Some things are bigger than sports.
In the first inning of the Southwest Region championship in the Little World Series, Texas East pitcher Kaiden Shelton lost grip of the ball and hit Oklahoma batter Isaiah Jarvis on the helmet. After a brief period on the ground, Jarvis got up and made his way to first base.
"Hey, you're doing just great" Oklahoma little leaguer gets hit in the head and then comforts the pitcher who is shaken up afterward pic.twitter.com/hYYLiy511K
Shelton was still visibly shaken by the at-bat, so much so that his coach called time to meet with him. In a heartwarming move, Jarvis made his way out to the mound and gave Shelton a hug, whispering a few words of encouragement that got caught by the ESPN mic.
Jarvis' strut to the hill prompted the crowd to roar in applause, simultaneously praising Jarvis for his sportsmanship and offering Shelton support in what was clearly an emotional situation. Some parents teared up at the sight, as the broadcast showed.
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Was not easy to watch and definitely not easy to talk about…Until Isaiah (Zay) Jarvis went to console Bubs Shelton. Sportsmanship at its best!!! https://t.co/FJTXhVKuZ8
Thank goodness for helmets. Thrown a lot of pitches in my life. Hit a few guys -- never in the head. Can't imagine how that would feel. This is beyond sportsmanship. It's compassion. Tip of the cap to Isaiah Jarvis for reacting like this. https://t.co/mTQbYBrW20
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What a scary moment at the Little League World Series—followed by a tremendous show of sportsmanship by Isaiah Jarvis from Tulsa. This is the game at its best. (And I'm glad that Isaiah is okay!) #llws #Oklahoma https://t.co/sH9OVYzZl0
Amazing moment of sportsmanship in the Little League World Series: With 2 on and 2 outs, Texas East pitcher Kaiden Shelton's errant fastball struck Oklahoma's Isaiah Jarvis in the head. The batter took a shot, took his base, then comforted the shaken pitcher. Wow! https://t.co/vFd1H6I9Dp
Isaiah Jarvis/Tulsa, OK 🙏 Kaiden Shelton Pearland, TX https://t.co/MUgRhzxhyz
Texas East would go on to win the game 9-4, punching their ticket to the Little League World Series. However, people will likely remember one of the purest moments on camaraderie and sportsmanship that you'll ever see coming out of this game.