Announcing the Rick Hill "Fight the Good Fight" Award

Over the last couple of weeks I have been giving some thought to a suggestion made by Juan during the preseason. With Rick Hill (Reds) passing still fresh on our minds, he suggested that we dedicate this season in his memory. I did not know a proper way to do that and as such the idea has just sorta languished. I guess talking to Kerm the other night for the first time in forever also gave me reason to recollect different members of our league and how the camaraderie has developed throughout the years. Most of us have shared so much together from watching kids grow up, marriages, family additions, tragedies and yes even death. It would be out of character for this league to just abandon the memory of a former member especially one that touched as many as Rick did.

Rick no doubt anticipated a long and successful life full of family, friends and wonderful memories. When he learned of his condition his expectations did not lessen as was evidenced by his optimistic and faith-filled outlook. As time passed and his condition worsened his optimism did not waiver. In the end he could honestly say he played the hand that was dealt him and "fought the good fight". He was truly a winner in life.

In Hardball Heaven Rick entered the 2010 season, as all of us do, anticipating a successful, winning season. Unfortunately as the season progressed his results were not what any of us would want. Considering all the challenges facing him in real life, who could have faulted him for abandoning the league and turning his full attention to himself. But in true Rick Hill fashion he continued to stay active and competitive, occasionally soliciting help managing his team when he made trips for treatments. Even though he missed the top tier playoffs Rick continued to give it his all and went on to win the consolation bracket. In the league Rick played the hand that was dealt him and fought the good fight. He left the league a winner.

Each year all of us begin the season with high expectations of a successful winning season. As the season progresses, challenges and adversity begin to take their toll on some teams. Injuries, slumps, unmet expectations, bad luck and distractions from the "real" world leaves 6 teams out of contention for the Championship game. Teams in Hardball Heaven have always stayed competitive all the way to the end regardless of league standings. This as much as anything else is a testament to the quality of managers we are blessed to have in this league.

As Founders of the league, Tommy and I have decided to award an annual Rick Hill "Fight the Good Fight" Award beginning with this, the 2011, season. It will go to the winner of the consolation bracket. The intent of this award is to recognize the manager that has stood up to the challenges and adversity of the regular season and continued to fight the good fight. The manager that has played the hand that was dealt them and finished the season a winner just as our friend Rick did. The Rick Hill award winner will be recognized both on the Hardball Heaven blog page as well as the Hardball Heaven Facebook page.

I hope each of you will recognize the significance of this award and will join Tommy and I in honoring the memory of our dear comrade Rick Hill.

So thankful for each of you,
Randy and Tommy

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