When 'Batman' went to bat for me

  • Published
  • By Chaplain (Col.) Harold Ray
  • 11th Wing
BOLLING AIR FORCE BASE, D.C. (AFPN) --  I read a story recently about Jackie Robinson, the first black baseball player to play in the major leagues.

In 1947, the Brooklyn Dodgers' owner, Branch Rickey, told him, "It'll be tough. You are going to take abuse, be ridiculed, and take more verbal punishment than you ever thought possible. But I'm willing to back you all the way if you have the determination to make it work."

Mr. Rickey was right. Players intentionally ran over him. Both players and fans verbally abused him with racial slurs and digging comments; even his teammates took part in the fray.

About midseason, Mr. Robinson was having a very bad day. He fumbled grounders, overthrew first base and batted even worse. The crowd was booing. Then something special happened. Pee Wee Reese walked over from shortstop and put his arm around Jackie Robinson and indicated his acceptance of the player.

Mr. Robinson later said, "That gesture saved my career. Pee Wee made me feel as if I belonged."

When I read that story, I thought back to many years ago when I first enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at Plattsburgh Air Force Base in upstate New York. I was barely 18 years old and leaving the Deep South for the first time for a new environment, a new culture and a new direction in life. I didn't adjust too well the first several months. I was not passing my career development courses and not doing well on the job. I felt myself going under and was convinced my Air Force career would be short-lived.

Then something special happened.

My supervisor, Master Sgt. Bill "Batman" Clark, put his arm around me and said, "You can do it."

He convinced the commander to give me another chance. He took extra time with me and made sure I had extra time to study. He invited me to his home on weekends and holidays and made sure I had a home-cooked meal.

It was then that I began to feel at home in the Air Force. I learned my job, passed my tests and have been blessed with a successful Air Force career ever since.

I've often wondered what my life would be like if Sergeant "Batman" had not put his arm around me.

"Batman" went to bat for me when I needed it most, and because of that, my career has been a home run.

How many of you have experienced someone putting an arm around you and giving you that boost when you needed it most? How many of you have put your arm around a young enlisted troop, or a young officer, or spouse?

I pray that each of you does.