Nick Riggs has dreams of pitching in Yankee Stadium some day. But for now, Honolulu’s a good substitute.
If he can raise the money, anyway.
Nick, 15, is trying to raise $3,395 by the end of May so he can play in the King Kamehameha Classic, a tournament organized by Elite Sports International of Oklahoma. The company offers similar events in a number of sports, which usually add up to a weekend of playing and a week of sightseeing.
“I was surprised, actually,” Nick said about getting the letter from ESI in January.
Nick’s mother, Lynn Platt, said the letters had been sent based on recommendations from coaches. According to a meeting she attended in Lindsborg, there are usually about 15 teams that sign up from different states, with 12 players to a team. Bethany College’s head baseball coach, Matt Tramel, will be coaching the Kansas team.
“It’s a good opportunity to look at some young players and see if they can’t help us out in the future,” said Tramel, who has never been part of the event before.
Seven other kids from Emporia got a similar letter, Platt said, but chose not to sign up.
So far, Nick has raised about $500 by selling T-shirts related to the event and through some small donations. Now he and his mom have started lobbying businesses and community groups.
Nick has played baseball since he was 2. He goes to Hartford High School, where there is no baseball team, so he keeps in shape by playing football and basketball during the school year and then Legion baseball in the summer.
On its website, ESI describes itself as “a sports organization whose sole purpose is to offer high school athletes and coaches the opportunity to travel to some of the world’s most exciting destinations while at the same time competing in the game they love” and as a “Christian owned and operated business.”
Those interested in helping out can send a donation to Nick or to Platt at 115 Grand Boulevard in Emporia, or to the Credit Union of Emporia, Nick Riggs Special Savings, 2711 W. 15th Avenue.
justamom (anonymous) says...
It is too bad that this young mad does not present himself as deserving of this honor. I have watched him play ball of all sorts, and seen him in his "true colors" outside of school and sporting events. There are many young men who I feel would be more deserving of this award. I would defiantly choose not to support him due to the manor in which he acts. One in the position he is in, should be respectful of other players, friends, and school students and most defiantly elders. I am sorry he chooses differently.
April 18, 2007 at 9:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justamom (anonymous) says...
Definantly, not defiantly. I apologize for my spell check error!
April 18, 2007 at 9:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )