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The Story Starts Here___________________________

William Michael Murray

at the age of 6_

With love from

Grandma and Grandpa

December 25, 2000

William Murray rolled over in bed, saw dawn was already breaking and knew he would not be able to go back to sleep.  He had tossed and turned most of the night because he was excited.  This restlessness, however, was also partly due to an aching calf muscle.

As Bill started to get up, he once again felt the tightening in his leg.  He rubbed his muscle and the tension eased.

Now, fully awake, Bill was very aware of the half-queasy, half-exhilarated feeling that came before every important baseball game.  But today was not like every other sports day. Today, William Murray was competing in the last and most important baseball game of the season.  The championship was at stake!

While Bill was eating breakfast, dozens of thoughts filled his mind.  He imagined his friends and family at the baseball game standing and cheering for him.  He could almost hear the announcer saying, "William Murray of Marion, Ohio is simply spectacular today."

Then his thoughts turned back to reality.  Bill drank his orange juice and rubbed his leg.  He knew it was time to leave when he saw Wayne, John and Larry outside the kitchen window.

The ride seemed unusually long this morning.  When they finally reached their destination, Bill could see several people were already warming up.  He rushed to join his teammates.

The announcement was made that it was time to begin.  The baseball game got off to a good start. Bill felt winning was possible. The team was in great condition.

It soon became apparent that the teams were evenly matched.  First one, then the other, took the lead. With only minutes left, defeat or victory depended entirely on Bill.  His early morning vision was coming true!

Then it happened! Suddenly the dull ache in his leg muscle became a terrible cramp.  Bill tried to go on. Again the muscle knotted and the pain was fierce. There was no doubt about it, he could no longer compete.

The baseball game ended. The championship was won by the opposing team.

As the group gathered around the van, Bill began to think of everything that had happened before the baseball game.  He remembered his leg aching during the night and how restless he had been. The excitement of the championship had pushed the pain out of his mind until the fierce cramp had become unbearable.

Bill and the others began to pile into the van when they saw the coach approaching. One by one they took their seats.

Bill wondered what would be said and how Coach Johnson would react. He wished he could disappear.

Coach Johnson stopped to talk to some of the parents.  Inside the van, there was total silence.  No one spoke.  Bill knew that everyone was upset. He was feeling very uneasy.

The coach got into the van.  Bill continued staring at the floor.  Coach Johnson broke the long silence.  "We all gave our best today.  All of you on the team gave 100 percent.  The cheers from the rest of you gave us a real boost.  Bill, how's your leg?"

Coach Johnson then told a hilarious story, and they all began to laugh and talk at once. With words of antics, they created an instant replay of the entire baseball game.  They made fun of themselves until they were weak with laughter.  The tension between them ended, and their friendship became stronger.

By the time they arrived at their favorite pizza place, Bill felt good. The aroma of the food coming from the restaurant smelled fantastic.  Bill had already decided on a medium cheese pizza and a large drink.

As they were waiting to order a team member joked, "William Murray, every time we compete, you get better and better.  One of these days you might even get a professional offer." They all patted Bill on the back.  No one could lose with friends like these.

Coach Johnson put an arm around Bill and hugged him.  "Stack them up, team," said the coach. The teammates piled one hand on top of the other.  Bill felt so good that he forgot the dull ache in his leg.

Bill joined Wayne, John and Larry who were sitting in a booth at the back of the restaurant.  Bill was glad to see them.  He had just begun to tell them about Coach Johnson when he saw Kia.

Kia was a know-it-all who never missed a chance to put someone down.  Anyone who had a bad day at any sports event was a sure target.  Kia's outspoken meanness was well known in Marion, Ohio

Bill felt his heart pounding rapidly. He struggled to catch his breath.  Kia had seen Bill and was coming straight toward him. There was no place to hide.

Kia was definitely one of the few people who always came to criticize.  Even adults often cringed to Kia's remarks.  Bill could feel everyone looking at him."

"Well, Bill, how does it feel losing the biggest baseball game of the year single-handedly?"  Kia's voice boomed.

Wayne, John and Larry looked up.  Bill was fighting to keep control of his emotions.  All his earlier feelings of disappointment came flooding back.  What could he say?

Only a few minutes passed, but to Bill it seemed like forever.  He tried to speak, but no words would come.

Coach Johnson slowly got up from the table and walked over to Kia.  "If I remember correctly, Kia," said the coach, "your poor sportsmanship caused the penalty which lost us the championship last year.  It was Bill who stuck up for you and Bill who sat with you in this same restaurant when no one else would.  How can you criticize the one person who has treated you like a friend?"

As they left the pizza place, everyone began buzzing with conversation.  Wayne, John and Larry recalled times when Bill had been nice to them.  Bill always seemed to be there with a word of encouragement.  Each one agreed that today's loss was not the end of the world.

Win or lose, they knew that they could always count on William Murray for friendship and support. Everyone was really glad Bill was on their team.

The team got together and talked about many things.  One topic was the surprise plaque for Coach Johnson which they had all chipped in to buy.  Bill was pleased about this gift.  It was a super way to say thank you to a special coach.

Several days before the banquet, Coach Johnson had explained to the group the qualifications for this trophy.  According to Coach Johnson, three qualities were needed.  The athlete had to show good team spirit, play by the rules of the sport and be gracious in victory or defeat.  The coach had added that, although the trophy was not given specifically for athletic ability, a good athlete could win.

Coach Johnson stood to begin the presentations, and the team quickly took their seats.  Bill sat next to Wayne, John and Larry.  In spite of the fact they were excited, a hush came over the room.

"We have had a great season" said Coach Johnson.  "We've learned about teamwork, winning and losing.  We have learned the discipline of weekly practices, but more importantly we've learned about friendship and sportsmanship."

One by one, the team members were called up to receive their participation trophy.  Coach Johnson spoke of the special talent of each athlete as the awards were presented.  These remarks meant a lot to the team.  They listened carefully to the words of the coach.

As the last of the trophies were given out, the anticipation began to grow. Finally, only the large, shiny, gold Sportsmanship Trophy remained on the table. Everyone held their breath. The coach continued, "the vote was close this year. In fact, the trophy was won by only one vote.  William Murray, your teammates have voted that this award to you."

The team had not won the championship, but they had learned many important lessons.  They knew it was difficult to lose, but as long as they kept trying, they could not be defeated.  Good sportsmanship now had real meaning. Winning was not everything.  Their spirits had never been higher.  Bill beamed with pride as the team gathered around him.  Groups of friends excitedly talked about the fantastic team they would have next year.  William Murray was eagerly looking forward to another season.

Bill Murray