The 3rd Annual Austin Sprayberry Day, hosted by the Habersham Little League Association, was a huge hit, thanks to the Habersham community.
This past Saturday, the Diamond Memorial Fields Complex had perhaps more foot traffic than usual, and for a good cause. The fundraising event in honor of Austin Sprayberry, a Habersham athlete who lost a battle with leukemia just a few years ago, helped raise money for Camp Sunshine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. According to HCLL President Christan Tanner, just over $5,000 was raised to be split between the two organizations.
“This community is truly a force in itself,” says Tanner. “Whether it’s Austin’s Day or another fundraiser, or simply a family in need of a meal, I am always blown away at how everyone drops what they’re doing to help. It’s always just an incredible thing to watch and be a part of. Watching this community come together each year to support this cause continues to put me in awe of the beautiful place we live in.”
Aside from the obvious enjoyment of watching the little leaguers play ball, there was something for everyone to do on Saturday. A bake sale allowed families to purchase goodies, while kids could get their faces painted and play games. A silent auction was held for some great prize packages, such as a Raider basket, Corn Hole set, UGA basket, Initials Inc. basket and more.
A Roadie Yeti Cooler and a Mini-Max Big Green Egg were also raffled off. Among the items to be purchased also included “Austin Gear”, which included shirts with “Stronger Than” and “Keep Calm” messages. Other Austin Gear included paracord bracelets, arm sleeves, mini bears, twist necklaces, car tags and leukemia pins, among other items.
The event kicked off at 10 a.m. prior to the first games, and included a prayer and an award ceremony for a young athlete fighting a battle. The award created this year is the Warrior Award. According to Tanner, the Warrior Award was started as an opportunity for the Sprayberry Family to recognize a child who is fighting their own battles and is showing strength, courage and is positive through it all.
“It will be an annual award, and this year we selected a child who has an attachment to our league through one of our coaches,” says Tanner. “Stacy Farmer’s nephew William Scott is 13. He has been an all-star baseball player for many years and was diagnosed last year with Ewings Sarcoma. He is currently going through treatments and fighting with therapy to regain the ability to walk. Through all of this he remains vibrant, positive and an amazing example of God’s work through us. Stacy and his wife Kim Farmer have been dedicated volunteers to our league for many years and we wanted to give back to their families by recognizing William with our first ever Warrior Award.”
Although Austin Sprayberry was a great little leaguer himself, Tanner hopes people attach Austin Sprayberry Day to something more.
“I hope these kids take from Austin’s Day a new lease on life,” says Tanner. “The ability to stay strong through their own adversity and understand that they are all their own heroes. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to watch these kids grow through the years and my only wish is that somehow their little league experience had a part in grooming them to simply be better. Better kids, better friends and better future members of our community.”
Austin Sprayberry Day continues to be successful due to the volunteers, community outreach and the message and story of Austin Sprayberry. Sprayberry’s testimony continues to touch lives in ways he never could have imagined.
“Austin Day is a chance to spread the love and joy that one child gave to this community and the legacy that he left behind to simply trust in God,” says Tanner. “I want these kids to get that; to understand that they have the power right now to make a change and to start their own legacies.”
