old son, who seemed to be grappling with a crisis of confidence, lost in a narrative of self-doubt.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Shea realized a mere conversation wouldn't suffice. He needed to forge a connection built on trust to truly make an impact on the young player's life.
As the week drew to a close and the final day of the Las Vegas experience dawned, Shea seized the opportune moment. Pulling the young boy aside, he gently broached the sensitive topic, his words laden with empathy. "You feel like you don’t belong here, don’t you?" Shea's astute observation struck a chord, evoking an emotional response from the boy as tears streamed down his cheeks like a torrential downpour.
In that vulnerable moment, Shea tenderly dispelled the misconceptions clouding the boy's mind. "Your appearance has nothing to do with it," he reassured, his voice steady with conviction. "You don't fit in because you're not a follower; you're a leader. I can see it in your eyes."
With each word, Shea unraveled the tangled web of self-doubt, peeling back the layers of insecurity to reveal the boy's true potential. Delving deeper, Shea addressed the elephant in the room – the bullying the boy endured at school. As the boy nodded in acknowledgment, Shea imparted a simple yet powerful message: "Tell them to zip it."
In that profound moment of clarity, Shea instilled a newfound sense of empowerment in the young player, urging him to silence the relentless barrage of negative self-talk with a resolute "zip it."
And then Shea put his arm around the young boy as he’s crying and Shea looked him in the eyes and he says, "Just remember this, when you hear the word ZIP IT, you’re gonna remember me saying that. A two-time MLB All-Star with his arm around you, saying that he believes in you because I believe in you and you can do it".
Months later, Shea received an unexpected call from the boy's mother, her voice brimming with gratitude and awe. The transformation in her son was nothing short of remarkable – not just physically, but mentally. Emboldened by Shea's words of wisdom, the once timid boy had blossomed into a confident, resilient individual.
The Mom asked Shea and his wife Kristen how she could repay them.
Shea answered, "You don’t have to do anything for me just pay it forward. This is what life is about".
Then Kristen jumped in and said, "You know what, we have a baseball academy down in Mexico and if you guys really want to do something, it would be cool if you guys could collect some baseball equipment for the kids in Mexico".
Together with the boy's family, they spearheaded the "Glove with Love" campaign, rallying communities to donate baseball equipment to underprivileged children in Mexico. Each glove donated from the Canadian baseball players had a ball in it with a handwritten note of hope and inspiration to the children in Mexico.
Wow! What a powerful experience to witness.
What began as a simple act of kindness blossomed into a movement, igniting hope and spreading joy across borders. From the bustling streets of Las Vegas to the dusty fields of Mexico, Shea witnessed the transformative power of love and compassion, transcending language barriers and cultural divides.
As the "Glove with Love" campaign continues to flourish, Shea remains steadfast in his commitment to uplifting others, one act of kindness at a time. For him, it's not about the equipment; it's about fostering a sense of belonging and hope in the hearts of those who need it most.
Together, united by a shared passion for baseball and a deep-seated belief in the power of love, Shea and his dedicated team at AAO continue to make a difference, one glove at a time.
Together, we can be the Voice to the Voiceless!
Joss sitting with all the equipment he collected.
Eight big totes of equipment where flown from Canada by West Jet for free.
The children receiving the equipment
- The Against All Odds Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization
registered in the state of Arizona - All donations are tax-deductible -
Mexico Baseball Academy
the Shea's wife, Kristen, had long harbored the desire to venture into the heart of Porta Penasco, Mexico with Shea, yet Shea's reluctance stemmed from the town's notorious reputation as a party haven. However, one fateful day, Kristen's persistence prevailed, and together they embarked on a journey that would forever alter the trajectory of their lives.
As they traversed the winding roads leading to the border, anticipation mingled with apprehension, casting a palpable tension in the air. Three hours later, they found themselves at the threshold of Mexico, a gateway to a world shrouded in mystery and intrigue.
Upon arrival in Port Penasco, they were greeted by a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds, each pulsating with the rhythm of life. With the windows rolled down, they immersed themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Mexican culture, savoring every moment of their journey.
It was amidst this vibrant backdrop that Shea's innate compassion ignited a fervent desire to make a difference in the lives of the local children. Despite Kristen's plans to go enjoy the beach resort, Shea's unwavering determination propelled him to reach out to the community, seeking avenues to lend a helping hand.
Their quest led them to Jose, a server at a local restaurant, whose guidance proved invaluable in navigating the intricate web of connections within the town. Through broken language meetings in dimly lit parking lots, Shea forged alliances with local leaders, laying the groundwork for a transformative initiative.
Against all odds, they secured the mayor's blessing to refurbish a dilapidated baseball field in the impoverished barrio of San Rafael, breathing new life into the community. With unwavering resolve, they embarked on a journey to sponsor and mentor a fledgling baseball team, igniting a spark of hope in the hearts of the young players.
Shea began working with a twelve-year old team called Los Tiburoncitos (Little Sharks) and AAO began sponsoring this local baseball team, nurturing the dreams of the young players in the small town of Puerto Penasco. Together, they embarked on a journey to compete in a baseball tournament in Mesa, Arizona.
Their efforts culminated in a momentous journey to Mesa, Arizona, where the team was afforded the opportunity to train at state-of-the-art facilities and witness the spectacle of a Diamondbacks game. Amidst the roar of the crowd, Shea's vision came to fruition as the players basked in the presence of their heroes, their dreams taking flight on the wings of possibility.
Yet, their triumph was not without its challenges. As the tournament loomed on the horizon, Shea faced a moment of reckoning when the team failed to materialize on the morning of the event. With time ticking away, Shea stood on the precipice of despair, his faith hanging in the balance. The Tiburoncitos were late to their first game of the tournament and in th nick of time the team bus pull in the parking lot with a flat tire. The bus door opens up and the boys run out in the field warm up real quick and went out and put 10 runs on the scoreboard in the first two innings. They ended up ten run-ruling the team they were playing for the first game of the tournament.
In the second and third games, history repeated itself, with the team achieving remarkable victories once again. On the final day of the tournament, as Shea approached the gates to check on the team's progress, the air was alive with the sounds of Mexican music and jubilant celebration. Kristen, Shea's wife, exclaimed in disbelief as she learned that the Tiburoncitos had emerged triumphant, clinching victory in the entire tournament. "Oh my gosh, I cannot believe this!" she exclaimed, overcome with joy.
The Tiburoncitos won the whole tournament!
Mind you, through AAO's "Glove with Love" campaign, AAO had donated equipment to the Tiburoncitos from players here in the United States. It was that used equipment that the Tiburoncitos used to beat all the American teams in the tournament.
As the Tiburoncitos prepared to depart, one of the player's mothers approached Shea, tears streaming down her face. Through a translator, she asked, "Why you? Why did you do this for our kids?" Shea's response was simple yet profound. He shared that the first time he drove into their town, a voice within him urged him to help the children. Overwhelmed with emotion, the mother enveloped Shea in a heartfelt embrace, expressing her gratitude and revealing that she had prayed for this opportunity for her son.
This transformative experience stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of the AAO team.
As the Tiburoncito bus slowly pulled away from the parking lot, heading south toward the border, Shea's mind raced with a myriad of emotions. Amidst the backdrop of poverty and the shadow of cartel influence, he marveled at the resilience of these young boys. In that moment, he realized the profound impact of offering them a glimmer of hope and the chance to believe that anything is achievable, Against All Odds.
It was a poignant reminder that victory is possible, regardless of one's circumstances.
Tiburoncitos back in Mexico with their championship t-shirts
Tiburoncitos second championship
Glove with Love token of appreciation
- The Against All Odds Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization
registered in the state of Arizona - All donations are tax-deductible -