Back in early June, I sent Illinois Sparks coach Bill Copp an e-mail asking for the names of his top juniors. I was looking for candidates to attend the Cincinnati Reds inaugural showcase day here in Bartonville.

One of the kids that Billy recommended was a young man from Mokena by way of Mt. Carmel High School -- Steven Bajenski. I'd coached against Steven a time or two and remembered him as the kind of kid that any coach would want. Undersized, all heart. Played with the kind of grittiness and gutsiness that if the more talented players had it, they would be among the best around.

After sending Steven an e-mail, his father, Mark, replied that Steven would be unable to attend as he would be undergoing surgery. I assumed that, like any player might, Steven had suffered a nagging injury and was just having a clean-up surgery on an elbow or a knee. I was wrong.

On July 30, Steven underwent open-heart surgery in an effort to correct a heart defect he had been born with -- aortic stenosis. Steven never recovered from the surgery and passed away last Friday, Aug. 28. He was laid to rest yesterday, Sept. 2, after a funeral that filled the gym to Mt. Carmel at capacity.

It is a sad day when any child dies. It is an even sadder day when a young man who had such a bright future and such big potential passes on.

Steven's passing reminded me of a prayer, the Baseball Prayer, I had once seen. Reading it again, I'm struck by how much of it applies to Steven.  

BASEBALL PRAYER

God grant me wisdom, to tell a strike from a ball,
to know where to throw and never to fall.
Keep me always in the base line, running straight and true
and I'll look for your sign, to stretch one into two.
God give me vision, to see every pitch,
so if a player needs help, then I will see which.
Let me always hustle, so I'll be at my best
and take pride in myself, in sports and the rest.
God be my strength, when I throw the ball
when I'm far from home plate, or against a wall.
So I never miss a base, please guide my feet,
bring me home safely, so my job is complete.
When I help younger players, let me always give praise,
so they'll see you in me, in all of my ways.
God please guide our coach, to be fair and smart,
to teach us to be good, let it come from his heart.
Let me take a loss, just as well as a win,
to do any less, is surely a sin.
As long as I can play, let me make my parents proud,
as proud as I am, when they yell MY name out loud.
However my games end, let me always have fun
and if Heaven has All Stars, I want to be one.
When my games here are over and my seasons are done,
let me play on your team. just like your son. ~ Amen.